Carol Russell EDU650: Teaching, Learning, and Leading in the 21st Century Dr. Dusty Clark. September 27, 2017 Demographic Factors Defining Personal Identity

As Wardle (2013) suggests, “in integrating these complex components into our unique identity, we pick those aspects that are of most importance to us” (p.42). I agree with what Wardle states, and with this I will pick four factors that I believe influence who I am as a person. He also emphasizes that we should be aware of the environmental factors that surround us. In my point of view, I believe that we should also take it upon ourselves to understand other peoples cultures so as to relate well with them.

Part I: Factors Defining My Identity The main factors that greatly determine my identity are; Gender Religious affiliations Education level Age

In what ways do they define my identity and influence my daily life? Gender; Being a woman has greatly impacted my view about students’ issues, especially as a parent and a teacher. Religious affiliations; Having being raised up as a Christian, I have acquired values that help me relate well with people around me. It has also helped me to appreciate other religious denominations.

Education level- Having gone through school I have learnt so many skills; literacy skills, social skills, teamwork among others. Also, having gained a good education is one of the factors that enabled me to pursue education as a course. Age- Growing has enabled me to have diverse experiences with the environment; both good and bad. These experiences have influenced my personality in one way or another.

Part II: Describe in detail the type of schooling you received, from pre-kindergarten through undergraduate work. I enrolled for pre- kindergarten at the age of four. It was not so easy getting used to a different regime from home but I came to love it after wards. Here, I learnt basic life skills like communication which have helped me throughout my personal and education life.

At age 6 I managed to enroll to elementary school. I learnt how to read and write. Having spent most of my formative years here, I can say this greatly shaped my personality. After completing elementary school, I went to a basic school and later on I managed to join a secondary school within the country. Here, I faired well in my final exams which secured me an opportunity to enroll for a teaching course.

Describe any unique talents, interests, or hobbies that contribute to the manner in which you see and experience the world. My major interest are in the field of education. I love to see children learn and grow. Seeing people interact without any background bias excites me. My hobbies include interacting with people. This helps me see the world as a collaborative circle. My philosophy about life is that you can never make it alone; you need each other’s help to make it in life.

Can you think of one piece of advice that has been handed down through your family that reflects values held by your ancestors? I remember how my grandmother used to hold family meetings when I was young and give us life skills stories. She used to tell us that our great grandmother used to do the same to them. Whenever you would do a mistake, she would composedly interact with you and guide you towards desirable behavior. I believe I have carried that throughout my life. I always ensure good discipline to my children. Most importantly, this will help me in interacting with my students in my teaching career.

Are there any celebrations, ceremonies, rituals, or holidays that your family celebrates that reflect your culture? What are they? How are they celebrated? Being Christians we celebrate Christmas yearly. On this day, we get dressed up in “Christmas clothes”, cook and eat delicious meals and sing carols to celebrate the special occasion. As a family, we take it upon ourselves to recollect ourselves towards maintaining good relationships within us.