Claudia Nunez Period 5 September 12, 2012

Mandala Who am I? After a few moments of going over what truly represents me, what I think are the most important moments in my life, and people that make up my identity, I came up with my Mandala that portrays these significant pieces in my life. They help to shape a few of the many qualities behind my identity. The aspects of my identity were represented by the following pictures that make up my mandala: 1. Mexican flag: The flag represent my roots and culture. It represents where I come from and the struggles that my family has been through to get where we are. We have fought and overcame many obstacles to obtain better opportunities. 2. Photo of a few members of my family: We took this photo on New Years 2012. Its a symbol and representation of our family unity. No matter what problems we are facing we can count on each other for support. I grew up with them and we were always together through our good and bad times. 3. Photo of a bunny: I own three pets, a pet bunny and two dogs. I consider my pets as part of the family. They symbolize my childhood and the responsibility and maturity I have had to be able to raise these pets and be able to have them be a part of our family. 4. Photo of a roller coaster: Not only does a roller coaster bring thrill and joy to people but there is a larger representation of it in my life. It represents obstacles and struggles. My family has always struggled to try and keep moving on through difficult times as a roller coaster does through loops. It brings me back to the hardships I have faced and the strength I had to overcome them, for example, when taking care of my younger brother while my father was hospitalized.

5. Picture of a family on a couch: It brings me back to times when my family spends quality time together and the smiles we all have on when this time comes. I wish for this to continue because it helps relieve ourselves from stress. 6.Picture of Dmv: It represents one of my many accomplishments which is obtaining my drivers license. It symbolizes, to me, how I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. It symbolizes my determination and perseverance to overcome challenges and strive for my goals. 7.Image of pediatrician: It represents one of my many life goals that I wish to fulfill. I wish to be someone great in life and this image symbolizes the hard work I have and will put into my work in order to accomplish this wish. 8. The photo of the Ucla Sweatshirt: This image symbolizes the dedication I have to go to college. I will be one of the first in my whole family to go to college therefore, it is a huge accomplishment for me to attend a great university and make my family proud. 9. Image of rain: Rain helps things grow (e.g.plants). It represents the work and dedication my parents have done to help my brother and I to grow into hardworking children that will achieve anything that we propose to ourselves. 10. Image of home: The house represents another of my life goals and the fact that I can count on my familys doors to always be open when I need them. My life goal is to have a house of my own where my children will feel the same way about their family. I wish for them to feel safe with a supporting family. 11. Turtle picture: The turtle represents myself. It represents my shyness and strength. Like a turtle, I too am very shy and wish to hide under a shell under many circumstances. Its shell represents the strength I have to keep on moving even if bad things happen. 12. Picture of the beach: The beach symbolizes harmony and peace. It represents me because I have always tried to stay out of trouble and be as kind to others as i possibly can.

13. Image of family in backyard: This image represents my childhood and the many joyful experiences I had as a child with my family in my backyard. To me my backyard is an unforgettable place where we would always have family reunions to celebrate or to have a great time. The mandala reflects my personal aesthetic through the combination of various images. This combination brings out my identity and the various symbols in my life. My identity requires a lot more than these few picture however, they represent a big part in my life. When going through the process of putting together my mandala, I felt and discovered a lot of things about my identity that I was not fully aware of before. It helped to put together a few thoughts that represent a part of who I am.