Education Creates Identity

       Society often imposes upon us many identities that are either demeaning, inaccurate or both.  Therefore we are faced with a situation in which we have little control on how society views us. However, our knowledge and education can have a life changing impact on society’s perception of ourselves and the way we are treated in everyday life.  By one’s determination to become educated we can unshackle ourselves from the negative identity given by society, create new identities for ourselves, and attain goals that have positive impact on our lives and those around us.  The major sociological theories of conflict theory, functionalism, and symbolic interactionism have played a role in explaining how the broader society I was living in shaped my life and my identity.  At each stage of my life, these theories were relevant in explaining my own role and how I was perceived in society.  However, it is through my desire and attainment of a better education throughout out each stage in my life that has been the most important factor in determining in my identity.  While social theories can explain how society views my identity, it is through my lifelong efforts to enhance my education that I have created my true identity.

       I was determined to change my social standing and identity when I was young even though I was considered a simple country girl in China.  Different cultures provide the environment that can enhance the opportunity to get a good education or deprive them of chance to break away from a life of poverty.  I was born in a small town in China outside of a large city.  My parents were of different social status; my mother was a countryside peasant and my father was a city urbanite, but the law was the children had to follow status of the mother. Back then, people who lived in the countryside got little chance to get a good education and the Chinese government gave more opportunities for city residents than countryside residents.  The result can be considered of the conflict theory of society, but with an unusual twist. Previously Mao, of course, studied Karl Marx, and he believed that the laborers or peasants needed to rise up against the bourgeoisie.  But in my time, the thinking was the peasants had too much power and it was time to give city dwellers (some of the bourgeoisie) more benefits.  I was excellent student when I was young but I still had to drop out of high school since I wasn’t a city resident.  I was sad but determined to continue my education, so I still studied constantly on my own.  I had no chance to get a higher level career in China. My situation also fitted the functionalist theory view of society since there was a societal imbalance that needed to be changed. Although the society limited me, I was determined to educate myself and not be bound by those limitations.

       I couldn’t speak English when I came to America and I had low self-esteem, but I was determined to learn, acquire a new skill and create a new identity for myself. Lacking the language skills to communicate with other people can cause many problems in our real life; it also can influence your career since people assume you are ignorant. I have a good memory of an experience I will never forget related to my poor English. When I first starting working at an America company I was an esthetician. Even though I could speak little English, I got the esthetician certificate on my own since I studied so hard. However, I still faced problems at my job. One day, my manager called me to meet her at her office; we were talking about my health insurance but I felt I didn’t understand what she was saying. I wanted her to explain more about what she was talking about, but she had no patience and told me “if you cannot speak English you should bring an interpreter for you.” Her tone was filled with disdain. I felt a sense of low self -esteem because I couldn’t have normal conversation with her. I couldn’t stand this kind of situation and so I had to leave the company. Symbolic interactionism theory can explain my issue – I didn’t know how to use the English language to communicate with others as a result I had an inferior social status.  But I was more even more determined after this incident to further educate myself and change how I was perceived in society.

      Being a student at my age changed who I was from compared to the past.  American society can give everyone equal opportunity to get an education without the limitations of age, race or previous background. At my age in China, it is impossible can go back to school to become an educated person. To do so is considered socially unacceptable because people would feel very odd or awkward if you are old and still sitting at the classroom talking to the teenagers about the class. Now I have a great chance to achieve my educational goals and change my life and career. The social theory of functionalism would view my social role has changed because now I’m a student. Although I still face language problem, my English has improved a lot because I’m a full time student. In the textbook chapter 5, the author views one can change your old status to fit your new life. He writes “after new members of an institution are stripped of their old identity, they build a new one that matches the new society” (113). Everyone can have a chance to change their identity and follow the culture and rules even in a new society.  The role of being a student changed my identity and makes me excited to get a good opportunity.

      My effort to continue my education in America has given me more respect and standing in American society. Since I joined Foothill College my English has improved to the point where I have a lot of confidence to talk face to face with native speakers. Being knowledgeable can have advantages. A recent example illustrates the value of education. I called one American company a few days ago and asked the boss if I could work there part time as an esthetician. She replied very quickly, complemented me on my English, felt happy if I could work there and asked me to talk in person about my salary. I heard from my friend, who doesn’t speak much English, didn’t get the same opportunity as me and was offered a lower salary. My long-time friends are surprised and impressed with me because they didn’t believe I can be a good student at my age. In the article, “Perspectives on Identity” by Hike vom Orde, talks about personal identity; one famous sociologist Erving Goffman, points out “by the individual to create and maintain a certain impression”(8).You can create a very different identity by yourself to impress others. Functionalism theory also points out that if I want do something in my life I can do it depending on the social environment. Individual identity is connected with society and the opportunity and effort to achieve a higher education is crucial to create an identity.

      I decided on nursing as my major.  Being a nurse is major part of how I see myself in the future. Achieving my educational goal in nursing would be the most significant step in my educational journey from childhood to being an adult. This journey has changed my identity and social standing in two cultures. If I get an RN nursing certificate, my friends in America and China would be so impressed with and happy for me. Making a right decision and imagining a bright future can give yourself a lot of motivation to achieve your plan. I know it is challenging, but I have I lot of energy and am anxious to achieve my goal because I know it will help my family and will fill me with pride. To achieve this target I study diligently every day. In the article, “Perspectives on identity,” by Heike vom Orde, the sociologist David Gauntlett, makes a point which is very relevant to me “…that girl, for example, can be encouraged to be stronger and more independent by action heroines like Lara Croft without needing to copy them”(9). His emphasis is women can be very independent and don’t require others help. This view is very inspiring to me. Functionalism theory can explain my decision since I want to be a strong role model and provider for my college age son.

      I imagine that a nursing career would give me the opportunity to show love to others and establish my identity as an important member of society. Using your knowledge to help other people is the responsibility of every citizen who lives in America and is essential for society to move towards harmony and stability. My goal is I will help other people with my education and realize important values that benefit society. For example, nursing is a group effort working together at hospital to care for people in need. In this environment, I will care for older patients who need love and warmth. Love is one aspect of symbolic interactionism. In the article “Perspectives on Identity” David Gauntlett says that the individual and group are both important to achieve a work identity. Specifically, “Both the individual and the group aspects of work are important, and integrating them might be important in helping individuals to develop a healthy work identity” (9).Regardless whether I work either by myself or with a team I will always have the goal to do the best for the group. This symbolic interactionism makes it possible for me to achieve my value in the society and my work identity.

      The three main sociological theories can help me to understand and explain who I’ve been in the past, present and future. Throughout my whole life education has put me on the road to succeed not only in a different culture, but in my own native culture. My desire for a better education has overcome my past poor career opportunities; it impacts me right now and gives me a lot hope to achieve my goal. It also gives me hope for the future.