In this activity, you will write a short poem, starting each line with "I am," describing in your own words who you are and what's salient in your identity.

You Will:

-increase awareness and self-development

-self-reflection.

-make connections across, and even within, cultural lines

-share the influences that have shaped your identities.

-find unexpected similarities and differences between yourself and classmates

Instructions:

You will write a poem called "Who I Am."The only rule for the piece is that each line must start with the phrase "I am..." If you wish, include statements about where you're from regionally, ethnically, religiously, etc., memories from different points in your lives, interests and hobbies, mottos or credos, favorite phrases, family traditions and customs, and whatever else defines who you are. Your poem, should take anywhere from 5-10 minutes to read alound.

Sample - My Personal "I Am From" Poem:

I am basketball on a snowy driveway.
I am fishsticks, crinkle-cut frozen french fries and frozen mixed vegatables.
I am primarily white, upper-middle class neighborhoods and raciall diverse schools.
I am Donkey Kong, Ms. Pac Man, Atari 2600 and sports video games.
I am football on Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.
I am "unity in diversity" and "speaking from your own experience."
I am triple-Wahoos, earning three degrees from the University of Virginia.
I am diversity, multicultural education, identity, introspection, self-reflection, and social action.
I am Daffy Duck, Mr. Magoo, Hong Kong Phooey, Foghorn Leghorn, and other cartoons.
I am Tae Kwon Do, basketball, the batting cages, a soccer family, and the gym.
I am a wonderful family, close and loving and incredibly supportive.
I am films based on true stories and documentaries
I am the History Channel, CNN, ESPN, BRAVO, and Home Team Sports.
I am a passion for educating and facilitating, personal development and making connections.