What’s your identity? Such a small impression but leaves such a great impact we aren’t
aware of. Here’s an easier question, what’s identity? Defining identity alone was already
challenging. The word identity is fragile, it can be seen from numerous angles resulting in infinite
answers. In my opinion, identity is what makes us unique. Beware that everyone is born
distinctively. Not only physically but specifically, mentally. Apart from being born looking
different, we develop different personalities. We react differently, we think differently, we have
different passions, these minor details define our identity. Here’s my definition, where’s yours?
Don’t live undefined in this enormous equation.

                In particular, the most significant factor that distinguishes our identity from others’ is
experience. Adults in the 1960s will face different experiences than teenagers my age face.
Those experiences cause a big impact, they may teach us lessons, inspire us, or may even
leave the biggest scars. If it does leave something behind, it will change the way we think. For
instance, let’s say you’re a typical teenager living in the year 2021, a deadly disease outbreak
called the coronavirus pauses people from living a “normal life”. According to a 15-year-old Thai
teenager living during the pandemic, she stated, “Imagine living locked in your house without a
single car ride for 3 months. Not allowed to travel for more than 2 years. Celebrating 3 of your
birthdays alone. What a teenage life to spend.” She could blame the country who started the
outbreak, the leader for handling the crisis foolishly, the whole world for taking the teenage life
she has dreamed of since 4. Conversely, the crisis could be the most valuable lesson. It could
admonish how uncertain and short ones’ life is. So live the best out of it. Be the best version of
yourself every day. She holds the power to determine which angle she views the global
pandemic, to be blinded by the majority, or to look for the beauty and hold on to it.

                Future generations may look back considering how lucky it was to stay home. They may
laugh at us for handling situations unprofessionally while walking with their protective iMask.
Yet, they have no idea what life was like for us. They may label it as the ignorant era, but it will
always remain unforgettable for those who survived. The same thing goes for how individuals
have that one special experience that owns a special place in their memory walls. Whether
those events inspired us or harmed us, it has painted our identity. It has modified the lens we
viewed life, the process of choice-making, the emotions we hide, and even the people we love.
Experience is that one negative value under the square root that you’ve forgotten to multiply by
a negative one, that one math teacher that points out that the whole equation is powered by
zero. Therefore, don’t leave it undefined, it’s there for a reason, you just have to solve it patiently
and precisely.