For siblings Reese and Quinn Soper, being dual citizens of the United States and Switzerland
wasn’t something they thought about every day growing up. It was simply a part of their family
story; interesting, but distant. That changed after one meaningful trip that made their Swiss
heritage feel real.

Reese was around eight years old when she first learned she was a Swiss citizen. Her dad
had passed down the citizenship from his side of the family so his children could stay connected
to their roots. At the time, it felt more like a cool fact than part of her identity.
That perspective shifted in the summer of 2023, when 12-year-old Reese traveled to
Switzerland for the first time. Instead of only visiting popular tourist attractions, she explored
small villages where her family’s history began and saw the area where her grandfather was
born. Surrounded by mountains in the German-speaking region near Liechtenstein and Italy, she
experienced what daily life looked like beyond the postcards.
One moment stands out clearly in her memory: landing in Zurich with her American
passport and leaving the airport using her Swiss one. For the first time, her dual citizenship
didn’t just feel official; it felt personal.

Today, Reese mentions being Swiss in a relaxed, natural way, especially when meeting
new people. It often sparks conversation, even though she laughs when someone confuses
Switzerland with Sweden. She also thinks about the opportunities it may bring in the future,
especially since a Swiss passport makes traveling throughout Europe easier.
What surprised her most wasn’t something from a history book. It was the lifestyle. She
noticed people weren’t focused on brand-name clothes or trends. Instead, they spent their time
outdoors, walking, hiking, and enjoying the mountains. “They’re just used to it,” she says.
“Being active is normal.” Seeing that balance between simplicity and activity left a strong
impression on her.

Quinn discovered his dual citizenship around age 9. Like Reese, it didn’t fully
sink in until the 2023 trip. During their stay in Vilters-Wangs in the canton of St. Gallen, he
began to see what life in Switzerland was really like.
One of the first things he noticed was how active and healthy everyone seemed. People
walked almost everywhere, and outdoor activity was part of everyday life. However, what
impressed him most was the public transportation system. “The trains and buses are so much more efficient,” Quinn says. Getting
around felt simple and stress-free, which made a lasting impression on him.
That experience even shaped how he thinks about his future. “It feels really cool to be a
citizen of a place everybody wants to go to,” he says. When discussing college and long-term
plans, Quinn says he would choose Switzerland if given the opportunity. He hopes to study
abroad there someday to deepen his understanding of his family’s history and culture.

For both siblings, being Swiss isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about
discovery, family connection, and understanding how their heritage shapes who they are
becoming.