Throughout my two decades of living, I can safely say that I’ve experienced countless events that have changed me; for better or worse. However, there is one specific occurrence that always comes to mind when I reminisce about my past. The day I learned that I was accepted into my dream college was a day I will hold close to my heart.
I was a senior in high school when I got the acceptance letter, mere months before I would walk and receive my diploma. Seated within a class of about twenty-four others in a widely spaced computer lab, I gazed in boredom at my AP Spanish teacher at the front of a room. The room was dark aside from the fifty computer screens lined within the room and the projected screen displaying various Spanish sentences. As I continued to struggle to remain awake, I felt my cell phone buzz in my navy-blue jeans pocket. Out of instinct, I inconspicuously slipped my iPhone 5 out of my front pocket and tucked it within my textbook. I only intended on briefly glancing at the notifications to ensure that there was no emergency situation I was being informed of; however, what I found on my screen made my heart skip a few beats.
My mother’s name displayed proudly upon my notifications, indicating that I had received a text message from her. My breath hitched and my teacher’s lecture was drowned out as I saw only an image was sent from my mother. With the image still small, I could only determine that it was a document of some sort; perhaps a letter back from SCAD? I had sent my college application to the Savannah College of Art and Design just months prior. I was incredibly anxious about my chances of getting in; not because I wasn’t confident in my portfolio, but because it was the only college I had applied to. I was fearful of my future if I didn’t get accepted, having no fallbacks in case the worst-case scenario became a reality. I held my breath as I opened the message from my mother, enlarging the image she sent me. My eyes fell upon the first few words of the letter: We would like to congratulate Brianne Kathleen Gallagher for being accepted into the Savannah College of Art and Design. It took everything in me to hold back a squeal of joy as I finished reading the letter. It was official; I was going to my dream school. I had succeeded.
I quickly excused myself from the uneventful atmosphere of the computer lab and situated myself in the nearest hallway to call my mother. My voice echoed through the empty halls as I jumped in excitement at her praises of my acceptance into SCAD. It was then that I knew I was one step closer to reaching my goals. This school would later become the best decision I have ever made in my life, knowing where I am now and what it has done for me.
My scores on the IPIP-Neo test consist of Extraversion at 39, Agreeableness at 91, Conscientiousness at 99, Neuroticism at 75, and Openness to Experience at 99. Although four of these results are all extreme outcomes, the two most extreme traits are Conscientiousness and Openness to Experience; with both scored at 99. The term conscientious is defined as an individual wishing to do what is right, especially in terms of doing one’s duty thoroughly and efficiently. On the other hand, the expression of Openness to Experience implies that the individual is open to change, is imaginative, and is more in tune with their emotions compared to most people.
My first highest score is in the category Conscientiousness, which scored at a very extreme 99. This result to me means that I am an individual that sets very clear goals and works hard to reach them. I tend to write checklists and work on a specific schedule in order to ensure that I finish all of my work in an orderly and efficient way. Being a conscientious individual also means that I pay close attention to what future consequences could result from possible actions I could take; such as with putting off responsibilities. On the other hand, this high score also tells me that I can be a compulsive perfectionist and a major workaholic. I often find myself working on homework for hours at a time without properly nourishing myself or taking breaks, due to a compulsive desire to make sure my work is absolutely finished and up-to-par with my high expectations of myself.
My second highest score is in the category of Openness to Experience, which also scored at a very extreme 99. This result implies that I am a very creative person, intellectually curious and I’m very open to change. As the leader of a club, I am incredibly open to any suggestions given to me by my committee and club members that could increase the quality of the club and introduce new aspects to it. I am also a person that finds great enjoyment in solving problems by thinking outside the box; coming up with unique ideas and possibilities that could be implemented. Being a very open individual, I also enjoy trying new things; for example, recently I’ve been looking into learning the violin, as something unique and productive to do in my free time. I’m always eager to discover new things, and even more so to learn about them.
Three of the most extreme scores within the sub-traits were Self-Discipline at 99, Anxiety at 98, and Self-Efficacy at 98. Self-Discipline is often referred to as “will power”, describing the ability to persist through tasks and objectives even if it is unpleasant. I find this result very accurate, as I am quite stubborn when it comes to finishing my work. I often find myself working many hours straight in order to ensure that everything is complete. Anxiety describes the “fight-or-flight” system of the brain sending signals of imminent danger, creating a constant fear of certain situations or rendering the person naturally worried.
This result is absolutely true, as I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder a few years ago. I find myself constantly worrying about situations where it is not necessary, as well as believing a worst-case scenario could occur; even when it is immensely unlikely. Self-Efficacy refers to one’s confidence to accomplish objectives, along with one’s belief in having the means necessary to reach said success. I feel that this is true, as I am a very positive and confident individual who knows exactly what to do to reach success.
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