Garcia, Lian Louis L.

2018-06035
Response Paper #2: Self-Portraits

Photo sources:
1st row: https://harboursideplace.com/event/paintwithgocoastal-2-2-2/
https://www.irishtimes.com/life-and-style/health-family/birth-order-lottery-firstborn-
favourites-middle-child-syndrome-and-septugenarian-babies-1.2021550
https://www.freepik.com/free-photo/shy-girl-cat-costume_3039383.htm
2nd row: https://time.com/5665650/best-karaoke-songs/
https://www.women.com/connieliou/lists/lazy-girl-skincare-tips-hacks-020619
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/LIVING/04/12/stop.procrastinating.tips.rs/index.html
3rd row: https://www.mommyshorts.com/2011/07/10-ways-to-encourage-independence.html
https://www.jw.org/en/news/releases/by-region/world/jehovahs-witnesses-release-
large-size-bible/
https://slate.com/human-interest/2016/04/how-do-i-assert-myself-as-a-leader-within-
a-group.html
 Our self-concept is the mental picture of who we are as a person. It is about how we
understand or perceive ourselves. On the other hand, self-presentation is how we present ourselves to
control how others perceive us. After deliberately assessing myself, I have selected the photos above
to represent my self-concept and self-presentation. Each picture tells something about me- my traits,
personality, likes, and dislikes.

Ever since I was a child, I have been timid and quiet. (photo in 1st row, 1st column) I am not
good when it comes to socializing, and I often feel nervous when I am alone or when I am around
people I am not close to. Honestly, I was always conscious of what other people think of me. And
maybe, this is the reason why it takes time and effort for me to disclose myself to others. My friends
know how shy I am as a person. This shyness goes away when I become an acquaintance or a friend of
someone. It is also the first impression on me always- that I am very quiet and reserved.

Additionally, I grew up facing a lot of pressures and expectations as I am the eldest child,
granddaughter, cousin, and niece. (photo in 1st row, 2nd column) But as I grew older, I gradually
gained confidence, mainly because I excelled in academics and discovered my skills and talents. I
loved to dance when I was still a little girl, but I loved singing more when I became a teenager. (photo
in 1st row, 3rd column) I find comfort in music. I always enjoy having karaoke nights with my aunts,
and sometimes with my friends. Music, for me, is the outlet of my emotions. I also learned that I am
artistic. (photo in 2nd row, 1st column) I wouldn't say I like drawing, painting, or doing other art stuff
as hobbies since I just learned about my skills when I entered high school. Because of the school
projects, I practiced the skills that I have: drawing, painting, designing, and doing calligraphy. During
that time in high school, art projects, or anything that needs design and creativity, became associated
with my name. However, when I finished high school, I also stopped practicing my art skills. I do not
know why I don't have the will to practice, but I knew it is just simply because of my laziness. (photo
in 2nd row, 2nd column)

I do not have that kind of determination, like what other freshmen had when I entered college.
Nevertheless, my family, friends, and former classmates still have the same expectations for me. It is
like I am the same old "Lian" they know, who is always diligent and grade-conscious. But I know that
I changed, and because of being lazy, I continuously end up procrastinating. (photo in 2nd row, 3rd
column) Often, I try to finish my deadlines early, but my mind somehow won't cooperate so, I always
end up cramming for exams or requirements. Although, due to the learning setup today, I managed to
finish deadlines way earlier than the due date because I know, for a fact, that procrastination won't
work.

Furthermore, my parents started working abroad when I entered college. Even though I am the
eldest child, I'm not too fond of the feeling of being away from my parents. (photo in 3rd row, 1st
column) Some people who I know said that I must be happy since my parents are far from us, so I am
free of whatever I want to do. But it's the other way around with me. I don't mind being stuck at home
and not being able to freely go somewhere far, as long as my parents are home with us. Yet, I still act
as if it is fine with me. I had a hard time adjusting when my parents left; fortunately, I have my friends
and their family who treat me as a relative.

I also see myself as a capable person with strong leadership abilities. As I mentioned before, I
always tend to procrastinate; however, I work well under pressure on a positive note. I have a good
sense of urgency, and I always want things to go as planned, perfectly. Lastly, I prefer saying that I
am a spiritual-minded person, rather than religious. (photo in 3rd row, 3rd column) I strictly follow
my weekly schedule to make sure that I still have time for spiritual activities, such as attending our
meetings, joining the field ministry, and studying the Bible. These activities, for me, are as important
as eating and sleeping.