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“Who Am I” Essay Examples & Student Guidelines

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  • Icon Calendar 23 August 2024
  • Icon Page 5309 words
  • Icon Clock 24 min read

Essay writing is an exciting and challenging academic activity, and it helps students to develop essential writing skills, such as creative thinking, reflective, and analytical skills. When writing an essay on the topic “Who Am I,” students should understand what is required of them before starting a paper. Ideally, educational departments and tutors provide instructions, and they dictate the approach students should take when writing academic texts. In principle, such a work should reflect the first-person language because this prompt requires learners to tell the audience about themselves. Moreover, writers can use narrative, philosophical, college application, or autobiographical approaches in writing such a composition. Hence, people need to understand how to write a “Who Am I” essay to provide high-quality papers and achieve desired outcomes.

General Guidelines

Essay writing is an academic activity, and it exposes students to conventions of formal writing and enhances their critical thinking, analytical, and reflective skills. Although there are different types of essays , there are no significant differences in their structures, outlines, and applicable academic writing rules. Basically, the only areas where papers seem to be different are topics and their content. For example, an argumentative essay advances the writer’s perspective on an issue, while a narrative essay provides the author’s life story. In the former, students intend to persuade the audience by considering specific arguments, and, in the latter, they inform readers about personal experiences with life lessons. However, when writing a paper on the topic “Who Am I,” writers should first understand what is required of them and then talk about themselves.

how to write a who am i essay

What Is a “Who Am I ” Essay and Its Purpose

According to its definition, a “Who Am I ” essay is a reflective composition where people write about themselves using their self, identity, values, beliefs, experiences, and personal characteristics. The main purpose of writing a “Who Am I” essay is to introduce an author of this paper to a reader by using his or her sense of self as a common ground and how it forms identity with other personal elements (Sawyer, 2020). In most cases, people write such compositions for educational or professional objectives, such as college admissions, personal statements, or job applications, to present their authentic selves to committee boards or employers. Moreover, authors must show what sets them apart from other individuals and write about their backgrounds, cultures, families, educations, significant life events, achievements, hobbies, qualities, strengths, passions, interests, influences, and other personal aspects (Sawyer, 2020). Hence, a “Who Am I ” essay serves as a meaningful expression of individuality and a reflection on the diverse components, and they contribute to one’s identity. In terms of pages and words, the length of a “Who Am I” essay can vary depending on the educational level and the specific requirements of the institution or course instructions, while general guidelines for each level are:

High School

  • Length: 0.5-2 pages
  • Word Count: 100-600 words
  • Length: 2-3 pages
  • Word Count: 600-900 words

University (Undergraduate)

  • Length: 3-4 pages
  • Word Count: 900-1,200 words

Master’s

  • Length: 4-5 pages
  • Word Count: 1,200-1,500 words
  • Length: 5-6 pages
  • Word Count: 1,500-1,800 words

In principle, personal essays suggest asking writers to talk about themselves and tend to be different from standard formal papers. Basically, one point of difference is that students have to use the first-person language, which is discouraged in formal writing (Rowland, 2019). Since this type of work requires people to talk about themselves, such a paper takes several forms. For example, these structures include formats of narrative, philosophical, college application, and autobiographical compositions (Sawyer, 2020). To start a “Who Am I” essay, writers begin by using a strong statement, which sets the tone and then introduce the key themes or aspects of their identities they will discuss further. Although a paper’s topic is in a particular question form, it does not necessarily mean authors are unsure about themselves (Sawyer, 2020). Moreover, such a format means they intend to answer this question in a paper by following a particular way to the audience’s benefit. In a “Who Am I” essay, writers should write about their personal backgrounds, interests, passions, core values, beliefs, significant life experiences, personality traits, goals, and aspirations, tying these elements together to paint a comprehensive picture of their identities (Sawyer, 2020). As a quick overview, possible examples of characteristics that one can use for writing a “Who Am I” essay, include:

CharacteristicExplanation
Personal ValuesStart by talking about core principles, values, and beliefs guiding or directing your decisions and actions, such as honesty, integrity, and empathy, which occur during upbringing, experiences, and personal reflections.
Cultural BackgroundProvide your heritage, traditions, and cultural influences shaping your identity, including customs, languages, and societal norms inherited from your ethnic or cultural group.
Family InfluenceExpand on some impacts of family members and upbringing on your personality and values, covering lessons learned from parents, siblings, or other relatives, as well as your family dynamics and environment.
Educational JourneyInclude significant learning experiences and achievements defining you, such as formal education, important teachers or mentors, pivotal learning moments, and academic interests.
Personal InterestsWrite about hobbies and activities you are passionate about and how they shape your identity, including sports, arts, reading, gaming, volunteering, and other pursuits bringing joy and fulfillment.
Life ExperiencesIncorporate key events or experiences having a major impact on your life, like travels, significant personal achievements, challenges faced, or moments of realization and growth/
Strengths and SkillsPresent unique abilities and strengths distinguishing you from others, covering your talents, technical skills, soft skills, like adaptability, communication, and teamwork, and personal strengths, such as determination, creativity, and resilience.
Goals and AspirationsDefine long-term objectives and dreams motivating and driving you to move forward, which include career goals, personal aspirations, and life goals, as well as the plans and efforts you are making to achieve them.
Personality TraitsCover distinct characteristics and behaviors defining your individuality, such as being outgoing, introverted, humorous, analytical, or compassionate, and how these traits influence your interactions and decisions.
Overcoming ChallengesAdd difficulties or obstacles you have faced and how you have overcome them, consisting of personal, academic, or professional challenges, the strategies you used to address them, and the lessons learned from these experiences.

A narrative essay is one where the author’s focus is to provide the audience with a life story. Basically, this life story can take many writing forms, including personal or family experiences (Griffo et al., 2021). In short, a “Who Am I” essay in a narrative format utilizes personal anecdotes as a means of communication. To start an essay about who you are, writers begin with an engaging hook, such as a compelling quote, an interesting anecdote, or a thought-provoking question, followed by a thesis statement, which introduces the main themes or aspects of their identities they will explore later. Moreover, one of the strategies for writing these papers is adopting a “show, not tell” strategy, which means using vivid descriptions rather than informative statements (Warner, 2020). Therefore, a narrative essay on the topic “Who Am I” should focus on the writer’s personal experiences and help the audience to understand an author. Since a topic is a direct question, one expectation is that students use personal anecdotes to provide an answer, and it should benefit the audience more than them. When it comes to grading, what matters the most is whether students have used narratives to educate the audience about who they are.

