The new semester just recently started, and in all honesty I am ready to be back in school. I know that going back to school for most people is a time of relative unease due to the uncertainty that comes with starting new classes, but I see the beginning of each new semester as a fresh start. So far I am glad to report that I think the hardest question of the semester is behind me. I know that sounds odd considering that I have been in school for only a week, but I think it's true. During my first class of Theories of Personality my professor gave us one of the hardest questions that maybe a person can be asked. Our assignment was finish the sentence "I am..." with ten different responses. I know in theory this sounds easy, and there are many easy answers to the question, but if you take it to heart and really think it through it may be the hardest question to answer. One or two responses may come easy, but to consider ten things gets difficult. One of the reasons this is so hard is the amount of self-reflection involved. Looking inward isn't always comfortable. Often times there are things that we can say we are that we don't always want to admit to. Many of us usually don't have the courage to list the things that we are not comfortable with, but in order to be better people these are the things that we need to understand we are. This question, although it encourages us to look at what we think we are, also teaches so much after the fact. It is one of the most insightful things to finish the final response and look back to see just exactly how you define yourself. Not only does it allow you to see more clearly who you are, but also allows you to see who and where you come from. It allows you to see who and what has influenced you. Do you define yourself through your spouse and your marriage, maybe your children? Do you define yourself through your culture, or through your hobbies or your job. As an example and a jumping of point, I will share two of my responses that I feel define me best. I am a husband and I am a student. I define myself through my marriage and my relationship for many reasons, but when I thought about it, I have been with my wife for over a quarter of my life and have known her for almost all of it. I am also a student. When I look at my fellow students, I just feel that I am enjoying sitting in that particular classroom a little more than most of them. I also refer to this not only for academic purposes, but I am always trying to learn from those around me.
As a challenge, try to respond to the question "I am..." ten times. If you choose to accept the challenge, take the time to do it right. How will you fair? Will you take the easy way out and answer the obvious such as "I am tall" or "I am skinny". Or will you take this opportunity to teach yourself something about who you really are. Regardless of how you answer, I guarantee that you will learn something about yourself. It may be through what you put down or what you choose to leave out, but it will all be telling of who you are.
