During my time at UW-Parkside, I have grown to master this learning goal not just within myself, but also externally through various works and projects. The “looking glass self”, the idea where our identity becomes shaped based on how we believe others see us, has made a huge impact in my life throughout this process. I’ve always found it important to take into account how others perceive you, as it is an exterior perspective of how you present your identity to the public and exterior world. There is nothing wrong with adjusting how you present your identities depending on the setting; they are meant to change depending on your audience.

I made a short film video for my cOMM 168 class, Intro to Visual and Digital Communication class, which helped me discover and strengthen my own personal identity through directing actors, collaboration, and pursuing multiple artistic visions I’ve always had in my head. It reaffirmed my love and passion for filmmaking and creating art that touches the soul, which is something I feel is a huge part of my identity. Seeing other student’s films also helped me realize that one of the worst things you could do is compare yourself to others. No two identities are going to be exactly the same, and because of that I have learned to love and appreciate my own individual and unique identities. I also had the pleasure of interviewing Milwaukee-based artist Lois Bielefeld for a project in my Digital Storytelling course, where I turned her story into a short documentary video. The interview process really heightened my confidence and skills to now be able to identify myself as a skilled interviewer, as well as growing my empathy and consideration with how others may identify towards new people they aren’t close with.

As a result, I feel confident in knowing each of my principal identities and being able to prove and display those in the professional world. Not only do I know how I want to represent myself based on different settings, but I also have the ability to analyze other’s behaviors and language in a sense that allows me to respect and honor theirs as well. I will be able to navigate things like intercultural communication, leadership and team dynamics, and accentuate my personal branding when looking for work. This learning goal’s relevance for my future serves as a reminder to be confident in how I identify myself and how I can use that to understand and work with others. Interpersonal and professional communication and connection cannot happen successfully if you don’t know and understand yourself first; it takes someone to know someone.