Identity

When I reflect on my identity and how it has shaped my life experiences, I think of where I come from, my influences, and also how one’s identity is shaped growing up and even into adulthood. I am very fortunate to have a strong family support network with whom I am very close with and encourages me to seek out my goals and accomplish them. This has allowed me to work hard with the belief that I can accomplish virtually anything if I fully commit myself to it. Furthermore, this causes me to think on what past experiences and challenges have shown me about myself. Whether it was being mugged in Peru or surviving organic chemistry at Cornell, facing and overcoming challenges has shaped me to be who I am today.

Within the context of Zambia, I think that this aspect of my identity has lead me to pursue programs like the Cornell Zambia Global Health program, and be more adventurous. Moreover, this would allow me to explore all possible avenues in terms of my research paper, and not be afraid to see the sometimes difficult things in the hospital. My social identity and privilege also shape my overall identity, but I have traveled to many places and seen enough poverty to be aware of my privilege and how to be both sensitive and pragmatic when placed in an impoverished, potentially dangerous environment where petty crime is more likely to be an issue.

My identity, however determined already, is also shaped my future as well as my past. There is a lot more for me to learn about the world and I hope that the Zambia program will be an enlightening and educational experience that will allow me to become a more informed global citizen.