Mentorship Session Diaries: When We See What We’ve Become

Written By: Paul VanderGriendt, Event Management Coordinator Mentorship Session Diary. Entry 28

Our identity is the foundation of who we are. It can help shape our personality, but it is also much more than that. It is made up of our values, beliefs, culture, upbringing and mindset. It is what makes us unique, and there is only one version of each of us. When you think about your own identity, what is it that you want people to know about you most? Our personality can change depending on the environment or situation we find ourselves in, but our identity is the core of what makes us, us. 

The people who are most important to us will often help shape our identity and how we perceive ourselves in the world. We may have family, friends, teachers or coworkers that influence our thoughts and how we process certain experiences. It’s important to have people with different identities around us so we are able to experience a diversity of thought and challenge ourselves and our own beliefs. Our identity may be the foundation of who we are as people, but that doesn’t mean it can’t change. Our identity is shaped as we move through life and go through our own complex collection of moments and experiences. Life is a long journey of learning and we should all embrace who we are, while also embracing the possibility of change. 

As we make our way through life, we should also think about who we want to be, not just who we are right now. Self-awareness is key when we are trying to understand ourselves and where we fit in the world around us. Our life experiences can change our perspective, inspire us and push us to be the best version of ourselves. Our identity is made up of what is most important to us and influences how we express ourselves to others. It is also how others will perceive us. Always remember that we are the ones who control our identity and our identity is not an obstacle, it is our superpower.