I am doing a research project with my students right now that I absolutely LOVE. I did this assignment as a high school student myself and it has stayed with me throughout all these years. Chelsea, if you’re reading this, THANK YOU for being an inspirational teacher in my life! You taught me at such a pivotal point in my life and continue to influence my teaching practices to this day.
The research focuses on everyone’s favorite subject: THEMSELVES!
My students take several personality tests and form opinions on what they relate with and what they don’t. The goal is for them to be able to clearly articulate their strengths and weaknesses — which, in my opinion, is one of the most important things to learn to do EVER!
So, naturally, with this project going on, I have been thinking a lot about the nature of humans. Do we create our identity? Are we born with it? Is it a mix of both?
There is SO MUCH that goes into a human. It’s kind of mind-boggling to think of the perfect storm of family dynamics, gender, love languages, communication styles, culture, religion, the general state of the world, what time of year you are born, what naturally motivates you, the stories you hear and believe… it’s unbelievable how DIFFERENT we all are! You could grow up in the same neighborhood as someone else and have a vastly different life experience.
Here is a chart I drew to illustrate this idea:
Did your identity begin in the womb? Or are you just a combined effort of everyone you’ve ever known?
What’s funny about this unit is that many of my students start off thinking that they create the person they are… and by the end, they might not be as original as they thought they were.
I will leave you with this quote below:
"When you know yourself you are empowered. When you accept yourself you are invincible."–Tina Lifford
I agree with Tina — however we came to be, or whatever we are, the sooner we accept ourselves we can do anything!
Have a great week!!
Thanks for reading,
Kimber xx
This assignment is so brilliant and engaging for your students. It will bless their life! I have enjoyed studying more about myself over the years. It has given me a lot more understanding, and with it, a measure of grace.
Recently, I have come to realize that there is much I don’t know about myself (genetic history, biology, subconscious memories) and why I do the things I do, or have the struggles I do. Only God knows everything that makes me, me. With this new insight, I have been able to find much more grace for myself than ever before.
Thank you for sharing a part of yourself through your writing!
I LOVE the chart that you created about the things that influence who we are! So many things - some which we don't acknowledge. Appreciate that you shared it with your essay! Love you Kimber-girl! ♥♥