My Auto-Ethnography
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The photo presents my strong connection with Haiwaan ethnic background as indicated by the haiwaan flag.The flag acts as not only as sign of identity but as pride of Haiwaiin culture and traditions, and everytime I loo at the photo it riminds me of my ethnicity, something that I am ever proud of. Annother connection with the photo comes up through the gown, which acts as a landmark achievement in my academic life, having endured all the challeges in my highschoo and it was now time to celebrate this achievement. I am holding the gawn to show that even though this was a great achievement in life, it was just a drop in the sea and many gawns would be worn, which is what am working on my undergraduate to ensure that I achieve more, making a legacy and setting an example for many young stars. This photo is one of my best in my gallery, not because it has connection with my culture and ethnic identity but it represents an academic achievements hence a source of motivation and pride of my being.
There are two themes that come up in this photo which empower my identity though my feelings about the photo. The first theme is education and the other is culture, specifically Hawaiian culture and traditioons which is part of my identity.The theme of education is represented by the gawn I am wearing on my graduation, and it acts as a source of empowerment for me to achieve anything. It communiocates to me that I can be anything in this world that I dream of, as long as I remain determined and commoyed to my plans. Theere are many people who wished to graduate in highschool, most whom we had started the journey together but could not withstand the storms or by other reasons could not make it to graduation, or even graduate with straight A’s as I did.It therefore reminds me that I have potential, motivates me and empowers me to achieve more in life. The theme of culture is presented by the Hawaiin flag, and it empowers me to embrace my culture despite my achievemnts. It is an indication that as I pursue my education, should never forget my ethnic background, Hawaii where my family originated from.I feel empowered by this theme because it shows that can achieve anything irrespective of culture and ethnic background. There are many young people in my race who do not make it through education system, and therefore the photo empowers me to change this narrative and preach the gospel that everyone can achieve anything irrespective of their cultural and ethnic background.
This photo is accurate replica of whom I am, and also represents what I want to be.Bearing in mind that non of my family members has ever gone to college or even completed highschool, the photo reporesents the special part of me, that I am a heroin, as I can conquer family constraints, challeges and other restrictions embedded in my family, culture and society to achieve that which non in my family has ever achieved. It shows that am not only unique in my own way but I am an hardworking individual who is determined in setting records and setting a good path for others in my family and society to emulate. This achievement isn’t only mine only but also or the family as well. I remember my family was overmelmed by my graduation, and it acted as inspiration to my siblings to work hard and excell in their acadmic life.The banquet acts as crow of success and my beautiful smile indicates self-reassurance and confidence as well as pride for the achievement. It shows that I value my education and am determined to achieve more in education, career and other aspects of life.
Definitely there are elements in the photo that identify me culturally.The main element in the photo that identify me cultruraly is the Hawaiian flag, which I wore intentionaly as sign of pride for my culture and family. This flag have worn it several times especially during the Hula dance, which is part of the traditions in my culture.In my culture, hula is not only a dance, but a way of life, and expression of “Aloha” which indicates love, kindness, grace, and compassion. The flag therefore reminds me of my culture and believes, that I should be pride of my culture spread love, grace, compassion and be kind to all. It shows whom I am, what my roots are and whom I will always be, as I can not disconnect my self from the Hawaiianculture for that is what makes me, and am of course pround of it. Other than the flag, I also think the whole photo identifies me culturaly especialy the skin tone, which is golden brown, almost similar to the Indian skin but slightly darker as well as the straight black hair. I love whom I am and my ethnic background and I think its one of most important things which am proud of in my life.
I think the photo represents my believe that the society rewards and apreceates hardwork and determination.What one sets up in his or her mind, works hard towards it and perseveres definitely achieves it. Duering my highschool, I met a lot of challeges and obstacles that almost made me to give up but I did because I usualy don’t believe giving up as option in my life , I tirelessly worked hard and overcame all the storms that I met, and the result was graduation an not only that, but graduating with great grades. Oppportunities are everywhere the only thing that we need to do is to perceive them, and act towards them.I think the photo makes me believe that the society is changing very fast, especialy due to changes and advancements in technology and that education is the only key that can be used to unlock chances in life, and good fortune waits those who excel in their studies. I have a strong connection to material culture, which I most cases express it through my dressing and preference to tangible objects, mostly orienting myself to the Hawaiian culture.