By MARYAM MUTHANA, Velocity Contributor
How would you define authenticity? Now I don’t mean which dictionary definition you agree with most. I want you to think about what authenticity means to you. The dictionary definition I chose from Merriam-Webster Dictionary says, “true to one’s own personality, spirit or character,” but I consider authenticity to mean when I am doing what pleases me. To me, it’s about living my life with the utmost sincerity.
An example of finding something pleasurable is choosing how I spend my time. Coming from a close-knit community, I find myself invited to weddings every weekend. My grandmother Suad, being a popular member, gets invited to every one which in turn extends the invite to me as well. To show support, I will oftentimes accompany her to these events, but find myself feeling uncomfortable when I realize I am unfamiliar with the bride and groom. In moments like that, it becomes clear that I’m not being true to myself. I would much rather be at home reading a comic or doing something that genuinely interests me.
A more detailed example to show my definition of authenticity is making choices that will please me and more specifically help my health in the long-term. About a year ago, my family and I traveled back to Yemen. It was during my stay there that I was surprised by how fit many of the elderly people there were. They would climb mountains, take long walks after sunrise, and go for another hour-long walk before bed. Seeing the real-life benefits of staying fit while there made me compare the disadvantages of not caring for one’s health. This reminded me further that staying fit isn’t only about looking good but also about feeling good in the long term. I’m happy to say that my awareness has kept me in shape thus far and I believe it will continue to do so as I grow older.
Contrastingly, I don’t define authenticity as, “true to one’s own personality, spirit or character.” I could do something that others may think fits their perception of me but it isn’t something I want to do. To me, authenticity is more about doing what aligns with what I want, committing to my responsibilities so I can enjoy some leisure time. Take gaming for example, many people know that I enjoy playing video games. While it’s true that gaming is one of my favorite hobbies, it doesn’t mean I put it above my homework. When I sometimes take short breaks from studying on my computer, I typically go to play a quick round of Dress to Impress or use up my resin in Genshin Impact. However, I’m often misunderstood to be spending my entire day gaming. In actuality, things are quite different. I do enjoy gaming on weekends, but during my designated study times, I prefer to stick to a strict schedule. This way, I can balance and have time for other tasks like housework, meals, breaks and workouts. A productive week will allow me to have a stress-free weekend where I can literally play all day.
That’s not the only definition of authenticity that contrasts with my own. Dr. Tsaousides, for example, views authenticity as something we cannot escape, and something that we always are no matter the situation. When I asked my cousin her definition it was also different from mine. She explained that for her authenticity is when she is able to say what’s on her mind without coming across as rude. These differences show that everyone has their own unique understanding of authenticity, influenced by their own experiences and worldviews. Everyone has different definitions of authenticity. It is no surprise that people who are uniquely different have uniquely different definitions.
The definition impacts me throughout the day when I have to make a choice. Daily I think about whether what I’m planning to do is something that will truly put me in a happy or feel-good mood. This means reflecting and evaluating how I spend my day. Deciding if my actions or plans thereof align with what pleases me, like helping my health in the long-term or just short-term pleasure. I don’t stop myself from indulging in fun and games because there should be a balance that keeps me sane and motivated but not distracted. The ongoing reflection helps me make choices that are authentically me. Contributing to my well-being as well as personal growth.
It pleases me to pursue my goals. My ultimate goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in radiologic science. Being in this class and writing this essay are parts of my journey in higher education. As one of the first in my family to have such an opportunity, it makes these small steps even more meaningful. Each sentence I write and every grade I receive reflect my authenticity and commitment to my goals. The hard work and support of my family motivates me to give my best effort. Each grade, class and semester brings me closer to my goal and takes advantage of the better life the generations before me built. So far I think I’m doing a good job, my first college report card that I received last semester was straight A’s.
Out of all the definitions of authenticity I’ve seen, from dictionaries, articles and others, they don’t compare in personality to mine. My meaning is not just a concept or theoretical idea. It is a personal experience. My definition of authenticity is the truest to me because doing what feels right is the most authentic to me. Pursuing what genuinely pleases and fulfills me means embracing my true self, rather than conforming to social norms or even any expectations for that matter. My meaning comes from living sincerely by putting personal values and desires that make me happy first. By doing so, I build a deeper meaning of what authenticity means to me.
Velocity 
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