Philosophical

Philosophy is a discipline that focuses on unraveling the mysteries of life and nature. As such, a philosophical essay is one in which students engage the audience in a topic of discovery (Rogers, 2018). In this case, one can argue that the essay’s type is informative. Since the topic “Who Am I” denotes an aspect of an investigation, learners who use a philosophical approach focus on telling the audience things about themselves and advance their understanding of human nature. The best philosophical answer to “Who Are You?” is: “I am a being in a constant state of becoming, shaped by my experiences, actions, and reflections.” On expectations, the paper’s content should not dwell on a writer’s demographical background or personal experiences but on who an author is in the context of human nature and its strengths and weaknesses (Schwartz et al., 2017). When it comes to grading, what matters is whether writers have applied a philosophical lens to describe themselves. In turn, a good example is writing about what makes them strong, vulnerable, or weak.

College Application

College or university application is a type of essay that potential students write to admission boards or committees of their choice institutions. Basically, a “Who Am I” essay for colleges aims to convince and persuade the board or committee that applicants have all that it takes to be a student (Sawyer, 2020). To achieve this goal, learners provide their personal essential details that are likely to advance their courses. For example, these details include personal attributes, academic performance (grades), work experiences, and future aspirations (Sawyer, 2020). Therefore, the expectation of a college application essay on the topic “Who Am I” is that it should inform the audience what makes writers outstanding and appropriate students for a higher learning admission. When it comes to grading, what matters the most is whether authors have emphatically made a case to college boards of why they are the best candidates for admission.

Autobiographical

By definition, an autobiography is a life story that captures the subject’s entire life. However, since it is hardly possible to write an individual’s life story – every detail about themselves since they were born – authors focus on what is relevant at any one given time (Rowland, 2019). Hence, to write a “Who Am I” story, writers narrate key events and experiences that shaped their identities in the past, describe their personal values and passions to readers, highlight significant relationships and influences they had, and reflect on how these elements contribute to who they are today. Moreover, when writing an autobiographical essay on the topic “Who Am I,” the expectation is that students provide details about themselves, and they need to help the audience to understand them better. For example, such details may include their family lineage, demographical (race, ethnicity, gender, language, and nationality) background, academic credentials, and professional accomplishments (Sawyer, 2020). In this case, indicating one’s marital status and life’s philosophy are also crucial details in such an essay. On grading, the thing that matters the most is whether authors have offered a wholesome picture of who they are, from childhood to a present moment.

Outlines and Structures

Academic writing standards require students and researchers to adopt a structure and an outline appropriate for their text when writing any academic paper. Typically, essays assume a three-component structure of introduction, main text (body), and conclusion (Warner, 2020). When writing a paper on the topic “Who Am I” in narrative, philosophical, college application, or autobiographical forms, a student must use a structure that is appropriate for a particular composition. Besides a structure and an outline, there are other features students must consider when writing a “Who Am I” essay in one of the formats.

Narrative Format

When writing a narrative essay on the theme “Who Am I,” a student must follow an outline below:

I. Introduction

  • Topic introduction (Significance of the topic “Who Am I”)
  • Thesis statement

II. Body Paragraph(s)

  • Setting or background of an event
  • People involved
  • Short anecdote

III. Conclusion

  • Lesson learned

Essential features. Students must address all the critical features in a “Who Am I” essay as applicable in these three sections. For the introduction part, learners must briefly introduce themselves and clearly state a thesis of their compositions. In the paper’s body, they must use several paragraphs to tell the audience about themselves (Warner, 2020). To explain who you are in an essay, writers highlight important identity aspects, including their backgrounds, experiences, values, passions, and traits, integrate them into their narratives, and illustrate how these elements shaped who you are today. Since the communication should be in a story form, authors can use each paragraph to tell a personal anecdote, and it enables the audience to understand them better (Rowland, 2019). Besides, one of the features writers must capture in the paper’s body is a “show, not tell” method, being an aspect of providing vivid details or writing descriptions. In turn, the most significant features students should capture in the conclusion section are a restatement of a thesis sentence and a lesson learned. As a result, the audience must see this lesson as a moral aspect of a narrative story on the topic “Who Am I.”

Philosophical Format

When writing a philosophical essay on the theme “Who Am I,” students should follow an outline format below:

  • Thesis statement (The question that a writer intends to answer)
  • Clarification of this question
  • A reason why this question is critical
  • Answer a direct question through a topic sentence in one or several paragraphs
  • Qualify and defend a thesis in one or several paragraphs
  • Thesis restatement
  • Summary of the main point(s) in the body paragraph(s)

Essential features. In each of the three sections of a “Who Am I” essay, learners must address crucial writing elements. Firstly, the introduction must be opened with a thesis statement that introduces a specific question, and an author seeks to answer it. Basically, they should make the audience understand a reviewed question and explain its importance to them (writers) and the audience (Rogers, 2018). Then, they can use one or more paragraphs in the body section, depending on their paper’s length. In the case of a one-page essay writing, there should be only one paragraph, which opens with a topic sentence. In turn, this sentence should answer a specific question and form the paper’s theme. Moreover, writers need to qualify and defend their thesis. In the conclusion section, they must restate a thesis and summarize the main points.

College Application Format

When writing a college application essay on the theme “Who Am I,” students must follow an outline that helps accomplish their objective – to convince the admission committee they are the best candidates among many applicants. Hence, such an outline should be as follows:

  • First supporting idea
  • Second supporting idea
  • Third supporting idea
  • Restate a thesis
  • Reflect on the main ideas
  • Closing remark

Essential features. When writing the introduction for a “Who Am I” essay in a college application format, students should provide a hook to grab the attention of the audience. For example, this aspect should be an interesting fact or a quote from a famous personality (Sawyer, 2020). Then, another essential feature is contextualizing a paper by stating the purpose of writing concisely. Basically, this statement is what should be a thesis sentence of such a composition. In the main body, authors should use body paragraphs, each introducing a critical idea. However, if a “Who Am I” essay is a one-page document, they should write specific ideas in a single body paragraph. These ideas are what help writers to strengthen their cases before the admission committee. Moreover, such elements can be personal attributes, academic performance, or work experiences. In the conclusion section, learners need to restate a thesis and reflect on the main ideas, closing with a remark that impresses the audience.

