Odelle SizerValues & Identity February 15th, 2018

Block 2

Everyone is passionate about something; something that makes us feel all kinds of emotions: joy, comfort, excitement. Our values contribute to our identities and make us unique. From people who always know how to brighten my day, to my love for animals, to creativity, there are several things that I value which shape my personality.

First and most importantly, I value my friends and family. Without them I would be a shell of myself; my personality could never show. My family has taught me to be kind and inclusive, and to always be mature. I try to carry that with me everywhere. However, in seventh grade, I argued with my friends about them not telling me about a trip they went on together. In the moment I felt so betrayed. It hurt because they were hiding something from me and didn’t care to tell me. Unfortunately I overreacted, plus tone of voice doesn’t carry over well on text message, so that started a huge argument. One of them started to spread rumours. Luckily, I’m still good friends with the other person. From that experience, I’ve learned to stay calm and collected, and now I try my hardest to avoid drama.

I believe with a passion that each life is important—I’m a huge animal lover. I’ve always wanted a pet, but my sister is allergic, so I make up for it by petting every animal I see. Well, within reason. As I write this, there are five pieces of animal décor in front of me on my desk. I always feel a spark light up when I see an animal.

I love stories about animal rescues. Those videos always make me tear up—first sad tears, then happy tears. Seeing how playful the animals are after being rescued is the most beautiful thing. I despise things like animal testing, game hunting, puppy mills and pit bull bans. I would ramble and go into full detail, but I’ll save that for another story.

Speaking of animals, I draw them all the time. Art has always been an important part of my life. There are no limits to art. There is so much freedom to express myself, and that’s what I adore about it. When I was younger I would carry around a little sketchbook and draw when I was on the school bus—just things I saw around me. I still love drawing and painting. I’m not the best at it, but it is incredibly enjoyable and therapeutic in a way.

I’m also passionate about music. I have a very specific taste (indie-pop-alt-rock?) but whenever I find a song that I enjoy, I get extremely excited.

I can also play four instruments: piano, clarinet, ukulele, and guitar. I’ve been playing the piano since I was six. I love the instrument, but since I take classes there are also exams, which are very stressful. I played the clarinet for middle school music class, and just recently started learning the ukulele and guitar.

Without my family and friends, I would completely lack personality. Without animals, I would have one less thing to make me passionate and excited. And without art, how would I express myself?

I am so grateful to know and appreciate my values. They make me who I am.