Personal Narrative: Who Are You?

My identity can be defined by moments in my life. Moving to Canada, learning English and going to high school are three major moments in my life. Going through these experiences have changed the person in me and made me more confident, stronger, better in everything.

Starting high school can be a little scary, especially when you have no guidance from siblings, like me, being the first one from my family to have an education. But that did not stop me from succeeding, I?ve always been confident and determined. I?m an enthusiastic when it comes to trying new things. Who would have thought I was going to be a good athlete plus a book geek, when in my past years I was just a regular kid. I was pretty excited about joining a club that had a connection with high school, that way I didn?t have to start from zero, I always want to be a step ahead. Fortunately, in summer, a high school coach was recruiting freshmen for running either cross country or track, they both involve running, so I considered it like the same sport with different timing. And this is when it all started. Running

You want to know what shaped/molded me as student. Wow, that's a funny qurstion! I believed I didn't know what made me who I am, but as I look back and forth, I realized, it was me. I am my own motivation. I don't look up to anyone, I just look forward to something. I am a believer, dreamer, achiever, and wonderer. As I look around me and see how my family and others of a different and same ethnicity living their whole life on a budget, barely making ends meet, I tell myself I will be better and become better. I will not let my surroundings select or change the way I am. When I was younger, I believed everything would just come and fall into my arms. I wanted to be all of the occupations I seen on TV. I planted in my head that I would be a

“A mental disorder (mental illness) is a psychological pattern that is generally associated with a defect or disease of the individual’s mind. It causes a disability that may affect an individual’s behavior patterns in ways that are not part of one’s normal development or culture. Mental disorders are common in the United States. Within any given year, nearly 25 percent of adults and slightly over 20 percent of children are diagnosable for one or more mental disorders. While mental disorder appears to be widespread among the population, the main burden (or threat) emanates from about 6 percent of those who suffer from a debilitating mental illness.” (National Institute of Mental Health, 2011)

I believe you can achieve anything you want in life with hard work, dedication, and passion. There are many experiences I have gone through that have helped shaped who I am today. I may not have control over certain situations, but I have a choice on how it affects me.

Crazies, loonies, insane, disabled, idiots, nuts, and schizos are just some of the many derogatory terms used to refer to the mentally ill. Mental illness is pushed under the rug and is considered a taboo subject in today’s world. Many think that since you cannot physically see psychiatric disorders, they are not real. Some believe people claim to have a mental illness so they can act out or not take responsibilities for one’s actions. So, even though we as a society are at the height of our research of mental illnesses and now know more than before, why do we still ignore it? Why do we not take it seriously? Sadly many, many people have been affected by the lack of communication concerning mental illness, its causes, and treatment. One of

Have you ever felt robbed of a childhood? At the age of six, I was placed into the DYFS system. I moved from house to house, not really having the chance to grow up like normal children. I didn’t get to experience things such as ; asking my older sister advice on boys, learning how to cook grandma’s favorite recipe, or going on family vacation to Disney world . I worked hard to get where I am right now. My experiences have made me of who I am today , my story will tell you my background, where I came from and why my application is incomplete without it.

Culture and identity are inextricably linked concepts. Identity is formed by your culture and in turn your identity shapes the respective cultures of the groups you identify with. I belong to many different cultural groups, and my identity is a complex web of competing and conflicting beliefs, experiences, and characteristics. My identity is not only complex, but also dynamic, as the experiences I have change who I am.

I am a white American female. Another term that can be used to describe my race is caucasian. Some characteristics that come with my race include a fair skin tone and naturally light colored hair. I do not think that anyone can truly be a “pure” race because family trees expand genetically within multiple races, especially in current times. People of all races are reproducing and creating a more mixed environment than ever before.

I always knew my identity was one that speaks that I am very compassionate towards others and have great patience, but it wasn’t until the impact of one little girl that made me realize I hold the interest in wanting to give back to the community by helping others who are incapable of helping themselves.

Every individual in society is shaped by several factors— particularly, their past. Within their past, there are memorable moments, this includes the calamities we all face throughout our lives. In fact, my own hardships have, too, impacted me immensely by shaping me who I am today. I have faced several forms of pivots and falls throughout my journey of maturity, including domestic violence.

Identity. Who we are. How we define ourselves. Imagine taking away something that defines you. You’re left feeling “who am I?”

As a tall five feet eight inch girl with thick, brown, curly hair as a mane, glimmering blue eyes, and a somewhat tan complexion, I constantly have people questioning my race. I have been profiled as many different ethnicities. Instead of getting "hey what's your name?" or "how has your day been?", I get "what are you mixed with?" Is respect a thing anymore?

In the first telling of my personal narrative, I did not consider including what had led me to a point where I began to embrace my identities and become proud of my heritage as Korean. There were many factors that led me to be who I am today. The reason for leaving out the information was because there were so many people and occurrences that led me to the point where I am now. For example, moving to different elementary school where there were more diverse body of students, annually performing at the Mosaic in the Korean pavilion, my parents being a positive role model, and becoming a volunteer teacher at the Korean Language School are some of the reasons which have led me to be who I am today. As I was surrounded by people who were interested

At work, I belong to the coffee club and the water club. I do not even like water or coffee I just wanted to belong. At home, my cupboards are filled with many cups. Cups I bought at Disneyland, Universal Studios, museums, and from some musicals, I have attended. I buy every cup I like at Starbucks, and when my family sees a cup, they purchase it for me. I give my family cups, and my favorite friends cups. Even though I have many cups, I drink from a Styrofoam cup, because I do not want to wash my cup. I want to fill my cups but I am not willing to wash them after I use them. This is just like my life I have many hats and many jobs, but where do I truly belong? Where I am at peace, and where do I best sever the Lord? I surround myself