The event Who Do You Say You Are? taught us how identity and personal experiences shape not only what we want in life but also the choices we make every day. Before attending this talk, I had never really paused to think about how my identities have changed and developed over time, or how those shifts influence the way I move through the world. The lecturer described himself as a “can-opener,” and I think that was accurate. He opened up conversations and ideas that many of us hadn’t considered before.
For me, it became a meaningful opportunity to look back on my journey as an international student at Carleton. I realized how much I’ve grown, how many challenges I’ve overcome, and how these experiences have shaped a more confident and thoughtful version of myself. The event also included many interactive group activities and discussions, which made the atmosphere engaging and fun. I believe everyone there was able to bond with their group members, share stories, and reflect on the parts of themselves that they don’t always talk about.
Overall, the session encouraged deeper self-understanding and connection. It reminded us that identity is not fixed. Our identity evolves with our experiences, relationships, and the ways we choose to respond to the world.
~Yifei