Categories: random
Tags: Uni
Date: 13 October 2006 09:34:05
I recently took one of those online personality tests, which defines your personality using 4 words. I would provide a link to the test I took, but I don't have it (perhaps someone would be kind enough to leave it in the comments?!). The first of these descriptions is either introverted or extroverted. As I was taking the test, I was very much split on the questions which led to this description. I could think of situations when I would do both. In the end, I answered as the ERG in me, as the extrovert, leaving the introverted me behind. So hence, I came out as an extrovert. Which isn't particularly surprising, but the split still remains.
Most people who know me in Swansea will automatically say I am an extrovert. But I haven't always been like that. When I was 3 years old I attended playgroup for an entire year and didn't speak till the very last day. Throughout most of my schooling I tended to be quiet and shy. There were however, certain situations when I was younger when I was more ERGish. I can distinctly remember getting very excited and loud when we went to visit all my family down in Cornwall. They always have been close to me, and I only get to see them about twice a year, so I always have got excited, and been extroverted with them. Since a young age in church I have felt confident among my friends there, who have always been like a second family. I have always enjoyed taking part, in whatever shape or form, in church. But, as I say, most of the way through school, I was incredibly quiet and introverted.
Since I've been at uni, my confidence generally has increased dramatically. I think ERG, which was always there somewhere as a child, came out more when I came to uni. It had to - I was trying to settle in an entirely new city, where I didn't know anyone. If I had been the quiet, 'wouldn't say boo to a goose' Jen I had been at school, it would have been harder to settle in. Those who know me very well in Swansea, will know that I can still be quiet, without there necessarily being anything wrong. Within my course, I am much quieter than I am amongst other friends in Swansea. I am generally one of the quieter people in my group, although my coursemates do know that I don't mind speaking in front of the rest of the group when giving feedback from groupwork.
Overall, I think the 'extroverted' which came up in the personality test, is correct. But thats not everything. I very definately do also have an introverted side. Believe it or not, there are many situations where I am quiet and withdrawn, although they have decreased since I've come to Swansea.