The Struggle with Self Identity: Approaching and Accept Your Own | Maya Yates | TEDxRanchoCampanaHS

Summary

The speaker reflects on their journey of self-discovery through various childhood activities, ultimately finding a deep passion for gymnastics. Despite quitting in high school due to mental health and the changing environment, they remained connected to the sport by becoming a judge. The narrative emphasizes the fluid nature of identity, shaped by experiences and the importance of embracing change and diversity in personal growth.

Takeaways

• 👨‍👧 Parents' Support: The speaker's parents encouraged them to try various activities, showing their support and belief in their child's potential.
• 🤹 Initial Exploration: The speaker participated in numerous activities as a child, but none resonated with them until gymnastics came along.
• 🤸‍♀️ Finding Passion: Gymnastics became the speaker's passion, starting as a hobby and quickly evolving into a commitment with dedicated practice.
• 🏅 Competitive Spirit: The speaker developed an interest in competition during sixth grade, which increased their training hours and led to strong friendships.
• 🌟 Role Models: Fellow gymnasts served as role models, teaching the speaker about love for the sport, empathy, and leadership.
• 🔧 Perfectionism: As the speaker grew older, they became more perfectionistic, influenced by the high standards set by their role models.
• 🏆 Identity Formation: Gymnastics became the speaker's identity, shaping their personality and sense of self.
• 🔄 Change and Growth: The speaker experienced a shift in identity when they quit gymnastics, realizing the importance of mental and physical health.
• 🧐 Self-Identity Struggle: The speaker acknowledges that self-identity is a common struggle, influenced by experiences and personal growth.
• 📊 Research Insight: A study by New York University highlights the importance of experiences in shaping one's self-perception and identity.
• 👩‍⚖️ New Path: The speaker found a way to stay involved in gymnastics by becoming a judge, allowing them to maintain an identity while exploring other interests.

Q & A

What was the speaker's experience with various activities during their childhood?

The speaker was involved in a wide range of activities such as soccer, softball, piano, guitar, martial arts, and sewing, but none of these activities seemed to resonate with them as much as gymnastics did later on.

How did the speaker's parents support their exploration of different interests?

The speaker's parents were their biggest supporters, encouraging them to try various activities, and they continued to support them even when they found their passion in gymnastics.

What was the speaker's initial experience with gymnastics?

Gymnastics started as a fun hobby for the speaker, practicing once a week for an hour, and it quickly became their favorite activity due to the enjoyment and exercise it provided.

How did the speaker's interest in gymnastics evolve over time?

The speaker's interest in gymnastics grew rapidly, leading them to practice at home and eventually dedicating 12 to 16 hours per week to training as they developed an interest in competition.

What impact did gymnastics have on the speaker's personality and social life?

Gymnastics helped shape the speaker's personality, teaching them leadership, stress management, empathy, and understanding. It also allowed them to form strong friendships with teammates.

How did the speaker's role models influence their approach to gymnastics?

The speaker's role models were their fellow teammates, whose love for gymnastics and competitive spirit inspired them to appreciate the sport and learn valuable life lessons from their experiences.

What challenges did the speaker face when they quit gymnastics?

The speaker struggled with a loss of identity and fulfillment after quitting gymnastics, as it had been a significant part of their life and self-concept.

Why did the speaker decide to quit gymnastics?

The speaker quit gymnastics due to the changes in the gym environment, such as the departure of head coaches, and the realization that the time commitment was too much after a long break.

How did the speaker cope with the struggle of self-identity after quitting gymnastics?

The speaker conducted an Instagram poll to understand others' experiences with self-identity and researched ways to stay involved in gymnastics, such as becoming a judge.

What did the New York University study reveal about the formation of self-identity?

The NYU study showed that individuals understand their lives and identities through the creation of memories and experiences, particularly significant events that shape their self-perception.

How did the speaker eventually find a new identity within the realm of gymnastics?

The speaker became the youngest women's gymnastics judge in Southern California, allowing them to maintain a connection to gymnastics while focusing on other aspects of life.