Who Are You Becoming?
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Who Are You Becoming?
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Personal Growth and Identity Development Through the College Experience
Back then, when I first entered college, it was simply just a place where I thought I was going to earn a degree, but it has now become a place where I am in the process of shaping the person I want to become. College has also been a period in my life during which I have been challenged to examine my choices, habits, and values. It has been an eye-opening experience that has helped me understand why my thinking has changed and how I am progressing in developing my personality. I am learning that personal growth is not an independent process. Every class, assignment, and interaction contributes to my developing identity by helping me discover not only what I want to do but also the kind of person I want to become.
Developing a Growth Mindset Through Academic Experiences
My mindset in the classroom has changed significantly. I once believed that people were born with fixed abilities and often avoided taking risks in my academic work. However, this belief changed after reading the research by Limeri et al. (4), which explains that students who believe intelligence can be developed think and behave differently, ultimately improving their academic performance. This encouraged me to adopt a growth mindset. I no longer see challenges as threats. Instead, I ask more questions, embrace difficult material, and view every challenge as an opportunity to expand my abilities and become a better learner.
Building Independence Through Self-Discipline and Responsibility
Independence has also influenced my behavior and daily routine outside the classroom. Self-management skills have taught me to become more consistent, responsible, and organized. I have realized that planning, organization, and time management are not simply academic skills but personal values that define who I am. These habits have brought greater structure to my life and strengthened my ability to remain focused, even when I feel overwhelmed. Through continuous practice and occasional mistakes, I am becoming someone who follows through on commitments and understands that personal growth is built through consistent daily actions.
Strengthening Empathy and Open-Mindedness Through Social Experiences
My experiences in college have also helped me become more understanding and empathetic toward others. Interacting with people from different backgrounds, personalities, and perspectives has broadened my understanding of the world beyond my own experiences. Classroom discussions and everyday conversations have taught me the importance of listening carefully to others, even when their opinions differ from mine. As a result, I have become more patient, open-minded, and thoughtful. I have learned that my character is reflected in how I treat other people and in my willingness to consider perspectives that challenge my own beliefs.
Developing Perseverance Through Academic Challenges
Finally, college has strengthened my perseverance. Not every examination has gone as I hoped, and not every week has been successful, but these experiences have taught me to remain focused and resilient. Rather than becoming discouraged when difficulties arise, I have learned to seek help when necessary and continue searching for solutions instead of giving up. These experiences are shaping me into someone who does not quit when faced with obstacles. Overall, I am becoming more confident, patient, and purposeful. College is transforming not only what I know but also who I am and the kind of person I aspire to become.
Works Cited
Limeri, Lisa B., et al. "Growing a Growth Mindset: Characterizing How and Why Undergraduate Students' Mindsets Change." International Journal of STEM Education, vol. 7, no. 1, 2020, p. 35. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s40594-020-00227-2.