Redefining Freedom, Identity, and Belonging: What Living in Germany Taught Me
- Nella Delva
- 14 hours ago
- 3 min read
When I accepted a Fulbright to conduct research in Germany, I expected professional growth, scientific collaboration, and cultural exchange. What I didn’t anticipate was how deeply the experience would challenge—and ultimately expand—my understanding of freedom, identity, and belonging, both as a scientist and as a human being.
Before arriving in Berlin, I often associated freedom with movement, opportunity, and self-determination—the idea that one can shape their own future through hard work, ambition, and resilience. These values were deeply ingrained in me as an immigrant and a product of American society, where the “freedom to choose” is a guiding principle. But living and working in Germany revealed a different, more nuanced perspective—one rooted not just in individual liberty, but in collective responsibility, historical accountability, and community care.
Germany is a country with a rich and complex history, marked by both brilliance and brutality. From the horrors of the Nazi regime to the surveillance state of East Germany under the Stasi, freedom here was not always a given—it was something earned, lost, and redefined across generations. This legacy has shaped a modern German society that takes its commitment to democracy, inclusion, and human rights seriously. It was striking to witness how openly Germans confront their past—through education, memorials, and public discourse—and how this confrontation fuels a culture of reflection, transparency, and deliberate progress.
As a Black woman and scientist, I experienced this in subtle but powerful ways. In professional spaces, I found that my work was not only respected but often contextualized within a broader conversation about equity, sustainability, and long-term societal impact. Research in Germany isn’t always driven by speed or competition, as I often felt back in the U.S., but by thoughtfulness and relevance to the public good. There is value placed on careers that serve the community—whether in science, education, or public service—and that value is backed by supportive systems. Maternity and paternity leave are normalized, healthcare is accessible, and job security is prioritized in a way that reflects a collective commitment to well-being over burnout.
This societal structure made me reevaluate how I define success and fulfillment. For the first time in my career, I felt the space to breathe—to focus on depth over speed, quality over quantity, collaboration over competition. I found a new sense of freedom, not in the ability to hustle endlessly, but in being part of a system that allows you to pause, rest, reflect, and still be valued. That, to me, is revolutionary.
Germany also taught me that belonging doesn’t come from assimilating, but from being seen and respected in your difference. While I was certainly a cultural outsider at times, I also felt a genuine curiosity and willingness from those around me to engage with my story, my background, and my perspectives. I wasn’t expected to erase my identity to be accepted—I was encouraged to add to the mosaic. That affirmation gave me the confidence to speak more openly about my journey as a Haitian-American scientist, to share my insights through writing and talks, and to mentor others with authenticity.
Ultimately, my time in Germany redefined what freedom means to me. It's no longer just the ability to move forward—it’s the ability to feel grounded while doing so. It’s the freedom to pursue a meaningful career without sacrificing your health or your values. It’s the freedom to belong without conforming. And it’s the freedom to evolve—not just as a professional, but as a whole person.
As I look to the next chapter of my life and career, I carry this expanded view of freedom with me. I hope to infuse it into the spaces I enter, the teams I work with, and the students I mentor. Because sometimes, it takes stepping outside of your own system—and into a country with a complicated but courageous past—to see that the most powerful kind of freedom is the one that includes everyone.