Thursday, January 30, 2014

Identity


My family has really impacted me to become the person I am today. I am continuously grateful for all of their advice, support, and love. Despite our disagreements, my family—my mom, dad, and sister—remain the constant source of support throughout my life. I just recently went on a trip with my family, and while we were there, I began to think of how lucky I was for them and everything they have given me. Whether it is advice, a good laugh, or sharing a moment, my family is always there when I need them most. My mom and I are so similar at times but at other times we couldn’t be more different, and that’s what I like the most of being together and spending time with them. I have learned more about my strengths and weaknesses and what is important in life and what is not. I have also especially talked with my parents and learned a lot from them in the past year as I researched and visited colleges, finally choosing to go to University of Penn

Traveling to and exploring new places has also affected my identity as I have grown older. In the past few years, I have the opportunity to travel new places, which have expanded my outlook and inspired me to learn more about other places in the world. In the spring, I went on the Europe Trip to Italy, which was a unique experience traveling with 40 of my classmates to a foreign country. I loved learning about the culture and history of a place so different from where I live. Then, this past summer, I went with my family to Alaska for two weeks. This trip allowed me to become a lot closer with my sister, since we shared a small room and spent almost every day together from morning to night. Whether we were exploring a new town, taking a train, or dogsledding, I really enjoyed the opportunity for adventure and adding a new place to my list. I learned about their unique way of life, and I hope to learn a lot about and visit many more places!


Lastly, my friends have greatly impacted my life. Both those who I have known since I was 3 and those who I only met 4 years ago are there for me. What I love the most is being able to be whoever I want to be with them and talk about whatever is on my mind. I think having a great support system through friends is important so that they can be there for me and I can be there for them. Somehow, we can still make the simplest of moments fun and entertaining because we are together, and we each help one another become the best person we can.  I have learned that is important to say what I am thinking and they can help give me a different perspective or idea that I would have never thought of.