Process

Definition: A process is a series of events, memories, or experiences in an irreversible timeline that forms foundations for development of identity.

Identity is formed by process, in the way that process creates the foundations for all sections of your identity such as relationship, personal, and cultural as well as other subtopics. The song “Breakaway” by Kelly Clarkson gives the story of a small town girl finding her place in the big city. Often people search for a place where they feel comfortable, normally based on negative experiences or the environment they grew up in. Those fears can be reflective of experiences we have and we can choose to make a change and breakaway. In this journey of understanding experiences as the foundation of our identity, it is also important to note that two people can experience the same thing and still process and be affected by the experience in different ways. The musical The Last Five Years is an example, more so focused on relationships. The film Homunculus shows people’s inner demons, traumatic experiences, and how we process them. Also, how people, as social creatures, need to socialize with each other. This experience with others creates a change in both parties. People can make a change in their identity because of the memories of others.