Who Am I Reflection

In the beginning of the semester, I remember answering the question "Who Am I?" with a quote. I simply couldn't describe certain qualities or characteristics about myself when knowing that I'm consistently changing and improving myself. So I settled on a quote that advocated we are the little things we do each and everyday: we are the books we read, the films we watch, the people we talk to, the decisions we chose to make and the decisions we don't make.

Sociology has taught me that we are a manifestation of things we don't have control over. Who we are is based on our environment, nature and nurture coincide to raise us to our full potential. Sociology has made me become aware of the social construction of my environment, and how I must be empathetic and understanding of diversity--rather than try to categorize myself, as well as others.

One of the most important things I've learned in sociology is that those who are in the poor working class have very minimal chances of rising above poverty--regardless if they contribute to the community and work. This has made me realize that wealth does not exist without the poor, and that the American Dream is not necessarily prosperous for all.

Thinking about answering the question, "Who Am I?" after taking sociology has made me think about much more than just myself. I am more than my favorite things, the people I talk to, or what I choose to do in my free time. I am a part of culture, just as culture is flourished by me. I am connected through nature and the self cannot exist without a nourishing community.