Who Are You? I am Me.

“The name is Orlando. Orlando Bartolome Jr. I am an art student in FIT and I am annoyed… because I’m trying to finish my work”

My older brother as he responds to the question; who are you? A question that seems so basic yet very complex altogether. I then asked my sister and she replied, “Mary Leah your sister. Duhh.”

I noticed that many of us think of names, nicknames, hobbies, job titles, or with relationship titles. Identity labels like these are convenient, perhaps even vital. They form the way we act, react and feel in a given situation, from what we decide to eat for lunch to the color shoe we put on our feet. But many labels are ambiguous, and at times, misleading. It is very difficult to fully describe the multidimensional experience that is a human being.

We need to understand that it is not the titles or hobbies that determines us. It is the belief in these titles and why we chose them to define us that determine who we are.

So when I am asked the question; Who are you? My Name is Owen Bartolome. I major in Economics/Marketing. I love sports, more specifically basketball. I love all forms of music but lately I have been listening to a lot of hip hop. I am very much into men’s fashion. My two favorite TV shows of all time are the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Entourage. All these represent who I am and what I love.

I major in Economics and Marketing but why? Many can assume that its because he is good at math, common misconception because I am not great with it, but work very hard to get an +B in Pre-Cal, others may think I want to make money, which is essentially true, however the Market also intrigues me. I ask myself what makes it marketable? Why would someone buy it? And what is my selling strategy? It is a very fascinating social science.

I love basketball but why? Because I believe in teamwork. I live in a household of five we each pull our own weight, do our responsibilities to move forward as a family. To me it is also an art form combining finesse, footwork, hand eye coordination, focus, and a test of mental and physical toughness.

I love men’s fashion, but why? Because I believe that peoples impressions are shaped upon appearance. It is the physical interpretation of who you are. I Draw alot of information about fashion from GQ Magazine and mens fashion blogs like theurbangent and streetetiquette both are very interesting and informative.

I love the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and Entourage but why? Because both are very humorous shows, I love that type comedy and I believe in its family and friend values and the way each show portrays it.

I believe in the virtues of balance and moderation. I like to look at life through different lenses other then my own. I believe that you are your passion, whatever it maybe. So when asked who are you, ones response should simply be, I am me.