Personal Narrative: Native American Totem Animals

Many totem poles from Native American cultures have animals. Those animals symbolize many character traits. My totem pole consists of seven total animals. The dragonfly and butterfly represent the past. The fox and owl symbolize the present. The beaver, dove, and turtle represent the future.

According to “ Native American Totem Animals & Their Meanings”, a dragonfly is “... carefree, [has a] strong imagination, higher aspirations, lightness, and joy.” I chose it to represent my past because as a child, I loved to imagine that I was with the characters in the television. I wanted to be so many things like a princess, a fairy, a superhero, and etc. The dragonfly also symbolizes “ happiness, speed, and purity” as it states in the text, “Animal

The author states in “Native American Totem Animals & Their Meanings”, the fox is “ quick-witted.” Some people might agree after seeing my grades throughout the years and the goals I’ve accomplished. According to the text “Animal Symbols”, the fox “symbolizes anticipation, observation, and stealth.” I find those skills whenever I'm trying to avoid being involved in trouble, or the opposite (rarely). Observing others helps me understand people and the reasons for their actions. I also chose the owl because it stands for “insight,... mystery, freedom, and secrets”, as stated by the author in “Native American Totem Animals & Their Meanings”. It is also a symbol of “wisdom”, according to the text “Northwest Symbols”. Many of my peers would find me somehow mysterious because I rarely open up and talk about myself. Because I am like this, people are not afraid to tell me their secrets. My so-called wisdom is from me reading an enormous amount of books in my

I chose the beaver to symbolize my future because according to “Native American Totem Animals & Their Meanings”, the beaver is “determined, strong-willed,... dreamer, protector, and builder.” I plan to be an engineer in the future. These traits would be part of what I need to achieve my goal. Based on the text “Northwest Symbols”, the beaver is also “creative, artistic, and determined.” As an engineer, these traits would also be needed to think outside-the-box. I also chose the dove to represent my future. According to the author of “Native American Totem Animals & Their Meanings”, the dove symbolizes “peace”. In “Northwest Symbols”, it states the dove symbolizes “love, gentleness, and kindness.” I hope in the future I'll be able to maintain strong contact with my loved ones. I also hope to be able to make others happy by lending them help. Lastly, the I chose the turtle because it “symbolizes good health and long life”, according to “Animal Symbols”. I wish to be healthy and live a long time, so I can experience the world. The turtle is also a “ nurturer, [is] protecting, [has] patience, strength, endurance, and longevity”, as stated in “Native American Totem Animals & Their Meanings”. I hope I can continue accomplishing goals and continue caring for my loved