Autobiographical Format

When writing an autobiographical essay on the theme “Who Am I,” students should follow an outline below:

  • Introduce yourself to the audience
  • Early years
  • Future plans
  • Restate a thesis statement
  • Tie up all the experiences

Essential features. Key elements that students must address in writing the introduction part of a “Who Am I” essay by following an autobiographical format are a hook, which grabs the readers’ attention, a brief self-introduction, and a thesis statement. In this case, writers should use several body paragraphs in such a paper. However, if an essay is a one-page document, authors should use one body paragraph. Moreover, writing components of a body paragraph should be details about the writer’s life, such as childhood, early education, cultural orientation, and aspirations (Rowland, 2019). To conclude a “Who Am I” essay, writers restate a thesis, tie up all the details about their lives addressed, and end with a memorable closing thought or reflection on their journeys and future aspirations.

Narrative Topic: Who Am I as a Person

Introduction

Adults say that adolescence is a period of development full of dramatic episodes. For me, it is a stage that saw my childhood friends become a significant influence on my worldview. The topic “Who Am I” focuses on investigating aspects of my life that define how I see myself and how others see me. As such, I can say that I am an individual who loathes social gatherings but is always willing to let my friends push me out of my comfort zone.

For me, friendships are not only social relationships but concepts that define how I view and relate to the world. Since when I was a child, I have never been a person who loves social gatherings. I get irritated quickly when people try to dictate what I should be doing or saying at any particular moment. For example, on one occasion, I caused a violent commotion when a friend tried to make me dance with a stranger in a nightclub. However, life is not that easy. We cannot avoid social interactions. For this reason, I have a few friends who are also introverts but who are willing to push themselves to the edge. As a result, they always come up with plans to take themselves outdoors to, at least, interact with others as human beings.

When I look at my life, I can confidently say that I rarely interact with people. However, I always let my friends push me from my comfort zone. In turn, what I have learned so far in life is that close friends fundamentally and significantly influence how individuals see the world around them.

Philosophical Topic: Who Am I in Essense

Although I am an insignificant player in the theatre of life, I hope to become an influential person one day. Basically, the question “Who Am I” underscores the fact that human nature is complicated, and it takes an entire lifetime for individuals to understand themselves fully. In particular, the essence of this question is that, despite sharing humanity’s title, people from all walks of life express themselves in diverse ways.

On the question “Who Am I,” I can confidently say that I am an individual in the process of “becoming.” For example, when it comes to talking about human beings and the world, the discourse that attracts a significant audience is a discussion about men and women who have made a mark in the world. Moreover, these aspects include war heroes, successful businesspersons, influential political leaders, and controversial personalities. In this case, my contribution to the world stage can only be defined as insignificant. Nonetheless, I do not allow this reality to define my self-concept. I believe that “human life is a journey of a thousand miles,” and even those that we celebrate today are once insignificant personalities. Besides, I believe that a secret is to remain focused on what one desires to be in the coming future. In turn, I have a habit of volunteering in healthcare settings because I would love to become a nurse after college.

Life is like a river that can carry an individual to familiar or strange destinations. In my case, I am hopeful that it will relocate me from a place of insignificance to a place of significance. For this reason, I always remain cheerful, optimistic, and hopeful, and, one day, I will be influential like those we celebrate today.

College Application Topic: Who Am I for My Admission

Ever since I was a child, I have always loved to visit hospitals and other healthcare settings. Also, I believe this is why I love sciences and why I have always performed remarkably well in these subjects. In turn, my present application is an effort toward a realization of my dream to become a healthcare professional.

My healthcare career journey started when I was a child, and all along, I have maintained this pursuit. When you look at my GPA, I have performed remarkably well in sciences, which, I believe, makes a perfect case for a healthcare career. Besides education, I have had opportunities to work closely with medical personnel in diverse settings, including first-aid simulations in community healthcare centers. Moreover, I have volunteered in local hospitals, experiences that I consider to have shaped my perspectives on patient care significantly. In this case, I believe that you should consider my application because I am a self-driven individual who always looks for opportunities in challenges. Hence, my admission into a Bachelor of Nursing Degree will orient me to nuisances of healthcare delivery. With such knowledge, my dream to become a healthcare professional would be within reach. 

Applying for a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing is an effort to realize my lifelong dream of becoming a healthcare professional. As you consider my application, I implore you to consider the far I have come in preparation for this career. Thus, given an opportunity to study a program in your college, I will learn to become an effective healthcare professional.

Autobiographical Topic: Who Am I in My Life

People say that the only way to know an individual is to know a personal heritage. As an African American, I take pride in being part of a race, being so rich in culture, and one that leans on traditions. Talking about “Who Am I,” I can confidently say that I am a child of a world that takes pride in cultural heritage.

I was born about three decades ago in a town famous for its natural beauty. As a whole, the State of Virginia is more rural than urban. Basically, this characteristic has played a significant role in defining my naturalist tendencies. Also, I am a lover of nature. For example, I habitually take walks every evening just to see nature – trees, birds, and butterflies. About education and career, I attended an Ivy League college and have built a career as a legal practitioner. In my family, I have three siblings – one sister and two brothers. In turn, I am yet to marry as my career seems to take all of my time. What I prize the most is the fact that I am an African American young adult with a promising career in a world that seems intolerant to successful individuals of African heritage.

Being a successful African American in a world that seems to prejudice successful people of African heritage is a blessing to me. When I look at my life journey, I can only say that my cultural heritage is among the things I prize the most.

Defining Characteristics

A thesis statement appears in the introduction section of a “Who Am I” essay, thus setting the entire paper’s tone and writing theme. What follows is a body paragraph, which opens with a topic sentence. Moreover, the body paragraph’s content revolves around a topic sentence, which advances the composition’s central idea (Sawyer, 2020). Then, one of the defining characteristics of examples of “Who Am I” essays for different formats is the use of the first-person language. Basically, this aspect helps writers to “show, not tell,” and is evident from writing the body paragraph. In a narrative essay, it is an example of the nightclub commotion, and, in a philosophical piece, it is the habit of volunteering in healthcare settings. In a college application paper, the feature is evident in a story about working with medical personnel in first-aid simulations. In an autobiographical composition, it is about evening walks to appreciate nature.

