The Self: a Journey through Philosophy, Experience, and Growth

Introduction

The concept of the "self" has intrigued philosophers, psychologists, and thinkers throughout history. It is a multifaceted idea that encompasses our identity, consciousness, and personal experiences. In this essay, I explore the idea of the self through the lens of philosophical insights, personal experiences related to immigration, and the transformative power of music. By weaving these elements together, I aim to illustrate how the self is both a static and dynamic entity, constantly evolving through our interactions with the world around us.

Philosophical Reflections on the Self

Initially, I perceived the self as an intangible, universally understood concept. This changed upon reading Descartes' "Meditations." Descartes challenged my preconceived notions by suggesting that the self is deeply intertwined with how we interpret our past and shape our future. His famous assertion, "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am"), emphasizes the self as inherently linked to consciousness and awareness. Marya Schechtman further expanded my understanding with her paper "Personal Identity and The Past." She argues that the self is constructed through experiences that are claimed and internalized, allowing for personal growth. These philosophical perspectives prompted me to reflect on my own identity, recognizing that my current self is a product of past experiences, choices, and interpretations.

Immigration and Identity: A Personal Narrative

The journey of understanding my self-identity took a significant turn when my family moved from East Los Angeles to Oregon when I was ten years old. This relocation forced me to confront my cultural identity and the realities of living in a society where my family's legal status was a constant source of anxiety. In East Los Angeles, my identity was never questioned; it was a given. However, in Oregon, I rapidly learned that liberal values and racial prejudices often coexist. This realization initiated a period of intense self-reflection, as I grappled with feelings of alienation and anxiety.

My parents' immigration status became an integral part of my identity. As the eldest of four siblings, I took on the role of a linguistic and cultural bridge, assisting my family with English and navigating local laws that could impact us. This responsibility cultivated a sense of resilience, but it also underscored the persistent trauma of uncertainty. Studies, such as one conducted on 5,653 mothers in Oregon, highlight the mental health impact on children of unauthorized immigrants, linking parental legal status to elevated stress levels in their U.S. citizen children (Hainmueller et al.). This connection between familial circumstances and personal identity reveals the profound influence of external factors on the self.

Law, Justice, and My Pursuit of Change

The interconnectedness of identity and justice became more apparent as I considered my career path in law. Growing up, I witnessed firsthand the failures of the legal system in protecting marginalized communities. The wrongful conviction and subsequent death of my uncle in jail exposed the brutal injustices faced by individuals who are reduced to mere labels within the system. This personal history fueled my desire to advocate for change and justice, recognizing that the legal system often perpetuates inequality rather than rectifying it.

My aspiration to become a lawyer is rooted in the belief that the self is not only shaped by personal experiences but also by the desire to create a more equitable society. As DePaul eloquently states, "We are fighting in a system that we were never meant to be a part of, for people that the system never meant to protect" (DePaul 166). By pursuing a career in law, I aim to challenge these systemic injustices, utilizing my personal experiences to advocate for those who, like my parents, face adversity due to their immigration status.

The Transformative Power of Music

In addition to philosophical and personal reflections, music has played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of the self. Discovering the music of BTS introduced me to a world where language barriers were transcended, and messages of hope and self-acceptance resonated deeply. Their song "Paradise" challenged societal norms of success and happiness, reminding me that life is not a race, and it's okay to pause and find joy in the present moment.

Kim Namjoon, the leader of BTS, encapsulates this sentiment in his speech at the UN General Assembly: "Maybe I made a mistake yesterday, but yesterday’s me is still me. I am who I am today, with all my faults. Tomorrow I might be a tiny bit wiser, and that’s me, too." This message of self-love and growth encouraged me to embrace my faults and appreciate the journey of becoming. Music, in this context, serves as a catalyst for self-reflection and personal development, offering solace during challenging times and reinforcing the idea that the self is an ever-evolving entity.

Conclusion

The exploration of the self is a complex and multifaceted journey, shaped by philosophical insights, personal experiences, and external influences. From Descartes and Schechtman to my own experiences with immigration and music, each element contributes to a deeper understanding of identity. The self is not a static entity; it is a fluid construct, continuously molded by our interactions with the world. As I continue my journey, I am reminded that self-awareness and acceptance are key to navigating life's challenges, and by embracing these principles, I can contribute to a more just and equitable society.

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