Prompt 2:
Has your identity changed since starting University at Albany? Write a narrative.
People develop their identity in different stages of age however this phenomenon could
also be triggered while they are facing difficulties. For instance, this happens when you study
overseas as the deviation from consistency will induce changes in one’s identity. Personally, I
experienced a significant change in my identity when I started studying in University at Albany.
It is a common notion that people tend to be less confident when they go to a country
where a foreign language is the main or sometimes the only medium of communication.
Consequently, when people are intimidated, they are bound to have a lesser sense of security and
this prompts them to befriend somebody familiar with the local culture which I had done to help
ease into my new life. Hailing from a multi-cultural country with at least three main languages
used extensively, I was plagued with an immediate sense of inferiority as the Big Apple offered a
magnanimous melting pot population in which English anchors the dynamics of the local culture.
The identity that I had in Malaysia is different as I had no qualms about making new friends and
possessed a straightforward, assertive persona. Always the one to not bother any consequences
and be myself, I was truly being who I am. This was because I'm in my comfort zone, the place
where I was born and had lived my whole life. However, when I first came to the United States, I
found that the atmosphere domineering because the culture and way of life is vastly different
from the practices in my country such as the candor in speech and thoughts, freedom to express
oneself and surprisingly the average food intake which the Asian quantity pales in comparison.
At first, I did not know how to communicate with the other students at the University at
Albany. Naturally, this situation required me to slowly overcome my aversion as I tried to
communicate with the people around me. This was daunting as I was always palled by my fear of
rejection and criticizations hence I practice caution due to the lack of knowledge of the local
culture. In the process, I artlessly added on new definition to my identity as I started becoming
more cautious and alert of my actions and its consequence in this new society. However, this also
contributed to my learning experience as I am aware that I still can be who I want to be and that I
don’t need to change my identity to be accepted. It is my belief that I need to have certain
necessary changes in my behavior and part of my beliefs to be contented and happy living in this
country without losing the unique attributes and characteristics that makes me who I am.