Effective Writing Strategies

When writing a “Who Am I” essay in different formats, students should use good strategies, and they should guarantee a high-quality product. In this case, the first strategy is utilizing transitions to create a natural and logical flow from one paragraph to the next or section to section. For example, common transitions are “therefore,” “additionally,” “put differently,” “hence,” “thus,” and “however” (Warner, 2020). Then, another strategy is subjecting a paper to a peer review. Here, writers give the first draft to a friend, tutor, or mentor to read and identify errors and mistakes. Besides, if there are any mistakes, students revise and edit their papers to eliminate them. Another strategy is proofreading the final draft to ensure mistakes are not made while typing words, or writers must revise and edit it accordingly. In turn, some sentence examples of strong starters for beginning a “Who Am I” essay include:

StarterExplanation
From an early age, I have always been intrigued by … .Introduce a long-standing interest or passion shaping your identity.
Growing up in [place], I learned to appreciate … .Provide context about your upbringing and its impact on your values and perspective.
One of the most defining moments in my life was when … .Put the reader into a specific, impactful experience influincing who you are now.
If there is one word that could describe me, it would be … .Focus on a key characteristic or value describing your identity.
My family has always taught me the importance of … .Highlight the influence of your family and their values on your development.
As a [role/identity], I have faced many challenges, including … .Determine your personal struggles and how they have shaped your character.
What truly sets me apart from other individuals is my passion for … .Emphasize a unique interest or talent being central to your identity.
I have always been driven by a desire to … .Write about your motivations and goals giving insight into what drives you.
My cultural heritage has played a significant role in … .Explore the influence of your cultural background on your beliefs and behaviors.
Reflecting on my life journey so far, I realize … .Summarize key aspects of your life and identity.

How to Write a “Who Am I” Essay

Writing a “Who Am I” essay in less than 100 words requires conciseness and clarity. Here are the 5 steps to achieve this objective:

1. Identify Key Points: Choose 2-3 main aspects of your identity to focus on (e.g., a value, a passion, a key experience).

  • Value: Compassion
  • Passion: Music
  • Experience: Volunteering

2. Write a Strong Opening: Start with one sentence capturing the essence of who you are.

  • Growing up in my African American neighborhood, I learned to appreciate music and volunteering as my passion and way of life.

3. Provide Brief Details: Give one or two sentences for each aspect you chose, providing specific but concise details.

  • My parents always wanted to educate me as a good person, so they decided to send me to a local piano school. I remember this time as a significant part of my childhood because this musical instrument taught me not only how to press the piano keys but also how to communicate with other people, helping them in difficult times.

4. Conclude Effectively: End with one sentence putting your points together and leaving a lasting impression.

  • At the same time, I realized giving back and supporting my community could sound like the music I love with all my heart.

5. Edit for Clarity: Remove any unnecessary words or details to stay within the limit of about 100 words.

  • Growing up in my African American neighborhood, I learned to appreciate music and volunteering as my passion and way of life. My parents always wanted to educate me as a good person, so they decided to send me to a local piano school. I remember this time as a significant part of my childhood because this musical instrument taught me not only how to press the piano keys but also how to communicate with other people, helping them in difficult times. At the same time, I realized giving back and supporting my community could sound like the music I love with all my heart.

A final example of writing a “Who Am I” essay in less than 100 words is:

Growing up in my African American neighborhood, I learned to appreciate music and volunteering as my passion and way of life. My parents always wanted to educate me as a good person, so they sent me to a local piano school. I remember this time as a significant part of my childhood because this musical instrument taught me not only how to press the piano keys but also how to help people in difficult times. At the same time, I realized giving back and supporting my community could sound like the music I love with all my heart.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Lack of Focus: Writing a disorganized “Who Am I” essay without a clear central theme or message.
  • Overgeneralization: Being too vague and not providing specific examples or details.
  • Clichés and Stereotypes: Using overused phrases and stereotypes that do not truly represent your unique identity.
  • Neglecting Structure: Failing to organize your paper with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
  • Ignoring Prompt Instructions: Not addressing the specific requirements or questions of an essay’s prompt.
  • Excessive Self-Praise: Overemphasizing achievements without demonstrating humility or reflection.
  • Being Too Negative: Focusing excessively on failures and challenges without highlighting growth and learning.
  • Lack of Personal Voice: Writing in a way that does not reflect your true self or personal voice.
  • Grammar and Spelling Errors: Failing to proofread and correct mistakes in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
  • Ignoring Feedback: Not seeking or considering feedback from others to improve your composition.

Essay writing is an exciting and challenging academic exercise for students across all levels of education. Although there are different types of essays, structure and outline formats remain the same: introduction, body, and conclusion. In essence, what students need to understand is the essential features that enrich the content in the introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. When writing an essay on “Who Am I” students need to know – this composition is different from a standard format. Moreover, the central point of difference is that such works require students to use the first-person language in a paper, which can take formats of narrative, philosophical, college application, or autobiographical essays. In writing this type of document, students must master the following tips:

  • Use the first-person language.
  • Make use of personal anecdotes.
  • “Show, not tell” by providing vivid descriptions.
  • Develop a thesis in the introduction.
  • Include topic sentences to introduce ideas in a paragraph.
  • Observe a maximum length requirement and a minimum length requirement of a “Who Am I” essay by considering a word count.

Griffo, R., Lemay, E., & Moreno, A. H. (2021). Who am I? Let me think: Assessing the considered self-concept. SAGE Open , 11 (1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440211004278

Rogers, L. O. (2018). Who am I, who are we? Erikson and a transactional approach to identity research. Identity , 18 (4), 284–294. https://doi.org/10.1080/15283488.2018.1523728

Rowland, A. M. (2019). 7 steps to your best essay: An undergraduate’s guide to excellent academic writing . Independently Published.

Sawyer, E. (2020). College admission essentials: A step-by-step guide to showing colleges who you are and what matters to you . Sourcebooks.

Schwartz, S. J., Meca, A., & Petrova, M. (2017). Who am I and why does it matter? Linking personal identity and self-concept clarity. Self-Concept Clarity , 145–164. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71547-6_8

Warner, J. (2020). Why they can’t write: Killing the five-paragraph essay and other necessities . Johns Hopkins University Press.

