I have discovered a few things about myself recently. Rather, I’ve identified a fewthings that I’ve always sort of known, I just now know what to call them and have no difficulty acknowledging them. I guess that’s what’s supposed to happen in college, and life in general.
1. I am an intrexovert.
Yes, I’m fully aware this is not a word (English major, remember?). But it describes me perfectly. A combination of introvert and extrovert, it applies quite well to my personality. Sometimes, I crave the company of others and have the most fun in a crowd. These also seem to be times when I become energetic and talkative. Other times, I would much rather disappear into the woods and stand in awe of nature or curl up with a good book and a cup of chai tea. When this happens, I certainly am not conversational, and I may forget to eat. Books and rivers distract me from normal human functions like these. And of course these may overlap sometimes. That’s just how I operate.
2. I am a total nerd.
And cue image of Steve Urkel.
Alright not quite. But I know a little about a great deal of topics, and also quite an amount about a few specific areas. And I am very enthusiastic about all my knowledge, from the musical theater to German culture to wilderness survival. More than that, I’m always in want of more information. I enjoy learning, and I find a plethora of subjects fascinating. I think I was the only person actually intrigued by what our tour guide was saying when I went to Washington, D.C., in the eighth grade. Everyone else was fascinated by the black squirrels and cute boys getting off buses from around the country…
3. I am very open-minded.
Everyone is human, regardless of skin color, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or any other determinant that has been used as a basis for discrimination. For some reason, there are still people who haven’t figured out this simple fact. But I have. I live on a campus with a large GLBT (gay-lesbian-bisexual-transgender)-friendly community. And honestly, some of the nicest people and those I’ve become the closest friends with are gay. Who cares? I also know people who have a very strong belief in their religion, so strong that their entire life revolves around it. Great for them, even if I’m not interested in attending mass five times a week. I see no reason to base my entire opinion of a person on a difference in beliefs, therefore ruining any possible relationship I could develop with them. I believe that since everyone is human, they should be treated like a human. The Golden Rule comes into play here: “Treat others as you would like to be treated.”* It only makes sense. You’re human; they’re human. Why differentiate?
I’ve always known these things to be true about myself. I just wasn’t aware that I was aware of them, mostly because I didn’t have a name for this characteristics. And let’s face it, no one wants to be called a nerd. But I am, and I have no problem with it. It describes me well. So there’s a little more about me, for those of you who aren’t in a position to experience my… eccentricities. Don’t worry, there will be plenty more self-discovery as I go along. Why don’t you do a bit of your own?
What are some things you’ve discovered about yourself, either recently or a while in the past?
*There’s a down side to this philosophy. Treating others like crap will only lead to a return of crappy treatment. Ever seen what happens in that situation?
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