“Who am I?” is one of the most pivotal questions a person can ask themself. Such a question is not so easily answered by a few words, or is it? Sometimes the answer can be a few words. Sometimes the answer is a long and dedicated explanation. Everyone’s answer is always unique and true to who they are. This is what shapes one as an individual. The way they view certain things. The way they walk. All of these are special to them and them alone.
Let’s step back a bit and start with just one. A human being living on a floating rock in the middle of space. They start with a name and a face. They go about life and discover the things they like and dislike. Along the way, they develop a personality they abide by. This personality then allows them to grow into their own individual.
“I am a passionate and prolific storyteller,” junior Ayaana Noman said. “As an author, poet, speaker and artist, I pour emotion, philosophy, and imagination into everything I create. I enjoy pushing creative boundaries and crafting stories that challenge, comfort and inspire.”
The differences in people can range wildly. Some people can have a basic understanding of how life works and go along with it. Others have a far more complex and intricate perceptive of the way their life functions. Then there are the ones who don’t even fall under either category and simply do whatever works best for them. It all depends on what makes them special.
“I think I have a bit more emotional intelligence than others my age,” freshman Sophia Kitsakawa said. “Which means if anyone comes to me for advice I can most likely find the cause, reason, and solution. [People] appreciate it since they [wouldn’t have noticed it] themselves. I think [this is] because there have been many instances where I thought the knowledge was common sense, just to [hear] my friends say they’ve never noticed and how they have a new perspective now.”
The personalities we develop help us with essential tasks we may come across. Such as school work, finding a job, and getting from place to place. People tackle all these situations differently, and this also gives back to it. As the person deals with the tasks using the personality they developed, their personality in return becomes more expansive.
“While I respect and admire the journeys of others, I know that my voice is uniquely my own,” Noman said. “I approach my work with intensity and vision, always striving to grow and challenge myself. I am proud of the range and depth I bring to my creative expressions.”
Individualism is immensely important as too little of it leads to everyone becoming the same and that makes them boring. Some people are ashamed of themselves for being different, but realistically, it’s a good thing because it leads to variety and changes. The more different people there are, the more rules are subject to change, and there are times where changes are necessary.
“I don’t look down on others,” junior Elliot Glendon said. “I usually think of myself as an average American. Just trying to live through what life has to offer.”
Shockingly though, there is such a thing as too much individualism. When people only focus on themselves, they don’t tend to think much about others. As a result, they end up not feeling empathy for them and don’t view them as their own people. This is why the middle ground exists, where people can mold themselves as individuals while also recognizing and respecting others as individuals.
“I believe I can have a rough idea on why and how everyone thinks,” Kitsukawa said. “Some people’s interests I understand, as I take a liking to them, but others have interests [that] I have no clue as to why they deem that activity entertaining. I do understand that everyone has their strengths and weaknesses, and depending on that, what you enjoy would vary since we take a liking in things we understand.”
“Who am I?” remains a potent question in the human experience. Without asking oneself this question, they are essentially not defining themselves. Regardless of this, everyone has to answer this question at one point in their life and the answer always varies. Which, in turn, gives them their personality.
“I view others with respect and curiosity,” Noman said. “Everyone has something meaningful to offer through their passions and interests. Even if I do not always connect with every perspective, I believe there is value in understanding what inspires and excites other people.”