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who am i essay sociology

  • Unit IV. Socialization
Exercise
  • Twenty Statements Test
  • Description This exercise consists of a questionnaire with one question "who am I?" This then can lead into class discussions of socialization and how institutions influences their answers to the question.
  • Learning Goals To relate the concept of socialization to students' own lives, and thereby gain a greater understanding of the role that institutions play on self image. Back to top
  • Things Needed A copy of the questionnaire for each student, and 30 minutes to one class period of class discussion after the questionnaire is administered. Back to top
  • Actions The results of the open-ended “Who Am I?” questionnaire may be used in a discussion of how various agencies of socialization influence and help to establish our sense of person identity. The questionnaire is to be filled out in the classroom. Because the questionnaire is very personal, students may be instructed to fold the questionnaire vertically so that their answers are shielded from others. Students may be surprised to find out how strongly social institutions, such as the family, the educational system, and the mass media influence their sense of personal identity. This exercise may lead to a discussion of the problem of “oversocialization” versus free will in the development of the self. In viewing the questionnaire, ask students whether they described themselves in terms of social roles or personal qualities. Did the answers reflect positive aspects of self, negative elements, or neutral qualities? Back to top
  • Back to top
  • Creator/Source Adapted from Eleen A. Baumann, Richard G. Mitchell, Jr., and Caroline Hodges Persell. 1989. Instructor Resource Manual to accompany Persell, Understanding Sociology , Third Edition. New York: Harper & Row, p. 44 & p. 305.
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How to Write a Sociological Essay: Explained with Examples

This article will discuss “How to Write a Sociological Essay” with insider pro tips and give you a map that is tried and tested. An essay writing is done in three phases: a) preparing for the essay, b) writing the essay, and c) editing the essay. We will take it step-by-step so that nothing is left behind because the devil, as well as good grades and presentation, lies in the details.

Those who belong to the world of academia know that writing is something that they cannot escape. No writing is the same when it comes to different disciplines of academia. Similarly, the discipline of sociology demands a particular style of formal academic writing. If you’re a new student of sociology, it can be an overwhelming subject, and writing assignments don’t make the course easier. Having some tips handy can surely help you write and articulate your thoughts better. 

[Let us take a running example throughout the article so that every point becomes crystal clear. Let us assume that the topic we have with us is to “Explore Culinary Discourse among the Indian Diasporic Communities” .]

Phase I: Preparing for the Essay  

Step 1: make an outline.

So you have to write a sociological essay, which means that you already either received or have a topic in mind. The first thing for you to do is PLAN how you will attempt to write this essay. To plan, the best way is to make an outline. The topic you have, certainly string some thread in your mind. They can be instances you heard or read, some assumptions you hold, something you studied in the past, or based on your own experience, etc. Make a rough outline where you note down all the themes you would like to talk about in your essay. The easiest way to make an outline is to make bullet points. List all the thoughts and examples that you have in find and create a flow for your essay. Remember that this is only a rough outline so you can always make changes and reshuffle your points. 

[Explanation through example, assumed topic: “Explore Culinary Discourse among the Indian Diasporic Communities” . Your outline will look something like this:

Step 2: Start Reading 

Once you have prepared an outline for your essay, the next step is to start your RESEARCH . You cannot write a sociological essay out of thin air. The essay needs to be thoroughly researched and based on facts. Sociology is the subject of social science that is based on facts and evidence. Therefore, start reading as soon as you have your outline determined. The more you read, the more factual data you will collect. But the question which now emerges is “what to read” . You cannot do a basic Google search to write an academic essay. Your research has to be narrow and concept-based. For writing a sociological essay, make sure that the sources from where you read are academically acclaimed and accepted.  

For best search, search for your articles by typing “Food+Diaspora”, “Food+Nostalgia”, adding a plus sign (+) improves the search result.]

Step 3: Make Notes 

This is a step that a lot of people miss when they are preparing to write their essays. It is important to read, but how you read is also a very vital part. When you are reading from multiple sources then all that you read becomes a big jumble of information in your mind. It is not possible to remember who said what at all times. Therefore, what you need to do while reading is to maintain an ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY . Whenever you’re reading for writing an academic essay then have a notebook handy, or if you prefer electronic notes then prepare a Word Document, Google Docs, Notes, or any tool of your choice to make notes. 

As you begin reading, note down the title of the article, its author, and the year of publication. As you read, keep writing down all the significant points that you find. You can either copy whole sentences or make shorthand notes, whatever suits you best. Once you’ve read the article and made your notes, write a summary of what you just read in 8 to 10 lines. Also, write keywords, these are the words that are most used in the article and reflect its essence. Having keywords and a summary makes it easier for you to revisit the article. A sociological essay needs a good amount of research, which means that you have to read plenty, thus maintaining an annotated bibliography helps you in the greater picture.  

[Explanation through example, assumed topic: “Explore Culinary Discourse among the Indian Diasporic Communities” . 

Annotate and divide your notes based on the outline you made. Having organized notes will help you directly apply the concepts where they are needed rather than you going and searching for them again.] 

Phase II: Write a Sociological Essay

Step 4: writing a title, subtitle, abstract, and keywords .

The title of any document is the first thing that a reader comes across. Therefore, the title should be provocative, specific, and the most well-thought part of any essay. Your title should reflect what your essay will discuss further. There has to be a sync between the title and the rest of your content. The title should be the biggest font size you use in your essay. 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: A title preferably should not exceed 5 to 7 words.  

The abstract is a 6 to 10 line description of what you will talk about in your essay. An abstract is a very substantial component of a sociological essay. Most of the essays written in academia exceed the word limit of 2000 words. Therefore, a writer, i.e., you, provides the reader with a short abstract at the beginning of your essay so that they can know what you are going to discuss. From the point of view of the reader, a good abstract can save time and help determine if the piece is worth reading or not. Thus, make sure to make your abstract as reflective to your essay as possible using the least amount of words.  

Your abstract should highlight all the points that you will further discuss. Therefore your abstract should mention how diasporic communities are formed and how they are not homogeneous communities. There are differences within this large population. In your essay, you will talk in detail about all the various aspects that affect food and diasporic relationships. ]

Keywords are an extension of your abstract. Whereas in your abstract you will use a paragraph to tell the reader what to expect ahead, by stating keywords, you point out the essence of your essay by using only individual words. These words are mostly concepts of social sciences. At first, glance, looking at your keywords, the reader should get informed about all the concepts and themes you will explain in detail later. 

Your keywords could be: Food, Diaspora, Migration, and so on. Build on these as you continue to write your essay.]   

Step 5: Writing the Introduction, Main Body, and Conclusion 

Your introduction should talk about the subject on which you are writing at the broadest level. In an introduction, you make your readers aware of what you are going to argue later in the essay. An introduction can discuss a little about the history of the topic, how it was understood till now, and a framework of what you are going to talk about ahead. You can think of your introduction as an extended form of the abstract. Since it is the first portion of your essay, it should paint a picture where the readers know exactly what’s ahead of them. 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: An apt introduction can be covered in 2 to 3 paragraphs (Look at the introduction on this article if you need proof). 

Since your focus is on “food” and “diaspora”, your introductory paragraph can dwell into a little history of the relationship between the two and the importance of food in community building.] 

