AbstractThe purpose of this article is to discuss the characteristics of my personality. The main focus of this article will be how my personality has developed over time. As I grew older and encountered new and different experiences, my personality adapted and developed further. This article will provide an in-depth exploration of the people and events that have influenced my personality. Personality is defined as “a) the sum total of an individual's physical, mental, emotional, and social characteristics. b) the organized model of the individual's behavioral characteristics” (Dictionary.com, 2010). Whether we realize it or not, personality defines us as people. There are many facets to my personality that I had never thought about until I started this job. After some introspection, three of the most important components that make up my personality are introverted, thoughtful, and compassionate. Growing up, I wasn't a very outgoing child. I had friends, but I never actively sought that connection; others normally initiated any contact with me. Both my parents are social people, as is my sister, but I have adopted a more reserved nature towards people. Once I got to know people, I would open up and be much more outgoing, I was just getting over that first hurdle of fear that was holding me back. Partly due to fear of rejection from others in my peer group, but also fear of exposing myself too much, I have been unable to break down the walls I have built around myself. Educationally, it was difficult to be an introvert and participate in courses. During high school I could get away with speaking as little as possible, but once I reached university level, it became impossible...... middle of paper ......use of our biological nature, that is, because of the biological characteristics that we inherited. On the other hand, our personality can reflect our nourishment, that is, our experiences in our family and in society" (Cervone & Pervin, 2010, p. 9). Personality comes from many different directions, but they come together to make me the person I am today. My personality has led me to make the choices I have regarding everything from friendships to my career path. I firmly believe that if my personality were different, I would not be who I am and where I am today Cervone, D., & Pervin, L. (2010). Personality: Theory and Research (11th ed.). Wiley.Dictionary.com (2010) Retrieved from http://dictionary.com/browse. /compassion. Dictionary.com (2010). Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/personality.