A 6’9” Journey Across the Ocean: A Memorial Day Reflection

At 6’9”, I’ve always been hard to miss, but my life took a defining turn when I first stepped onto American soil at 17. Growing up in the Netherlands, I was blessed with height, decent coordination (which came later), and a sniper 3-point shot that made me an interesting basketball prospect. When I boarded that flight to Georgetown, Kentucky, with my dad by my side, I didn’t expect a culture shock. The cramped plane seats—no videos, just discomfort—were the least of it. I spoke English, but Kentucky English? That was a whole new language. I couldn’t understand a word, yet within a day, I knew I’d landed with the kindest host family I’d ever met.

My host family was the real deal. My host brother, the same age as me, was a 3-point sharpshooter like me, who I could laugh, train and jest with. My host mom embodied the stereotype of Midwest warmth, caring for me like her own with unmatched sweetness. My host dad, a kind provider and brilliant basketball trainer, shaped my game and my mentality (which carried for the rest of my life). In the Netherlands, my height—well above the Dutch average—barely turned heads, and no one cared that I played ball. In America, it was different. Suddenly, I was a spectacle, a tall foreign kid everyone noticed. That shift was a jolt, but it built my confidence in ways I never imagined.

Coming from a place where height was routine, being celebrated for it in the U.S. felt surreal. People didn’t just see me, they saw potential. That attention, though overwhelming at first, pushed me to embrace my stature. As a young man, I let others’ views shape me more than I should’ve, but over time, I learned better. That confidence led me to sales, where my presence opened doors, and it molded the person I am now, free from insecurity. Today, I can dance silly on a dance floor, swing a terrible golf club, and still feel unapologetically myself, thanks to that early boost.

My host family was the heart of this transformation. They treated me like their own, guiding me through a new world. That foundation carried me to California, where I now live with my wife, running TFT Designs. Our company aims to instill the same confidence in other tall people that America gave me, crafting dress shirts for tall, slim guys who don’t fit the “big and tall” mold. I’m grateful to my parents for this opportunity and to my host family for their love. But this Memorial Day, I also pause to thank everyone who served the United States. Their sacrifice helped make America the land of opportunity that welcomed me, shaped me, and gave me an awesome future.

Being 6’9” in America changed my perspective. Where I once felt unnoticed, I now stand tall, literally and figuratively. That confidence has fueled my career, my character, and my freedom to be me, unrestricted by doubt. It’s led me to build a business that celebrates height, not just tolerates it. As I look ahead, I’m excited for a bright future here, for my family, TFT Designs, and everyone we serve. This Memorial Day, let’s honor those who made this possible. Thank you, America, and thank you to all who served, and of course, thank you to my host family. What’s your story of finding confidence or a new home? Drop a comment below, and check out TFT Designs to stand tall with us!