This is the most extensive part of any essay. It is also the one that takes up the most number of words. All the research and note-making which you did was for this part. The main body of your essay is where you put all the knowledge you gathered into words. When you are writing the body, your aim should be to make it flow, which means that all paragraphs should have a connection between them. When read in its entirety, the paragraphs should sing together rather than float all around. 

The main body is mostly around 4 to 6 paragraphs long. A sociological essay is filled with debates, theories, theorists, and examples. When writing the main body it is best to target making one or two paragraphs about the same revolving theme. When you shift to the other theme, it is best to connect it with the theme you discussed in the paragraph right above it to form a connection between the two. If you are dividing your essay into various sub-themes then the best way to correlate them is starting each new subtheme by reflecting on the last main arguments presented in the theme before it. To make a sociological essay even more enriching, include examples that exemplify the theoretical concepts better. 

The main body can here be divided into the categories which you formed during the first step of making the rough outline. Therefore, your essay could have 3 to 4 sub-sections discussing different themes such as: Food and Media, Caste and Class influence food practices, Politics of Food, Gendered Lens, etc.] 

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: As the introduction, the conclusion is smaller compared to the main body. Keep your conclusion within the range of 1 to 2 paragraphs. 

Step 6: Citation and Referencing 

This is the most academic part of your sociological essay. Any academic essay should be free of plagiarism. But how can one avoid plagiarism when their essay is based on research which was originally done by others. The solution for this is to give credit to the original author for their work. In the world of academia, this is done through the processes of Citation and Referencing (sometimes also called Bibliography). Citation is done within/in-between the text, where you directly or indirectly quote the original text. Whereas, Referencing or Bibliography is done at the end of an essay where you give resources of the books or articles which you have quoted in your essay at various points. Both these processes are done so that the reader can search beyond your essay to get a better grasp of the topic. 

How to add citations in Word Document: References → Insert Citations 

But for those who want to cite manually, this is the basic format to follow:

Pro Tip by Sociology Group: Always make sure that your Bibliography/References are alphabetically ordered based on the first alphabet of the surname of the author and NOT numbered or bulleted. 

Phase III: Editing 

Step 7: edit/review your essay.

Hello! Eiti is a budding sociologist whose passion lies in reading, researching, and writing. She thrives on coffee, to-do lists, deadlines, and organization. Eiti’s primary interest areas encompass food, gender, and academia.

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Three top tips for writing sociology essays

who am i essay sociology

The Craft of Writing in Sociology

  • By Andrew Balmer and Anne Murcott
  • September 19 th 2017

As the academic semester gets underway, we talked to three senior colleagues in Sociology at the University of Manchester to come up with their ‘pet peeves’ when marking student’s essays. Here are some of their comments, and some of our top tips to help you to improve your work.

First, lecturers said they were frustrated with the way that students write their opening paragraphs:

“A main peeve of mine in student writing is poor introductions. Three common errors regularly stand out: throat clearing sentences (e.g. ‘globalisation is an important topic’, ‘Marx was an important writer’); dictionary definitions for core sociological concepts; and introductions that merely restate the question. What I really want to see from an introduction is a brief account of how the student is approaching the question at hand, what key questions the essay will address, and what answer the student will come to at the end of the essay.” – Senior Lecturer in Sociology

This was a point on which our three colleagues agreed: students often waste the introduction. Here is top tip number one to help you improve your essays:

1. Give the reader a guide to your argument. Much as you would give someone directions in how to get to where they’re going, tell your reader what steps you will take, what the key turning points will be, why it is important to take this route and, ultimately, where you will end up. In other words, tell your reader exactly what you will conclude and why, right at the beginning.

Another point on which our colleagues agreed was that sociological essays can be imprecise, and are sometimes written in a style which is meant to sound intellectual, but which is more confusing than it is enlightening. As one senior lecturer put it:

“A pet peeve of mine is imprecise language, for example peppering an essay with terms like ‘however’, ‘therefore’, and ‘consequently’, but without attending to the logical relationship between sentences that those words are supposed to signal. If the logical connector is wrong then the argument fails. This kind of error is often motivated, I think, by students wanting their essays to ‘sound academic’, when often they would have been more convincing by using simpler language more precisely.” – Senior Lecturer in Sociology

It is worth planning the time needed to rework your essays because a good argument can be let down by poor presentation. Here is top tip number two:

2. Your written work should prioritise clarity and concision over entertainment and erudition when making an argument. Students often write in a style which they think makes their points sound important, but get lost in the meaning of what they are saying by doing so. It might be that you have quite a command of English and want to show off your knowledge of polysyllabic or unusual words, or it might be that you wish to imitate the sociological writers whom you admire. Whatever additional reasons you have for writing, there is none more important in a sociological essay than making your argument clear. Words such as ‘however’ and ‘moreover’ should be used to indicate how your ideas are linked together, not to start a sentence with a good word. Be sure that when you edit your work, you edit for the argument, prioritising the word choices which best help to make your point. Such decisions will reflect maturity and consideration in your written work, and it is these which will truly impress a reader.

A final element which our three colleagues all listed in their top pet peeves was poor structure:

“I am often frustrated by the poor structuring of an essay. In other words, with the order in which ideas are presented, either at the level of the whole essay or at paragraph level. Essays that ping-pong from one idea to another, and then back to the original idea, indicate that the student has not really thought their argument through. A trickier thing to get right is the structuring of paragraphs, and some students seem keen to cram in as many (often unconnected) points into one paragraph as possible.” – Senior Lecturer in Sociology

The key point to learn when it comes to structuring your work is to make your writing serve your argument. You should present the main turns of your argument clearly, so as to reach a natural conclusion. Here is top tip number three for improving your essays:

3. Redraft your work for your argument, before you edit and proof-read it. Students often write to tight deadlines and do not plan enough time for a good second draft of their work. Instead, they write a first draft and then edit it as they proof-read it. When writing the first draft of an essay you will still be working out what the argument is. This is because writing helps you to think, so as you write your full first draft you will be meandering around a little, finding the best route as you go. Instead of merely editing this and checking the grammar, you should seriously re-draft the essay in light of the argument you now know you wish to make. This will help you to write a good introduction, since you can now say clearly from the outset what you will go on to argue, and a good conclusion, for you will now be able to say exactly what you have argued and why. Re-drafting for the argument means taking out material, adding in material and ensuring that each paragraph has a main point to contribute. It is an essential step in producing a good essay, which must be undertaken prior to editing for sense and proof-reading for typographical mistakes.

