Identity Who Ami? Who I

Identity

Who ami?

Who I Am

Who I Am

who I am - is one that becomes increasingly difficult to answer the more one thinks about it. One begins to realize that one's identity changes in different circumstances and situations. In one sense, I am to a certain extent a different person in some regards when I take on the role of a student compared to when I am socializing with my friends. Psychologists like Eriksen view self - identity as the pressure to conform in society to different roles and norms. He views this as a reason for the modern identify crisis that we find in many adolescents and young adults.

The concept deals with the relationship between what a person appears to be in the eyes of others and what he or she feels he or she is. It refers to the dynamics of the search for an inner continuity that will match the external social conditions. (Sebald, 1977, p. 5)

However, what is also certain from my point-of-view is that there are core attributes and characteristics that make one who one is. This is possibly the 'inner continuity referred to above. I will attempt to answer this question through an analysis of my strengths and weaknesses, as well as my achievements and failures in order to present a comprehensive picture of whom and what I think I am.

As a student I am very conscientious and hard working. I view my work ethic, which I learned from my family, as one of my positive characteristics. At the same time like so many of my peers, I lack a certain degree of self-confidence. I perceive this as a weakness that I need to work on. I have high aims and objectives in life and like everyone else I have a great desire to succeed in my chosen career. At the same time I often become a bit despondent and feel that my aspirations are too distant and out of reach. This is something that I need to combat and improve in my personal life.

I am also very ambitious, especially with regard to my academic work. I see my present studies as an important stepping stone to the future and at times I become overly concerned about my work; to the extent that I tend to ignore friends and those around me. I feel that while a desire to succeed is a good trait, I need a more balance in my life between work and play.

In essence I am a very gregarious person with many friends. I enjoy the company of others and I am especially devoted to my family. I feel that family life is the core of the positive aspects of modern civilization. On the other hand I am also very concerned about social ills, homelessness and the contravention of basic human rights that occur daily in our word. Another area of concern that defines me as a person is my concern for the environment and the damage that has been done to our ecosystems by what I see as the exploitation and greed of a few.

In short, I am a concerned individual who views personal growth and identity as something that carries with it a responsibility towards others and the world around us. I feel that while it is important to be personally ambitious, success should not come at the expense of others.

I also realize that I have failings and areas of my character that need to be refined and improved. I would like to read much more, not only in my field but in all my areas of interest. I feel that there is a word of knowledge that I need to explore. I also know that I need to integrate my work into my life in a less stressful way.