Who are you? Share words and phrases that you would use to describe yourself.  It may be helpful to include a drawing or to make a collage of pictures and words that describe who you are.  Now that you have made your list, break it down into categories.

Which of the words you used to describe your identity fit into the “core” of your identity? Your core identity is made up of your innate traits and your belief system.

Which of the aspects of your identity fit into the chosen category? Your chosen identities are those that you opted into and if you wanted, could change (examples include fandoms, school affiliations, occupations, and interests).

Lastly, which parts of your identity fall into the given category? These are the components of your identity that are often categorized by society and cannot be changed (with the exception of ability/disability. Humans can experience a disabling event at any time in our lives).

Reflective Questions

1. Which facets of your identity are you the most and least proud of?
   1. What messages about these parts of your identity did/do you get from your microsystem (those closest to you)?
   2. What messages about these identities did/do you get from your ecosystem (the media, pop culture, institutions outside of your immediate community)?
   3. How do you think that each set of messages about your various identity attributes impacts how you see yourself?
2. Which parts of your identity are defined by your relationship with another person (for example, mother, sister, husband)?
   1. How much of your identity consists of these relationship-based roles?
   2. How do you think that your self-identity is shaped by how others view your relationship-based identities?
3. What were the 3 aspects of your identity that first came to mind?
   1. Which identity category do they fit into?
   2. How do you think that your position as a member of either dominant groups or marginalized groups impacts which of your identities first come into your mind when you describe yourself?
4. How do you think that the concept of intersectionality impacts your identity?
5. How does each aspect of your identity influence how you interact with families in your work as an early interventionist?