Thinking about myself
The next stage is to start thinking about yourself. A good way to do this is to ask yourself four questions:
- How do I see myself now?
- What am I most proud of?
- What makes me happy?
- How would I like to see myself in the future?
Have a look at the following examples first.
We know that Janet is studying health and social care now that she has a little more time to herself. Her choice of study is influenced by her longer-term plan, as you can see by looking at her notes about herself.
How do I see myself now? | What makes me happy? |
I care for my son, and I volunteer | I enjoy volunteering |
What am I most proud of? | How would I like to see myself in the future? |
Being a carer for my son. It changed me as a person. I’d probably say for a better person. | I’d like to be a manager for a services provider, for people with disabilities |
Jade has found paid work that she enjoys and that she can combine with her caring role. While she knows what she’d like to do, she has plenty of work ahead to achieve her aim of becoming a qualified youth worker.
Look at Jade’s thoughts about herself in the table below and listen to what she has to say about herself.
How do I see myself now? | What makes me happy? |
I’ve found the work I’d like to do after a difficult start I’ve got great support from the carers’ centre and other young adult carers My dad’s health is up and down but my work is supportive about me balancing work, caring and studying | The close relationship between me and my dad My work with young people – I can’t believe I’m actually getting paid to do this now My friends |
What am I most proud of? | How would I like to see myself in the future? |
Gaining an A in Art when I was at school even though I felt discouraged by my teacher Gaining my job, through my volunteer work | A qualified youth worker Managing caring, work and further study |
Listen to Jade talking about her situation.
Transcript
Now listen to Dean’s thoughts about his situation. You might also want to review Dean’s earlier film clip too.
Transcript
Now think about the following questions:
- Do you have anything in common with Jade, Janet or Dean?
- What is different about your situation and how you feel?
Activity 1.1