Author's Note: This article was written while I was still young, and not tainted by the horrors of high school (kidding, for the most part). It will be followed by another, which will be written in present time. The point is to portray the varying views we have of ourselves as time passes by. Who we are changes as the environment, people, and events around us change as well. Even in the two years since this article was first written, I've learned more about myself and my future that I thought I was certain of.

Growing up as a military child, I've been exposed to a countless number of distinct cultures and regions that have ultimately created who I am today: a hodgepodge of every experience I've ever had with the environment and people around me.

Such exposure has given me the pleasure of being able to not only idly talk, but successfully connect with various types of persons and their personalities. Learning how to manage myself in the presence of different settings and situations has ultimately aided me in making some of the best relationships I have today. Even so, the different identities I have can be surprising and even unrecognizable to each other when they are compared to the most contrasting groups I interact with. My identities, although various, represent my experiences and comfort levels with multiple types of person; all these reactions have a direct correlation with the person I am and who I aspire to be.

By the end of this school year; I will have been in school for 14 years. Throughout the 8 different schools I have attended, I've developed my own personality to how I orient myself in an academic setting compared to how I act in the private presence of my family. At school, I am a (mostly) organized student, and am known to offer aid, whether educational or emotional, to everyone. I am also the most joyous of my peers; bringing a smile to the most darkest of problems. When I am at home, however, I am a mess. My room is a jungle of clothes and items, where only I know how to find everything. I am not as vocal at home as I am at school, because I spend a lot of time either by myself or with my sisters; in the latter I am the mediator who must remain calm and understanding. I am also more reserved at home, not eager to do a lot of things and trying my best to just chill out. Periods of time where I am at home by myself greatly contrast the times where I am at school; offering time where I can recharge and reevaluate myself. At school though, I act on impulse and adrenaline. Both are essential to who I am, although I could afford to be more cautious and thought out in my endeavors at school. These two identities work hand in hand to enhance not only my academic work, but my social skills as well.

Another prominent identity I have, is my character on and off the court/field as an athlete. I consider myself a very kind, open-minded, and understanding person, who is a firm believer in the easiness of forgiveness. But on the court, I am ruthless and 90% of my motivation to play is to win. I am very competitive, and this attribute definitely translates when I am playing. I believe in hard work, dedication, and execution; a mantra not only for my sports, but my academics as well. I have no tolerance for people who do not put in 110%, 100% of the time. I can be incredibly blunt about my own, and others’ skills, sometimes not taking into consideration their feelings or thoughts. I like to call this part of me the ‘Simon Cowell’ side, because I am just as mean and cynical as the judge himself. In basketball, I can be over aggressive and unapologetic, keeping a poised and straight face throughout all four quarters. The minute the game ends and we commence shaking the other team’s hands however, I’m all smiles and giggles. I think that the mentality I have on the court has bettered me as an athlete, and has made me competitive. I’ve learned to distinguish between having fun and being serious, and both attributes have created a great relationship between me and my fellow teammates.

Along with my peers and teammates, I have a different persona around adults, too. I was raised to always give respect to those older than I, and my entire demeanor changes when I’m in the presence of someone significantly older than me. I am a completely different person in front of my teachers, versus how I am with my friends for example. When hanging out, I am very laid back and my posture lacks any form of structure. I am very outspoken and am quick to insert my ideas into any conversation. My diction and word choice are different, too. When I am with my teachers, I go out of my way to present myself in a respectable fashion; sitting up straight with a kind smile and eagerness to listen to whatever they must say. These actions towards a teacher can be divided into different subcategories, however, depending on my relationship with them. I am still respectful to all teachers, but there may be some things I talk about with my fine arts’ teacher that I would not dare mention with my academic teachers. I am more outgoing and lively in my Acting class, than my Math class. I notice that I am more open to vent to my acting teacher, than my academic teacher because of the close relationship I have with her, compared to a simple student-teacher relationship I have with the other adults. The person I am with her has shaped me into a better actor, because I feel more comfortable approaching her with my issues, rather than my math teacher. The respect, however, still stands.