Personal Identity

We are the sum of our experiences. As we grow and mature, so do the things that shape who we are. Our personalities and characteristics are fluid. Each person has a unique story to tell, and it is only when we hear that story and move past labels that we can begin to truly understand someone. If I were to describe myself, I would say that I am a college student, a progressive, and most importantly, an idealist. Of course, these words all have their own definitions and connotations associated with them, but it is only when I tell my story that they truly have meaning. As we grow, we invariably become wiser about the world. We gain wisdom through experience. These lessons are almost tangible in a sense. While they are not physical, we are able

People are all multi-dimensional. We have a variety of traits and morals that help us navigate the world. One of my most important traits is progressivism. Since I was in the sixth grade, I have been a very political person. Once my curiosity of politics was sparked, it took off, consuming everything in its path. Major portions of my life are dominated by politics, and in a way my personal identity is my political identity. I have used the same lessons and morals that were taught to me as a kid to help shape my political beliefs. As I have grown and matured, I have put to use the knowledge that there are some things that I simply do not know. I constantly reevaluate my beliefs when challenged, and when proven wrong, I am eager to adopt new and better positions. I think one of the biggest draws that progressivism has is that it is constantly evolving. Yesterday’s progressives were fighting for different issues than today’s progressives, who will fight different battles than tomorrow’s progressives. Progressivism never ends and never looks backwards. The core ideal of progressivism accepts the fact that mistakes have and will be made, while not being content with allowing current injustices to be carried out. Progressivism is the quintessential embodiment of the second type of knowledge. It recognizes wrongs, but it does not accept inactivity. For the first time in my life, I finally have the ability to shape the world, and like many of my peers, I am standing up unabashedly and advocating on behalf of progressive ideals, “2015 college freshmen shows unprecedented levels of interest in both political engagement and student activism, underscoring the youth vote’s potential to reshape the electoral landscape” (Zinshteyn, 2016). I am part of a new generation of college students and