I am the one who…
Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. – Margaret Mead
In a room full of people, I may seem just like everyone else, and in some ways I am, because being unique is something we all have in common. Just like everyone, there are certain traits that make me “absolutely unique.” These aren’t “big” things or dramatic things; they are quirks and habits that make me who I am. For instance, I am the one in the room who cries every time she laughs. Most of you know this about me by now, right? You all have no doubt brought me to tears at some point or another this year. Whether it is a silly statement, a joke, or just a funny situation, it doesn’t take much to make me cry! Certain friends of mine (who you might know!) have a goal that they will get me to laugh so hard I cry at least once a day. Friends and family have grown used to this quirky habit of mine, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to explain away my tears to someone who doesn’t know me well!
You may not know it, but I am also the one who likes things to match. My mom always teases me, saying that I chose my college based on the fact that all of the buildings at the school matched each other. They were all made from the same stone and had a similar look to them, which was very pleasing to my eyes. That’s not really why I chose Sewanee, but it didn’t hurt! I’m not sure why “matching” matters to me, but I think it has something to do with desiring a sense of order and wanting the people and things around me to agree with each other. I have never liked conflict.
Something you must have figured out about me by now is that I am the one who has the loudest voice in the room. It’s a trait that I share with my dad and several other family members. In fact, sometimes when I’m with my family in an enclosed space for a long period of time, I leave with my ears ringing and a little bit of a headache. Something tells me not every family is like that. In high school I had a teacher who finally became so fed up with my loudness that he made me write an essay about how I could use my voice to better humanity. I don’t remember what I wrote in that essay, but I will never forget the assignment. Perhaps my loud voice is part of what led me to teaching. Sometimes I wonder why I am so loud; maybe I am worried that my voice won’t be heard if I don’t speak loudly!
So there you have it. These are some of the traits that make me stand apart from others. Now it’s your turn. What are the little things that make you “absolutely unique”? In a room full of people, what are the traits, habits, or quirks that make you stand apart from the rest? What are some of the many ways you can complete the sentence, “I am the one who…”?
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