Identity

Christ! It's so late right now, but I gotta get write this blog. Keep in mind that I'm really tired so I may not be able to express myself very clearly but I'm going to do my best. Here goes...
To me, identity isn't something that can be defined so easily. Honestly, there are a lot of factors involved that make up a person's identity, each varying in different levels of significance. First of all there's your birth certificate. This makes up the most basic part of your identity; your gender, the day you were born and of course, your name. Then there's the many types of identification cards you carry in your wallet or purse; your driver's license, gym membership, club memberships, pictures of you or your loved ones, etc. These things make up pieces and memories of your life.
I think personal choices and the people who influence you make up a strong part of your identity. The type of environment you were raised in or the friends you grew up with have a way of shaping the way you think. Most people who grew up poor or in an abusive home have a tendency to end up like the people who raised them and as sad as that sounds, it's true. I was raised in a stable environment and I had good parents who raised me to be a hard worker. I had two older brothers who taught me how to be a man and make good decisions. Because of them, I've led a good life so far but the personal choices I make can just as easily change all that. My friends like to drink but I've chosen to stop for a while because I feel that it will benefit me health wise in the future; My liver is going to be just fine, and I'm less likely to do something I'll regret under the influence of alcohol. One day, I might snap and harrass someone who disrespected me and I'll end up going to jail for it. From there on out I could be identified as a criminal and people won't view me as a nice guy anymore, but as a violent scumbag. The choices we make everyday make up who we are.
Personality plays an important role too. My friends identify me for my personality. They see a guy on TV doing something crazy and they tell me "Hey Alex that guy reminds me of you." I told my friend Erik about the time I tazered myself for fun and ever since then, whenever I tell him a story about something crazy I did, it doesnt come as a surprise to him anymore because he expects it from me; he identifies me as a nut job.
Well thats pretty much it. Here's my identity: My name is Alex Molinos, I'm eighteen years old, male, brown hair, brown eyes, and dead sexy. I'm an athlete, a writer, a Catholic, a friend, and an overall good guy in the eyes of myself and others. I'm proud of who I am (even if I ask way too much from myself but I'll get into that another time).

-Alex M.