How do you view the world?

The way I view the world has been shaped by my experiences, from the places I’ve been to the things I’ve tried. I am conscious that I see the world through a curious screen. I always want to explore further and dive deep into things that don’t matter to most. ThoughtCatalog.com exhibits how I view the world and by including that “the secret to happiness and a great life is to figure out how to [see the beauty] all the time, wherever you are.”

Kenneth Burke said that our “terministic screen” is the idea that symbols, terms, and language form the building blocks and the structures of our collective life. He affirmed that we employ symbols that construct our social realities. Consequently, the realities we face are not inherent in nature but are built up and can be reconstructed as we alter our discursive practices.

GENDER

As a woman, I can confidently call myself a feminist. Being a female has shaped my view of the world. Because of my genderI will continue to fight for the rights of myself and for all of the women around me. The most inspiring woman in my life is for sure my mother. By the age of thirty, my mom had ten miscarriages. However, through hope and perseverance, my mom did not become discouraged and she finally gave birth to a healthy baby girl. My mom has always inspired me to stand up for what I believe inand never lose hope, which is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

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“HOME”

I’d say my “terministic screen” was shaped by the way I had been raised. Being from a small town, with a graduating class of ninety-seven, I was forced to find the beauty in things that people from a large city might not. As a result, I became more relaxed, and I live a more laid-back lifestyle. At home, the nearest Target was about forty minutes away, and the nearest airport was roughly an hour away. To feel a sense of community, I was determined to travel to New York City every few months so I could explore further, and find the places that are unique to strictly the city. I think spontaneous trips to New York City throughout my life also formed my screen. I was able to examine life in a bustling city and compare it to my hometown, two places that are incredibly different from one another. Alternatively, I became more appreciative of my surroundings and appreciated the quiet aura of my hometown.

Various pictures taken in all parts of New York City. 

FAMILY

Another huge part of who I am today is the fact that I grew up as an only child. Not having an older brother or sister to look up to or rely on forced me to develop faster. According to sciencealert.com, only children manifest greater flexibility in their thinking— a fundamental trademark of creativity. Being an only child has led me to view the world unconventionally, in a more mature way in which my peers may not. From living alone with my parents, my idea of “family” has shifted. To my peers, “family” might mean getting together with extended family members and enjoying time as a group during holidays. For me, my family is my parents and I. We spend most holidays in the warmth of our household, and have come to appreciate each other more.  My family has taught me to be more appreciative and open to those around me.

My family and I at graduation.

All of these aspects help shape the way I view our world and today’s society. Each and every one of us has our own unique screen that helps us see and understand the world we live in. The screen I view the world through is continuously changing. With all the places I visit, the skills I learn, and the people I meet, my screen continues to evolve as I grow as a person. What will my screen look like next month? Next year? Only time will tell.