Rubi Escobar

September 16, 2019

Communications 108 - 9:00 am

Self-Concept
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I see myself as a helpful, socially independent, and hardworking individual. Whether it’s

at school, work, or at home, my friends, co-workers, and my family would describe me like that

as well. I care about everyone, I keep to myself, and I work hard to get the things I want to get

done.

I am very caring; I care for and help anyone that needs it. I’m someone that will always

be there when you need me. My friends for example, I care so much about them, anything they

need, I try to help them as much as I can. Whether it’s for homework or a personal problem, I

always try to find a way to make it easier for them to deal with it. My family, when they need

help on something, I will be the first one they call. I can tell the way that they feel about me

through their reactions when the help I give is given to them; the looking glass self (Cooley,

1902). After I help a friend or a family member, they are always thankful and compliment me in

any way to show their appreciation. Whenever they're sad, I always know a joke that will make

them at least smile. At my job, whenever my boss needs someone to do something ‘tough’ as

like organizing the freezer at Dunkin, I am the one that helps so that others aren’t bothered to do

it. I like the feeling of doing something so that everyone is happy though.

I grew up alone, my parents had to leave El Salvador when I was a month old to get a

better life for themselves and for my future self as well. I was left with my great grandmother.

The way that she is, and the ways that she grew up were how she raised me, is what I believe I

turn out to be like. Growing up alone made me independent, and very reserved. I had to learn

how to do things myself, due to her old age, she couldn't really teach me much. I love her though

and took care of her while I was there. Whenever I had something on my mind, she would be the

only one I could talk to. That is why when I came to the United States and reunited with my

family here, I was very shy and quiet. I felt very awkward and out of place. Now being here,

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surrounded with aunts, uncles, and a bunch of cousins, it opened me up more. I am not as shy as

I used to be. I mean, I still am but not to the point where I would have only one person to talk to.

My friends at the new school in America also helped me socialize more. They would talk to me

and help me during the process of me learning English. I appreciate them, instead of ignoring the

new foreign kid, they talk to and helped me. I’m still independent though. I keep some things to

myself and don’t like showing deep emotions to the public. Also, if I see something interesting

and want to learn, I will teach it to myself. How to straighten my own hair for example.

I like to think of myself as hardworking. Coming from a not so wealthy family as well as

going through difficult situations, I kept myself determined to stay on track with my schoolwork,

and housework. I take care of my sister as if she were my own. I work to give her things that will

make her happy, because I love her. I work to help my mom out too. Paying for my braces or

paying for my college books for example. I like working hard, it makes me proud of myself.

My family and friends will see me how I just described myself. They have told me I am

those things; helpful/caring, independent, and hardworking. A lot of them think I’m quite funny

too. They always laugh at my jokes. That helps my self-esteem a bit. I know I can probably make

anyone laugh. In a professional context, I am confident in the things I do in my job, which makes

me have a high self-esteem. Just like Brockner mentioned in chapter 2.3, “...people with higher

self-esteem are more likely to work harder based on negative feedback, are less negatively

affected by work stress, are able to handle workplace conflict better, and are better able to work

independently and solve problems”. I’ve been at my work for almost 3 years now, so not to

sound cocky, but I really know what I’m doing. Out of work context, I believe I am at the low

levels of self-esteem. I don’t like the way I look, or how I am sometimes. That affects the way I

build relationships. I don't have as much. But I do hope that one day I could overcome this and

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be able to talk to anyone so that I build even more relationships than the small amounts that I

already have. I hope that in the future I get the things that I dream of having for myself and my

family. A house for myself and my family, a happy life, and my dreams of becoming a nurse.

To conclude, I like how I am towards others, I respect everyone and listen to them when

they want to be heard. I work hard for myself and others, and I know I will one day be as happy

as I wish when I finally accomplish my goals.