These tips point you towards the most important part of learning to write good sociological essays: bringing everything you do into the service of producing an argument which responds to the question and provides a satisfying answer.

Featured image credit: meeting by Eric Bailey. CC0 Public Domain via Pexels .

Andrew Balmer is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Manchester and member of the Morgan Centre for Research into Everyday Lives. He is co-author of a new book, The Craft of Writing in Sociology: Developing the Argument in Undergraduate Essays and Dissertations , published by Manchester University Press. Andrew can be found on Twitter @AndyBalmer .

Anne Murcott is Honorary Professor at the University of Nottingham and Honorary Professorial Research Associate at SOAS, University of London. She is author of numerous books and edited collections, including The Craft of Writing in Sociology .

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How to Write a Sociology Essay

HOW TO WRITE A SOCIOLOGY ESSAY

Table of Contents

Introduction to Sociology Essay Writing

What is a sociology essay.

A sociology essay is an academic piece that explores various aspects of society and social behavior. It examines patterns, causes, and effects of social interactions among individuals and groups. The purpose of such an essay is to provide a detailed analysis and interpretation of social phenomena, guided by theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence.

Importance of Sociological Inquiry and Critical Thinking

Sociological inquiry is vital as it fosters an understanding of the complexities of society and the various factors that shape human behavior. Critical thinking, on the other hand, is essential in sociology essay writing as it enables the evaluation of arguments, identification of biases, and development of coherent, evidence-based conclusions.

Understanding the Essay Question

Interpreting essay prompts.

To effectively respond to a sociology essay prompt:

  • Read Carefully : Look for action words such as ‘discuss,’ ‘compare,’ or ‘analyze’ to understand what is expected.
  • Highlight Keywords : Identify key themes, concepts, and sociological terms that are central to the question.

Identifying Key Themes and Concepts

  • Break Down the Question : Dissect the question into smaller components to ensure all aspects are addressed.
  • Relate to Sociological Theories : Connect the themes with relevant sociological theories and concepts.

Research and Preparation

Conducting sociological research.

  • Start Broad : Gain a general understanding of the topic through reputable sources like academic journals and books.
  • Narrow Focus : Hone in on specific studies or data that directly relate to your essay’s thesis.

Sourcing and Evaluating Literature

  • Use Academic Databases : Access scholarly articles through databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, and Sociological Abstracts.
  • Evaluate Sources : Check for the credibility, relevance, and timeliness of the literature.

Relevant Sociological Theories

  • Theory Identification : Determine which sociological theories and theorists are pertinent to your essay topic.
  • Application : Understand how these theories can be applied to the social issue or phenomenon you are examining.

Planning the Essay

Importance of essay structure.

Structuring an essay is crucial because it helps organize thoughts, supports the logical flow of ideas, and guides the reader through the arguments presented. A well-structured essay enhances clarity and readability, ensuring that each point made builds upon the last and contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the topic.

Basic Essay Structure

Introduction : This is where you introduce your topic, provide background information, and present your thesis statement. It sets the stage for your argument.

Thesis Statement : A concise summary of the main point or claim of the essay, usually located at the end of the introduction.

Body Paragraphs : Each paragraph should cover a single point that supports your thesis. Start with a topic sentence, followed by analysis, evidence, and then a concluding sentence that ties the point back to the thesis.

Conclusion : Summarize the key arguments made in the essay and restate the thesis in the context of the evidence presented. Finish with thoughts on the implications, limitations, or suggestions for future research.

Writing the Essay

Crafting a strong thesis statement.

  • Specificity : Your thesis should clearly state your position and the aspects of the topic you will explore.
  • Scope : Make sure it’s neither too broad nor too narrow to be adequately covered within the essay’s length.
  • Assertiveness : Present your thesis confidently and as a statement that you will back up with evidence.

Writing Effective Body Paragraphs

  • Topic Sentences : Begin with a clear statement of the paragraph’s main idea.
  • Coherence : Use transition words and phrases to maintain flow and show the relationship between paragraphs.
  • Evidence Integration : Include data, quotations, or theories from sources that support your argument, always linking them back to your thesis.

Integrating Evidence

  • Relevance : Ensure all evidence directly relates to and supports the paragraph’s topic sentence and the overall thesis.
  • Credibility : Choose evidence from reputable, scholarly sources.
  • Analysis : Don’t just present evidence; interpret it and explain its significance to your argument.

Maintaining Objectivity and Critical Perspective

  • Balanced Analysis : Consider multiple viewpoints and avoid biased language.
  • Critical Evaluation : Question the methodologies, findings, and biases in the literature you cite.
  • Reflective Conclusion : Assess the strengths and limitations of your argument.

Referencing and Citation Style

Importance of citations.

Citations are essential in academic writing as they give credit to the original authors of ideas and information, allow readers to verify sources, and prevent plagiarism.

Common Citation Styles in Sociology

  • APA (American Psychological Association) : Commonly used in the social sciences for both in-text citations and reference lists.
  • ASA (American Sociological Association) : Specifically designed for sociology papers, this style features a parenthetical author-date format within the text and a detailed reference list at the end.

Each citation style has specific rules for formatting titles, author names, publication dates, and page numbers, so it’s important to consult the relevant style guide to ensure accuracy in your references.

Editing and Proofreading

Strategies for reviewing and refining the essay.

  • Take a Break : After writing, step away from your essay before reviewing it. Fresh eyes can catch errors and inconsistencies more effectively.
  • Read Aloud : Hearing your words can help identify awkward phrasing, run-on sentences, and other issues that might be missed when reading silently.
  • Peer Review : Have a classmate or friend review your essay. They may catch errors you have overlooked and provide valuable feedback.
  • Multiple Rounds : Edit for different aspects in each round—for example, content in one, grammar and syntax in another, and citations in the last.

Checklist of Common Errors to Avoid

  • Spelling and Grammar : Misused words, typos, subject-verb agreement errors, and incorrect verb tenses.
  • Punctuation : Overuse or incorrect use of commas, semicolons, and apostrophes.
  • Structure : Lack of clear thesis, poorly structured paragraphs, or missing transitions.
  • Clarity : Vague statements, unnecessary jargon, or overly complex sentences.
  • Consistency : Fluctuations in tone, style, or tense.
  • Citations : Inaccurate references or inconsistent citation style.

