Who am I?

This question is one in which one presents great diversity and complexity. As we explore who we are, the process of describing who we are is difficult to put into words. Just offhand I would describe myself as female, twenty one years old, college student, etc. But as I explored more deeply, I realized that there are many other attributes that encompass my identity. Further exploring my sense of self, I am a daughter, a sister, White, Christian, heterosexual, and much more. There is the concept of multiple identities that includes the past, present, and future, all of which have influenced who I am today and who I continue to become.
There is the concept of the dominant group, which is described as male, White, heterosexual, and Christian. Therefore, I meet three of the four dominant attributes. Referencing myself as one in the dominant group is somewhat uncomfortable to admit and respond upon. My privilege is something that has not gone unnoticed, but this concept is inherently natural to me. I was fortunate to grow up in a middle class family where these dominant characteristics are the dominant forces within the community.
Until I became I college student, I really never understood the differences in identities and dominant groups versus subordinate groups. Growing up, I never saw myself as dominant or privileged, for my community seemed to be all on the same level. I have since been able to explore and change this opinion as I begin to deeply explore who I am and who others are. When understanding and connecting with others, I feel that it is important for one to be aware of the various identities that shape a being. When attempting to make an impact for someone or a community or society at large, being able to connect with them is vital.

Cultural Assessment

When our professor assigned us the project of finding five items that represented our culture and displayed our cultural identity, I felt as though it was a daunting task. I had no idea where to begin, but when I was able to brainstorm and reflect, I came up with many ideas. There are many elements that are represented in our cultural identity, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability, age, religion, social class, nationality, etc. I chose the top 5 topics that I felt had a particular impact in shaping the collective me and my social identity.
1. Barbie- Race/Ethnicity. I grew up with Barbie being perceived as the ideal for what I wanted to be when I grew up, for she was my favorite toy and I wanted to look just like her. While I grew out of this idea, the image of what I am "supposed to" or "should" look like is still engrained within me and is continually influenced by the media. Barbie portrays the ideal.
2. A picture of me and my boyfriend Travis- Sexual Orientation. I have grown up as a heterosexual, white female throughout my life, and it has not changed over time. Travis is a large part of my life, for he is whom I rely on day to day.
3. Perfume- Gender. My grandfather used to say to me "you should always smell like a lady," while that is a controversial statement, I feel that there are specific scents that represent femininity. My scent, Alien, portrays my feminine nature.
4. Cross- Religion. God is a huge part of my life, and is something I have grown up building a support around. I seek guidance, comfort, joy, and wisdom through my religion, and it very much effects how I act and perceive my environment on a daily basis.
5. Zeta pin- Social Status/Identity. All throughout college, I have been a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority. While this provides many stereotypical references, there is also a sense of community and belonging paired with this organization. I have made numerous friendships and enjoyed my college years on this sorority's behalf.

Hey guys!

Hello!
I am Alex Metcalfe and I am from San Antonio, Texas currently residing in Austin, Texas. I am a Senior in the Social Work major and love the field I am studying. I look forward to working with and meeting everyone in the class, for I feel that all of our collaborative passions will be a great insight and learning experience for me. I have a specific passion towards working with children and adolescents, but I am still ready to explore other options. I hope all is well and I cannot wait to get started!