To answer this question, I must go back to an introductory writing assignment I whipped up in high school. You know the kind I’m referring to: “What word would you use to describe yourself, and why?” How I hated those kinds of writing prompts: how could I possibly limit myself, with all who I am and all I desire, to one word?
After staring at my computer screen, banging on the keyboard, and slamming down on the backspace button more times than I care to admit, I decided to seek help from a logical source: my closest friends and family.
“Hmm… I’d have to go with compassionate, or sensitive, or maybe even just happy,” my childhood best friend replied.
Those are all nice words, and yes, I am a normally happy, compassionate, and sensitive person, but I still felt very unsatisfied. I politely thanked her and hit up my other friend.
Without hesitation, my high school gal pal quipped, “You’re insane. No doubt about it.”
After a series of sarcastic comments, I moved on to my next source: my little sister.
“How am I supposed to know? It’s your writing assignment.”
Well then. Moving on…
Next up was the obvious choice (and admittedly the person I should have asked first), my mother.
“One word to describe you? Well, I’d go with either determined or something like it. I don’t know anyone your age who is willing to work as hard as you do for what you want.”
That’s it! I could use the word “ambitious.” After all, for only being a sophomore at the time, I had already crafted a bucket list packed with various explorations and dream achievements. Why wouldn’t I use my many dreams to describe myself?
I returned to my office chair and typed away a flurry of metaphors stringed together with solid imagery and specific details. Patting myself on the back for a job well done, I printed off my assignment and tucked it away in my English folder.
Class commenced the next day, and I took my seat with my paper in hand. One of my classmates turned to face me.
“Hey, Syd, what word did you use?”
“Oh, just ‘ambitious,’” I mentioned nonchalantly, although I was secretly beaming inside over my own creativity.
“No way! That’s what I chose for mine!”
What?
I stared at him for a bit, semi-unresponsive, but then I managed to mumble a reply along the lines of “Oh really?”
As he turned to face the blackboard, I silently slumped in my seat.
How could I be so unoriginal? It’s not like “ambitious” was an obscure word only found in the darkest depths of Dictionary.com. I pouted over my missed opportunity of uniqueness.
Later on in the week, I found out four other people used “ambitious” to describe themselves.
Also, I was the only one of those people to get an A.
Redemption?
Of course.
So really, who am I? I don’t think one word can ever sum up a person(as I clearly demonstrated through my entire high school anecdote), so I’ve selected a few words that I find helpful in describing who I am.
- Awkward
No matter how much I hate to admit it, I’m just one big ball of awkward. Anyone who interacts with me notices this sad fact right away. I think it’s because of the way I flap my arms when I talk to people. I’ve tried to break this habit, but it ends up happening at some point in the conversation, without fail. At least I make others feel at ease when I go to parties (“Well, at least I’m not like that kid…).
- Stubborn
Another thing people notice about me: I don’t like assistance of any kind. I’ve always been the kind of gal who tries way too hard to be self-sufficient, which causes me to get myself into very sticky situations, usually on a daily basis (and yes, I will most likely recount a few of my many predicaments in future posts. For now, you’ll have to wait).
- Ballsy
My mother may cringe at this word, but it describes me quite well. My tell-it-like-it-is personality is both admired and despised by my peers: they can always expect me to say what I’m thinking (and at times that is a very, very, VERY scary thing).
- Loyal
Here’s one positive thing I can say about myself: I’m devoted to the people I love. So don’t mess with them, ‘cuz then you’ll have to deal with me. And you don’t want that. Ever.
And lastly, I couldn’t resist choosing this word:
- Ambitious
The world is overflowing with knowledge and experience: I want it all. Therefore, I expect a lot from myself (I kind of have to if I want to experience everything on my bucket list, right?). I can’t resist a challenge, and I’m constantly setting goals for myself.
What can I say? I’m a dreamer. I’m a thinker. I’m klutzy, I’m feisty, and I’m thirsty for knowledge. I’m impulsive and passionate, strong-willed and head-strong. Just like you, there’s more to me than what one word could ever describe.
Ginger Power 