Exploring My Identity

Exploring my identity

Identity is what we think about ourselves--all of the ideas, qualities, beliefs that define who we are. To see more about identity, check out this slide presentation.

For the project we are doing in Health we are exploring different aspects of our identities such as: gender, ethnicity, social class, student/school, religion/spirituality, social class, age/generation, social groupings/hobbies/interests. Firts we share 3 parts of our identity we are proud of. Then we think about how our identities have already grown or changed for the better. Then we choose one part of our identity that we feel is an area of our identities that we feel we could grow in or may not be the healthiest, or most positive, etc. We analyze and describe who/what has influenced that aspect our identity. Then we find a positive role model for that aspect of our identity. Lastly, we present 3 ways we want to identify in the future.

Parts of my identity I am proud of!

Portuguese-American

I feel good about my Portugues heritage. My dad's family came from the Madiera Islands as immigrants going through Ellis Island and eventually taking a train to Hayward. They began working in the orchards right hear where HHS is currently located. My grandma told me she was slapped in school for speaking Portuguese and this is why she told my dad to speak English only. Even though the language was not passed down through generations other celebrations, most connected to a catholic holiday and All Saints Church. One of my favorites we called Malassadas Day because my grandma would make these delicious fried treats. I am proud to be Portuguese American because they represent hard-working people who came with little and created a good life in Hayward. They also have fun celebrating traditions that I will also pass down to my children.

Bay Area Born & Raised

I am so proud to be born and raised in the Bay Area because it is the most beautiful and diverse place in the world! I was born in Oakland, grew up in Hayward & Castro Valley. My parents both grew up in Hayward, too. I am grateful to be able to see the beautiful views of the Bay and hike on East Bay Trails. The Bay Area is also home to some the best universities in world like my alma mater UC Berkeley and our rival, Stanford.

Teacher

I am proud to be a teacher because I think it is a very noble and fulfilling profession. It is something that gives me a sense of purpose and joy. Of course there are days when things get difficult and I get overwhelmed and exhausted, but overall, I am extremely proud to be a teacher. My students are my greatest influencers. When I can see their growth, I feel so proud and know what I am doing is worth it.

How my identity has already changed for the better

I used to think that I wasn't a good reader and not very smart.

Then I read more, and went to college.

Now I think I am a decent reader just as good as smart as most people.

How My Identity Could Improve and a Role Model

An aspect of my identity I would like to improve on is my identity as a student.

One of the unhealthy aspects of my identity was my educational/school or student identity. I did not view myself as smart. I didn't think I was college material. I had no idea I could go to college, because no one in my family ever talked about it, because no one in my family had ever gone. I didn't think it was an option for me. In addition, my family, while they emphasized hard work, they did not emphasize education. In elementary school I was a "late bird" which, while no one ever said it to me, I knew meant, I was in the lower reading group than the "early birds". So, not having anyone of my family with college experience, having people around me who did not value education, and my own school experience all led me to identify as just an "okay" student, definitely not the type of student who would go to college.

Being a first-generation college graduate is one of the most life-changing challenges I have taken on. I started at Chabot ust taking one class at a time. As a gained confidence in myself and found that the more I learned, the more I became curious about. When I transferred to UC Berkeley, it wasn't easy being one of the few people whose parents hadn't gone to college. Insecurities came up and I thought I wasn't good enough a lot of the time. Yet, like being a stranger in a strange land, that also meant a whole new world opened up to me. It was definitely worth every moment of stress, awkwardness, and insecurity!

Someone who is now a great inspiration to me and could have been an inspiration to me when I thought I wasn't smart enough to go to college is Michelle Obama. Ms. Obama was also the first in her family to go to college.

Aspect of Identity to feel better about

Another aspect of my identity that I think I did not have a very healthy or positive view on was physical appearance. Being short (under 5'0") I found out I wasn't tall enough to be a flight attendant, which I had dreamed of being.

I also was chubby and overweight since I was about 7 years old. According to my mom, it was due to the steroids I had to take because I had asthma, regardless, I have never had the "ideal" body size according to social norms. Too short and thick when thin and tall was the norm. One positive role models for me was Bette Midler, who is only 5'1" and has always been buxom and curvy. She is a strong woman who was confident and did not apologize for being "thick". She is also a great role model for me now, for my generational identity. She is 60 and still as strong, smart, and beautiful as ever, starring in the Broadway musical, Hello Dolly! This makes me feel like even though I am getting older, I can still stay strong, active, and maybe even get better at the things I enjoy the most. Thank you, Bette Middler!

Future Identities

Therapist

I would like to get a Master's Degree in counseling so I can work part time as a therapist after I retire from teaching. I think I would be able to help people and also make a little money working a more flexible schedule.

Retiree

I look forward to not having to be anywhere everyday at a certain time and to have time to just hike, garden, swim, do mindfulness and whatever I want.

World Traveler

I would love to spend time traveling after I retire (and my kids are done with college). I would like to go to Brazil, the Madiera Islands, Viet Nam, New Zealand, and lots of different places in the US and California I've never been to.

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