“I am who I am. Not who you think I am. Not who you want me to be. I am me.” – Brigitte Nicole

So, who am I?

This is a question everyone must be asking themselves! Sometimes we see that we end up becoming a person who we never thought of or wanted to become. I like to listen to everyone but make decisions on my own. I feel being independent is a very important aspect of life. Maybe that’s why I like to associate with people who trust me and respect my decisions. However, I also think we are most ourselves when someone encourages or supports us or is a part of our personal growth. I am like a piece of clay that is molded by my community. I am made from all the people whom I have met — family, friends and even strangers.

Most people think I am naturally quiet. That can be true to some extent, but to people who know me, I am a completely different person. I am quite talkative with friends and family. I get all my characteristics from my near and dear ones. From my grandfather I have learnt patience and simple living. From my grandmother I have learnt kindness and to always help anyone in need. From my mother I have learnt basically everything that makes me “ME.” From my father I have learnt to dream big and also that hard work is the key to success. From my brothers and sisters I have learnt love, sharing, and enjoying every moment as it comes. From my friends I have learnt social skills and coordination. And, how can I forget, from my dog Grace I have learnt gracefulness, no pun intended.

My community is also the books I have read, which have also influenced who I am today. From them I learnt that I don’t really like fiction, so I read motivational books like Who Moved My Cheese and The Simple Path to Wealth. From the movies and videos that I have seen, I got my sense of humor.

And even my surroundings play a major part in supporting my personal growth. When I was in my previous school, I was shy and didn’t talk much, even with my friends. But now you can ask anyone who is associated with me, even my teachers, and they’ll say I am not quiet.

So, once again, Who am I? I am still looking for an answer to this because our attributes, interests and other things that define us may change in life.

So, till then . . . I am me.