My three group members, Hydia, Zach, and Dylan, wrote reflections about the narrative values that they believe defines them. They varied in how many narrative values that included, from Dylan’s 3 to Zach’s 7 to Hydia who mentioned about 10 narrative values. Each of the values they mentioned are clearly very important to them as they are what they think makes them who they are. Some similarities and differences can be drawn from the reflections, and the extent to which they overlap or differ is analyzed below.
Differences
Of the differences between the three of them, one stuck out more than others. For example, Zach and Hydia had opposing views on spontaneity. Zach held the narrative value of spontaneity in high regard claiming that it is important to constantly try new things as those are what make life fun. In Zach’s view, spontaneity can be something as simple as exploring the unknown parts of a city or visiting shops that one had not before. Hydia on the other hand, finds comfort in planning things out ahead of time. May would certainly agree with Zach that living a life full of spontaneity would be meaningful. This doesn’t then mean that Hydia’s planning-filled life is not meaningful, but spontaneity is what keeps us from being enveloped by a sense of the Absurd.
Similarities
There were a number of narrative values that my group members shared. Hydia and Zach both identified with “respectfulness” and “subtlety”, Zach and Dylan expressed “steadfastness/relentlessness”, and all three members said they identify with the narrative value of “personal integrity”.
Subtlety
Although it is something they both hold dear to themselves, Hydia and Zach described the way they exhibit subtlety in quite different ways. They both identify as someone passive who doesn’t interfere or impose their opinion on others. They differ on how they use their subtlety. Zach gave the example of how he was the captain of his high school football team, a position that is achieved by earning the respect of the teammates and coaches. Refusing to be the alpha male of the group, Zach led his team by example, something he prides himself on. Hydia, however, expresses her subtlety by staying out of “the limelight” and observing; attention is not something she seeks by any means. It seems that if they were on the same team, both would be subtle but would assume different positions in the team.
Steadfastness
Zach used the term “relentless” to describe a trait of himself, but what he wrote aligned with Dylan’s description of “steadfastness”. Dylan’s steadfastness is what enabled him to overcome his parents’ divorce and to focus on figuring out what he wanted to do with his life. Many people would have curled up and succumbed to depression, but Dylan fought through it, an emerged with a clear sense of direction. He realized which major he wanted to pursue and he has been successful at it. Zach’s steadfastness was most important during his transition from high school to college. He had to learn to how to study and support himself financially at the same time, neither of which were real a major challenge. Like Dylan, thanks to his steadfastness, Zach was able to adjust to his new situation.
Personal Integrity
Integrity means always living by one’s own code of morals and value. Some people waver from their beliefs or they simply don’t have any defined ones. This is not an issue for Zach, Hydia, and Dylan as they all said they have a strong sense of personal integrity. Since she was a child, Hydia has had great integrity, as exemplified by her unwillingness to act disobediently if, during grade school, the teacher left the room. She refused to give in to peer pressure and stood firm in following the rules. Similarly, Dylan’s integrity has kept him from consuming illegal substances such as alcohol and drugs. While many peers often partake in underage drinking, Dylan has decided he’ll drink alcohol when he is of age. Like Hydia’s behavior when the teacher left the room, Zach described integrity as how one acts when no one is looking or when difficult decisions need to be made. He stressed the importance of adhering to a code during trying times.