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Grade 11 CAS: Exploring Self-Identity

October 14, 2022

On Oct. 12, 11th-grade students spent their CAS period in the Xianmian Auditorium to participate in an interactive lecture on self-identity. The speaker Jasmin went in depth to explore the formation of self-identities, the rise of identity crises, and the building of a healthy sense of self. Jasmin started by raising an introspective question: Who am I? As the students pondered upon the question, she engaged with the student audience through an activity of a short, 6-sentenced self-description. Jasmin then broke down the complex concept of self-identity into three essential pieces: social belonging, values, and aspired future.

To provide a holistic picture of identity, Jasmin introduced the audience to the identity theory proposed by distinguished psychologist Erik Erikson and later to the Identity Statuses by James Marcia, which builds upon Erikson’s theory. Erikson’s identity theory consists of eight psychosocial crises that progress throughout life in increasing complexity. According to the Identity Theory, teens would be grappling with identity versus role confusion. Indeed, when Jasmin asked students about their feelings on this identity conflict, many of them showed resonance in the topic. It is undeniable that high schoolers feel a little uncertain and anxious about determining their societal roles, especially during a time when the crossroads of academics, future, and career seemingly converge.

Afterward, Jasmin presented the four Identity Statuses by Marcia, prompting the audience to identify with one. Students considered the identities in the degree of crisis (challenge to the sense of identity) and degree of commitment (commitment to an identity). Each student found their unique position on the spectrum: some were confident that they already know their future identity, and others still exploring along the way.

There are many factors to the making and breaking of identity. Jasmin enumerated that school environment, parental guidance, social media influence, and cultural context all work together to form special individuals .

Jasmin encouraged the students to be the best version of themselves: to adapt to challenging situations, boldly communicate, and embrace their cross-cultural ability. And everyone can always become reflective, open-minded, and strong individuals who don't fear challenges. Encouraged by the speech, the students got out from the lecture not only with the knowledge of the many theories and building of identity but also the reassurance from their peers that the self-exploration process is shared among all of us and one that will turn out beautiful.

（Written by 11-5 Lianna Pan Picture by SHSID Media Group Edited by 11-8 Jesika Tan Supervised by Yueer Gao Reviewed by Qian Zuo）