PAGE 2Critical Reflection #1 : Identity Who am I? What am I? Where do I belong? Identity can make one feel trapped within a realm of stereotypes, racial tensions, belief confinements and gender norms. Women's struggle to find their true identity hasnt facilitated one bit in modern day society. If anything, societal pressures have increased the insecurity within women. St. Catherine University has provided a safe haven, per say, for women in their self discovery journey throughout its years as an all women's college, supporting and encouraging female empowerment. We got issues, claims St.Catherine University graduate, Jessica Lopez Lyman. Beginning her St. Kates journey hopeful for a new start, Lyman strived to search for a sense of self identity and leave behind days of rage and depleting self esteem.. caused by her uncultured classmates (Lyman, We Got Issues, 56). Despite her attempts to free herself of racial categorization in university, Lyman quickly learned that no matter her constant efforts, racial ties bound her to her own insecurities. In her own words, Jessica Lopez Lyman describes her experience as if she, had to represent for all marginalized people (Lyman, We Got Issues, 56). Being a minority throughout all my years of schooling, I can relate to her experience. A majority of the faculty and my classmates, degraded me to my stereotype without even learning my name. Hurt and confused, I detested my identity. Much like Jessica Lyman, I retreated to multicultural clubs and other activities, including school leadership, and quickly began to feel a sense of true identity. Becoming involved in the things I was passionate about changed me. My confidence grew and the people who had once been too quick to judge, realized their mistake. Jessica Lyman states that her greatest victory was the increase of financial support for students of color and to think that none of this would have been possible without her passion and involvement (Lyman, We Got Issues, 58). Jessica Lopez Lyman is a true inspiration and remarkable persona that took her difficult experience and turned it into a courageous movement, thereby defining herself by herself. Similarly, Sister Katherine McLaughlin shared her story of leadership, faith and commitment. In the Saturday Salon: The Spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph. Sister Katherine inspired many to learn to love and live with passion and faith. Coming to this campus with uncertainity, fear, hope and ambition, I quickly took to her words and felt a sense of determination to live each day falling in love three times a day (McLaughlin, Saturday Salon: The Spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet). I strive to leave this institution educated, confident and fearless. As Sister Katherine puts it, I wish to leave St. Kates seeing with new eyes (McLaughlin, Saturday Salon: The Spirit of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet). Furthermore, through means of being open, active and dedicated, I will excel in anything and everything I choose. As the women of St. Catherine University express, being a Katie changes your mindset and widens your perspective. By becoming involved with school activities, practicing your passion, and falling in love with everything and anything, your true identity emerges, claiming yourself. Because in the end, we are makers of our own destiny.