Identity

Throughout my life, many different factors have influenced me and shaped my identity. My siblings, in particular, have made a huge impact on who I am today. Being blessed with a brother 7 years my elder and a sister 8 years my younger, I have the privilege of enjoying all the benefits of the position of middle child. A childhood playmate, my brother would spend countless hours caring for me, entertaining me, and challenging me. Even as I have gotten older, my brother has always been there for me with quiet patience and tender willingness. In a similar way, my little sister has blessed me with so much joy, happiness, and laughter. From when she was a baby, my sister and I have been inseparable and we continue to share our hearts with one another. Although my siblings can sometimes frustrate me, I realize how important their constant love and support has been to me throughout my life.

Music, particularly opera, has also played a major role in shaping my identity and is an essential part of my current self. In spite of my musical experience, I am actually not a musician at the moment. However, music and the arts are my passion. Music enabled me to find my way when the path seemed dark, it gave me something unique and special to cherish. I love opera and, though many people my age may find this interest bizarre or “uncool,” classical music has allowed me to connect with fellow, young opera-fans across the country both online and in-person. Art both comforts me and encourages me to grow and develop myself as an individual. Unfortunately, modern society often does not place enough value on great artistic expression and so I hope to dedicate my life to the promotion of the arts and arts education.

Yet perhaps one of the most influences on my sense of self and personal identity has been my experience as a Mount student. Coming from a tiny school where I had struggled and failed to secure any social standing, I was extremely excited to come to Mount. However, while I expected to expand my academic perspicacity, I had no idea of the emotional, social, and spiritual impact that my Mount education would have on me. Throughout the years, I have had the privilege to meet and befriend so many wonderful students and teachers. In discussing matters of life, be they my social plans for the weekend or the significance of Macbeth’s soliloquy, I have explored new facets of myself and the world around me. Though I understand that my personal journey is still only in its infancy, I, armed with so many wonderful friendships and memories, feel prepared to continue down the road of life.