Tanya's story.

Who are you?

"I'm a college student, a dancer, I have no idea... I'm a sister, a daughter, and a friend."

This response is an absolutely appropriate one for Tanya, a young woman just dipping her feet into the expanse that is adulthood. She is hesitant, but she is very aware of everything that comprises her life. The most integral part, she decides, is family. 

"My family has shaped who I am. I wouldn't be here, in college, blessed with good health and innumerable opportunities, without them." 

Tanya believes that family is her main source of strength. Her parents adopted her at a young age, and they raised her to depend on the people she lived with for support and assurance. Her definition of 'family' involves people who care about her and whom she cares about. Thus, Tanya's family includes her adopted siblings, her friends from school, and her fellow cloggers. 

How does this definition of yourself affect how you live out your life?

"I actively seek ways to reflect the example that my family has set for me."

Tanya is most proud of the qualities she acquired from having a close-knit family such as strength, dedication, and responsibility. During her interview, she expressed incomparable gratitude for the exceptional care she has been given from her family. Tanya feels that family is largely what defines her because of their investment in her life.

Do you think you have a better understanding of your identity now?

"I was always confident in my own skin, but this reflection helped me realize how grateful I ought to be."

This interview was an easy one: Tanya was already very aware of her own identity. Although, she was thankful for this self-evaluation. She mentioned that it reminded her of all the blessings she had been given in life, and that she "will probably call [her] mom after the interview."

.   .   .

More Thoughts

While Tanya is a wonderful example for being aware of one's sense of self, this isn't always the case. Often, people struggle to identify who they are. If you find yourself in this situation, take a look at this empowering Ted Talk by Niko Everett. Everett is dedicated to showing her audience a new perspective of oneself. Her subject relates to my topic for next week, so I recommend checking out this interesting story!