SummaryThe purpose of this article is to discuss my personality characteristics. The main focus of this article will be on how my personality has developed over time. As I have gotten older and encountered new and different experiences, my personality has adapted and developed further. This article will give 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 pattern of behavioral characteristics of the individual” (Dictionary.com, 2010). Whether we realize it or not, personality defines us as a person. There are many facets to my personality that I never thought about before starting this mission. After some introspection, three of the most important elements that make up my personality are introverted, caring, and compassionate. Growing up, I wasn't a very outgoing child. I had friends, but I never actively sought that connection; others would usually contact me. Both my parents are social people, as is my sister, but I have adopted a more reserved nature around people. Once I got to know people, I opened up and was a lot more outgoing, it was just overcoming that first hurdle of fear that was holding me back. Partly because of the fear of being rejected by others in my peer group, but also because of this fear of exposing too much of myself, I couldn't break down the walls I built around myself . Educationally, it has been difficult to be an introvert and participate in classes. . I managed to talk as little as possible in high school, but once I reached university it became impossible...... middle of paper ...... use of our biological nature, it that is, because of the biological characteristics we have inherited. On the other hand, our personality may reflect our upbringing, that is, our experiences in our family and in society” (Cervone and Pervin, 2010, p. 9). Personality comes from many different directions, but coming together to make me the person I am today. My personality has led me to make choices about everything from friendships to my career path. I firmly believe that if my personality was different, I would not be who I am and where I am today.ReferencesCervone, D. and Pervin, L. (2010). Personality: Theory and Research (11th ed.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.Dictionary.com (2010) Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/compassion. Dictionary.com (2010). Retrieved from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/personality..