Rethinking Identity: Unearthing the Thielen Family’s Global Roots with iGENEA DNA test
Family name Thielen
The iGENEA DNA test opened unforeseen chapters of my Thielen ancestry, revealing diverse ethnic and socio-economic background, significantly altering my perception about my roots and sense of self.
My journey of self-discovery through a DNA test at iGENEA provided me with a deeper understanding of my ancestry, specifically, my Thielen lineage. Over the course of a few weeks, I found out not just about my immediate, but also my extended family line, which turned out to be richer and more diverse than I could've ever imagined. It challenged my preconceived notions about my identity, broadened my understanding of human migration and fraternity, and led to unexpected insights about my familial history.
Key revelations were the presence of Norwegian and Greek DNA markers in addition to the expected German markers. This showed that, contrary to our family's belief that we've had predominantly German roots, my ancestors have been globetrotters, adventurers and explorers. The discovery of Norwegian lineage suggested a possible Viking connection, an exciting and somewhat matter-of-conscience tale that somewhat made me rethink how I perceive my identity. Greek DNA markers indicated Mediterranean links, which explained my family's longstanding affinity for Greek culture and cuisine.
Notably, the Thielen lineage I traced back wasn't confined to a single socio-economic stratum. My predecessors ranged from hardworking peasants to scholars, from courageous soldiers to influential leaders, instilling in me a profound sense of respect and appreciation. Their lives, struggles, and achievements now form an integral part of my self-understanding.
The iGENEA DNA Test exposed me to the possibility of having relatives in such unexpected places, shattering my preconceptions about my ancestors and myself. It proved to me that we, as humans, are all connected, that we share common ancestors, and that our individual stories are part the grand human story. This experience has given me a heightened sense of belonging and richer self-awareness. It made me more attuned to my ancestors' voices – their dreams, fears, victories and the lives they led – echoing in my DNA.
T. Thielen