Who am I?

 

Identity is a complex and ever-changing concept that involves a continuous process of reflection, observation, and change. Who I am (or say I am) is a consequence of this abstract process. Therefore, the person I am today is probably different to the one I was yesterday and the one I will be tomorrow. I am not certain I know who I am, but here goes my best try.

I have always been curious and inquisitive. My mom tells me that as a toddler, I would always ask about something I did not understand. As a result, she got tired of me asking questions and decided to buy me an image-based encyclopedia. Unsurprisingly, my biggest dream as a children and teenager was to become a scientist and discover something new and transcendent.

To my young-self's surprise, I decided to study mathematics at university. I always thought I would become a physicist. However, after reading a book on some of the most famous mathematicians and their work, I fell in love with understanding complicated and abstract ideas. I also love the gratification one gets after spending hours trying to understand or prove something that was previously elusive. My favorite area of mathematics, right now, is algebra because it has been the most rewarding class I have taken so far.

Now, I am not by any means a person that is always reading and thinking about math. I also love playing basketball. I played basketball during high school, and the memories I made are, possibly, the best part about my time there.

Personality wise, I would say I am shy and insecure. Currently, it is not as bad as it used to be. I used to not even like going to the store because I was afraid. Playing a team sport like basketball in front of hundreds of people, and constantly listening to my coach yell at us has helped me to overcome my shyness. It has also helped with my insecurity because it made me realize that with hard work, consistency, and practice you can get better at anything you want. From not making the high school team one year, to my province’s team the next year.

Studying mathematics has been very challenging, and my insecurities have kicked in again. Am I smart enough? Why can’t I understand something? This kind of questions always linger in my mind, so right now I am trying to “hard work” the doubts out of my mind and be the best version of myself.