iGENEA DNA Test: Unearthing Ancestral Connections & Shaping Identity
Family name Kästner
Taking the iGENEA DNA test was a roller-coaster journey for an individual with the Kästner surname. Uncovering the surprisingly diverse roots beyond the perceived German heritage elicited an array of emotions, ultimately leading to a deeper self-understanding and connection with ancestry.
Taking the iGENEA DNA test has been an exhilarating, emotional journey. From the moment I unboxed the kit to the anticipation of clinging to results, I experienced a range of emotions that evolved my understanding of my own identity.
Receiving the kit was a mixture of excitement and hesitation. I was eager to discover my roots – to make unseen connections and understand the stories hidden within my DNA. But I also feared the unknown. The possibility of uncovering something unexpected brought a ripple of anxiety.
The process itself was straightforward, requiring only a simple cheek swab. But while waiting for the results, I went through countless restless nights, my mind filled with what-ifs. What if I find out something that turns my family history upside-down? What if my understanding of who I am undergoes an unforeseen shift?
With the surname Kästner, I had always had a solid German heritage in my mind. I had always resonated strongly with the culture, admiring notable personalities sharing my namesake like renowned German poet and author Erich Kästner. Understanding my ancestry through my surname had always given me a sense of identity and belonging.
When the results finally arrived, they did not disappoint. While there were no major surprises, it opened up vivid pictures of ancestral journeys far beyond my imagination. The past was no longer composed of text and tales. Instead, it was painted in rich, scientific hues, detailing migrations, hardships and triumphs. Unsurprisingly, the core of my DNA was strongly German. Yet, the strands of Italian and Eastern European heritage that were revealed brought an additional depth to my identity.
Discovering these diverse components of my lineage was like finding missing pieces of a puzzle. It stirred a mix of emotions – fascination, surprise, joy, and even a touch of melancholy. My sense of self grew more complex, more whole.
Since taking the iGENEA DNA test, my view of my family, and the surname Kästner, has been both reinforced and expanded. The test affirmed the strong German roots I had always identified with, but also breathed life into unsaid stories and unexplored cultures potent in my DNA. It was a journey of self-discovery that made me feel more connected to my ancestors, and ultimately, more connected to myself.
Z. Kästner