Summarizing Arguments

  • Restate Thesis : Begin by restating your thesis in a new way, reflecting on the evidence presented.
  • Highlight Key Points : Briefly recap the main arguments made in your body paragraphs, synthesizing them to show how they support your thesis.
  • No New Information : Ensure that you do not introduce new ideas or evidence in the conclusion.

Presenting Final Thoughts

  • Implications : Discuss the broader implications of your findings or argument.
  • Limitations : Acknowledge any limitations in your research or analysis and suggest areas for future study.
  • Final Statement : End with a strong, closing statement that reinforces the significance of your topic and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

By carefully editing and proofreading your essay, you can enhance its clarity and coherence, ensuring that it effectively communicates your analysis and insights on the sociological topic. The conclusion serves as the final opportunity to underscore the importance of your findings and to reiterate how they contribute to our understanding of social phenomena.

Appendix A: Example Essay Outlines

An essay outline serves as a roadmap for the writer, indicating the structure of the essay and the sequence of arguments. An appendix containing example outlines could include:

Thematic Essay Outline :

  • Background Information
  • Thesis Statement
  • Summary of Themes
  • Restatement of Thesis
  • Final Thoughts

Comparative Essay Outline :

  • Overview of Subjects Being Compared
  • Aspect 1 Comparison
  • Evidence from Subject A
  • Evidence from Subject B
  • Comparative Analysis
  • Summary of Comparative Points

These outlines would be followed by brief explanations of each section and tips on what information to include.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Who Am I — Who Am I: Essay about Myself

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Who Am I: Essay About Myself

  • Categories: About Myself Finding Yourself Who Am I

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Words: 1699 |

Updated: 18 July, 2024

Words: 1699 | Pages: 4 | 9 min read

Who I Am as a Person

Discover the essence of identity in this reflective essay on “Who Am I”. Starting with a conventional introduction, the author delves deeper into what truly defines him beyond basic attributes. The narrative unfolds personal experiences, challenges, and growth, revealing the complexity of answering “Who am I?” This essay offers a thoughtful exploration of self-discovery and the factors that shape who we are.

Works Cited

  • Bradbury, R. (2012). Fahrenheit 451. Simon and Schuster.
  • Bloom, H. (Ed.). (2010). Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. Infobase Publishing.
  • Cadden, M. (1995). Science fiction and the mass cultural genre system. Science-Fiction Studies, 22(3), 317-328.
  • Coale, S. (2004). “Out of Bounds and Out of Control”: Reading Race, Space, and Class in Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451. Science Fiction Studies, 31(3), 349-367.
  • Hiner, S. E. (2003). The perfectibility of man and society in Fahrenheit 451. The Midwest Quarterly, 45(2), 282-296.
  • Isaacs, L. D. (2002). Ray Bradbury. Salem Press.
  • Jaffa, H. V. (2003). Fahrenheit 451: Misinterpreting a classic. Academic Questions, 16(3), 16-21.
  • Larrick, N. (1967). The all-white world of children’s books. The Saturday Review, 50(42), 63-65.
  • Schaub, J. F. (2011). The mind’s I: Fantasies and reflections on self and soul. University of Notre Dame Press.
  • Simkin, J. (2018). Social criticism in Fahrenheit 451 and 1984. The Explicator, 76(4), 225-230.

FAQ on Who Am I Essay

  • How to Write a “Who Am I” Essay?

To write a “Who Am I” essay, start by brainstorming key experiences and qualities that define you. Create an outline with an engaging introduction, detailed body paragraphs, and a reflective conclusion. Use specific examples and anecdotes to illustrate your points. Ensure your essay is authentic and introspective, providing a clear and honest representation of who you are.

  • How to Answer a “Who Am I” in an Essay?

To answer a “Who Am I” essay, reflect deeply on your experiences, values, and aspirations. Introduce yourself engagingly, discuss key experiences that shaped you, and highlight your unique qualities with specific examples. Conclude by summarizing your insights and reflecting on your self-discovery journey. Be genuine and introspective, offering a comprehensive view of your identity.

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Who Am I - Essay Example

Who Am I

  • Subject: Sociology
  • Type: Essay
  • Level: Undergraduate
  • Pages: 4 (1000 words)
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Understanding Sociological Perspectives on Identity Formation

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Who Am I Essay Examples

An individual i’m going to be.

I’m 18 years old, I recently graduated from high-school. I am the eldest and first person to go to college in my family. Honestly, a couple of reasons why I decided to go to Metro State was that it looked like a good - academically...

The Concept of Self-identity

Who you are and how you know yourself is a query that everyone in some unspecified time in the future will ask themselves. However, this question can only be answered by you, because no one spends more time with you than you do. Plato and...

Who Am I: Understanding My Identity

Understanding one's identity is a journey that can be both complex and deeply personal. It involves introspection, self-discovery, and a continuous exploration of the factors that shape who we are. In this essay, I will embark on a reflective journey to answer the fundamental question,...

What is the Importance of Knowing Yourself

Aristotle, Plato’s protégé, once said the following words: “Knowing yourself is the beginning of true wisdom”. These words could not have been said any better. The gift of knowing yourself or personal discover is one of the most important skills you can ever possess and...

A Philosophical Narrative of the Self: Reflections and Insights

To start with, this is narrative essay about self where I will try to reveal this topic within some philosophical concepts. “I cannot teach anybody anything. I can only make them think.”, “There is only one good, knowledge, and one evil, ignorance”-Socrates. Those were just...

Reflection on What Does It Really Mean to Know Oneself

Knowing oneself can be so hard since we humans are sensitive. If we fail once, we are quite frustrated and we overthink to the extent that we are already questioning ourselves about our capabilities and strengths which lead us to be afraid of trying over...

Defining Your Priorities: a Reflection on Self-discovery

To have a pleasant life, creating strong relationships and achieving your dreams, there is a need to copy nature's blueprint. There are many things screaming for your attention but you can only focus on a few at a time. As the sun never shows up...

Beyond the Boundaries: an Interplay of Nature and Self-identity

Nature, who am I? I feel disconnected with myself. The negativity around me creates an imbalance throughout my mind, body, and soul. I am trapped in this physical world, with human beings that are feeding my soul with unhealthy vibrations. Please, guide me to a...

What a Person I Am '

The question of who am I seems to be the simplest question one can answer. Yet, when I took the time to try and figure out Who am I, I found this question is the one that requires critical thinking. When asked “Who am I”...

A Letter to the People Around Me

Dear extroverted people, I’ve always dreamed of becoming like one of you. I thought that being like one of you will make me more like a normal person. I always think that I am weird because I am often reserved. It took me long to...

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