Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.
Every philosopher in the history of mankind has pondered the same question – what is the purpose of our existence? Aristotle believed that the purpose of humanity is to achieve eudaimonia, or happiness, through the fulfillment of your potential. Some, like Immanuel Kant, believed that we must fulfill their obligations and duty as dictated by moral law. But others, like Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre, believe that life has no inherent purpose. Rather, living life lies in embracing freedom and creating our own meaning. I believe that Camus had it right in believing that it is up to us to create ourselves through our choices and actions.
While I may not be a philosopher writing Nobel prize winning books, I believe that life is indeed about creating ourselves, rather than finding ourselves. During my time at DPSD, I found myself in an environment where I was given the powers and the freedom to make my own experiences. I was within the halls of a high school, yet I explored the world outside. It is this freedom, this encouragement to grow, that led me to believe that it is truly about creating our own meaning, our own experiences, and building our life to be what we want it to be.
In the traditional sense, “finding yourself” implies that there is a fixed identity or purpose hidden somewhere within us, waiting to be found. This view can sometimes lead to a narrow approach to life. However, the idea of “creating yourself” is empowering. It puts the onus on us to actively shape our identities through our decisions and experiences.
My high school experience has been a testament to this philosophy. The environment at DPS Dubai played a crucial role in providing the opportunities and support necessary for me to create myself. Each class I attended, and each challenge I faced contributed to the evolving picture of who I am today. For instance, becoming a part of the student council way back in grade 7 was not just about building my resume; it was a deliberate step towards becoming a leader. By organizing events, collaborating with my council, and building relationships with the student body, I developed skills in communication, problem-solving, and teamwork. These experiences were not handed to me passively; I actively sought them out, taking risks and stepping into roles that pushed me out of my comfort zone. If the philosophy of finding ourselves was the one taught to us in school, I never would have become the person I am today.
In conclusion, life is about taking charge of your destiny. It is about the conscious efforts we make, the opportunities we seek out, and our active engagement with the world around us. Through active participation and deliberate choices, I have learned our identity is not up to fate, or to the universe. Instead, it belongs to us, and can only be shaped by the choices we make.
