Becoming Authentic.
Being an authentic person is an important part of presenting yourself as a trustworthy person.
I strive to be as authentic of a person as I can, but I am definitely not 100% authentic. I never thought about trying to be an authentic person until my later years in high school. When I moved to Washington after my parents divorce, I had a very hard time making friends and it was easier for me to be who I thought people wanted me to be. All through middle school I was changing who I was to fit those around me. It wasn't until high school that I realized that not only were my closest friends not enjoying my fake personality, but I wasn't very happy with who I was. I realized that I was letting people push me around, I was doing things that I didn't actually enjoy doing, I wasn't being very nice to people, and I wasn't trying my best in school. I thought if I did whatever it did to please the people I wanted to be friends with, I would be happy. Towards the end of my freshman year, I realized that no one really trusted me because it was obvious that I wasn't being real with anyone. Although it was easier for me to pretend than to face my fears, I knew I needed to drop the act. As I opened up to my friends, I noticed a change in our relationship. We were able to grow closer, and I was able to receive emotional support, something I never really had.
This notion of authenticity was heavily instilled in me when I moved to Bellingham. I had no idea who my roommates were going to be, but I did know that living with other people was going to be difficult for me. Upon meeting my roommate, I noticed we were both extremely shy. Throughout the day though, I found myself very comfortable with her, and it was easy for me to be me. Today, one and a half years after meeting her, she is one of my very best friends.
As I go through the human services major, I am trying my best to be authentic with everyone I come into contact with.
I strive to be as authentic of a person as I can, but I am definitely not 100% authentic. I never thought about trying to be an authentic person until my later years in high school. When I moved to Washington after my parents divorce, I had a very hard time making friends and it was easier for me to be who I thought people wanted me to be. All through middle school I was changing who I was to fit those around me. It wasn't until high school that I realized that not only were my closest friends not enjoying my fake personality, but I wasn't very happy with who I was. I realized that I was letting people push me around, I was doing things that I didn't actually enjoy doing, I wasn't being very nice to people, and I wasn't trying my best in school. I thought if I did whatever it did to please the people I wanted to be friends with, I would be happy. Towards the end of my freshman year, I realized that no one really trusted me because it was obvious that I wasn't being real with anyone. Although it was easier for me to pretend than to face my fears, I knew I needed to drop the act. As I opened up to my friends, I noticed a change in our relationship. We were able to grow closer, and I was able to receive emotional support, something I never really had.
This notion of authenticity was heavily instilled in me when I moved to Bellingham. I had no idea who my roommates were going to be, but I did know that living with other people was going to be difficult for me. Upon meeting my roommate, I noticed we were both extremely shy. Throughout the day though, I found myself very comfortable with her, and it was easy for me to be me. Today, one and a half years after meeting her, she is one of my very best friends.
As I go through the human services major, I am trying my best to be authentic with everyone I come into contact with.