A Personal Definition and View of Identity

Identity to me can be defined in many ways. However, primarily has to do with who we are. It is composed of many different characteristics, beliefs, and goals. Each and every person has a different identity, which makes us unique. Even objects or things can have identities, but they are less complex than humans by far. To me my identity, personally, has many factors and considerations. Sometimes, I even lose track of who I am. If I were to state what the main components of my identity I would include the ideas of being an international student, Muslim, and son.

If someone were to ask me how I describe myself, I would certainly give them the ideas above, while also including some other things. Such factors can either be physical characteristics or emotional ones as well. As I stated above, I am an international student, this component of my identity consumes most of my energy at the time. While here in the United States, I am trying my hardest to obtain my degree and invest in a bright future for myself.

I also included that I was Muslim, which can also be straining on my time. Sometimes, I find it difficult to pray my five times a day, while balancing many other daily tasks. However, I know the importance of Islam to my life, and I am proud to vocalize my religion. Being a son is also another highly important role and piece of my identity. Even though I am very far from my parents, I think of them constantly throughout the day. Family is the most important and significant thing in my life, whether we are far or near.

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There are many things in my life and in my identity, that will change with time. The most important would be to go from being a student to being employed. Once complete, I will trade some requirements to meet a new role. School work will be traded for office work. I also hope to gain the title of being a father in my identity as well. Having a family would be the best piece of identity for my future. Although some things change in who we are, there are some things that are constant. My religion and belief system are two examples of that. Although things in life are constantly changing, we must learn to adapt to such instances. I hope my future identity only consists of successful changes, and not bad ones.

A lot has changed since I was younger. I wasn't always an international student or Muslim. However, as time goes along, who we are changes. Just as these have changed, I understand others will as well in my future. One must learn to be adaptive to change in their life or everything will be a mess. I have learned quite well to adjust to my circumstances, I feel that I can juggle these qualities of my identity very well. This will certainly benefit me in the future and will my career as well. I will not struggle when changing positions, because I have had much experience already doing so. I am pleased with the man I am becoming, and I have learned the importance of hard work early on.

Both my friend and I shared many similarities when asked these questions. He also stated that his home country has really stuck to his identity. He claimed that being from Saudi Arabia, born in Kuwait has impacted him in several ways. Also, his name alone can reveal this information, and since it is Mohammed, there is a good likelihood that he is Muslim as well (which he is).

Mohammed stated: "I spent most of my life in Kuwait, and I only came to America for university studies. Living in Kuwait and as a Saudi I must say has shaped my identity in a solid way such that the influences I am experiencing in America will take a long while to alter my character traits. Being a Muslim, there are those qualities that I have acquired and that I identify with such as righteousness and courage. I believe that part identity was instilled in me by the lessons I have received since I was in school a young boy". Both of us have come from the Middle East to come study in the USA and this alone has impacted our identities a lot.

Something that he mentioned, that I did not was regarding his moral code of conduct. He mentioned, how these somewhat have changed since moving to the United States. Mohammed would certainly define who he is by what he believes as right and wrong.

Although, to some degree these characteristics have changed to adjust to American life, there are some qualities that will stick with Mohammed forever. Amongst these would be his high respect for his family. He cares deeply for them, and believes that once he graduates he should help take care of them. Also, Mohammed believes in hard work and honesty. He identifies himself to be honest, hardworking, and caring of family. He is deeply concerned with him future, and achieves to get a good job through honesty. By doing so, he can help take care of his parents, as they have done for him for many years. Mohammed also is a very social person, this is who he is, and is hardly ever shy.

Mohammed knows that there are some areas that he hasn't really thought about in his identity. One of these is the importance of athleticism for him. Although he loves playing soccer, he never realized the great impact it has on his identity. Many people depend on him for games and practices as well. This role certainly defines him, but only takes up a small part of his time, and since he doesn't play to play professionally, this identity aspect will change in the future. As well as his role as a student. Upon graduation, his identity of an international student in America, will change to be an employee in Saudi Arabia.

Many things have changed since Mohammed was younger. He wasn't always as hard working and dedicated as he once was. It took a lot of perseverance and learning to shape him into the respectable man he is today. He knows that since life is always changing, so do our roles, Mohammed is able to adjust very well to these changes. He also is much more devote to his religion compared to when he was younger. He understands such concepts a lot more and can apply them better as well. Understanding is amongst these changes, he now knows the importance of being a Muslim and the responsibilities that go with this role as well.

Prior to interviewing my friend Mohammed, I knew that we would share many similarities. This is expected from culture to culture, especially since we are both in America on scholarship obtaining our degrees. One aspect that we differed in would be understanding our morals. I never considered these aspects until the interview. However, I see how these certainly define us, and for the most part, are consistent. I think that Mohammed was intelligent to provide such an answer. Being an international student certainly places a high role of our identity on us. This role is one that cannot be forgotten because we are dealing with its complexities every day. But in the future, it will surely pay off!

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