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What Makes Me “Me”

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The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Texas chapter.

What makes me, me, is a blend of my experiences, passions, and the identity I’ve embraced over the years. I am Dajaiya Pegue, a pre-law psychology major, a creative, a Black woman, and someone who values authenticity and purpose in everything I do. My story isn’t just about my academic path or career goals; it’s about how my background, interests, and values shape who I am and how I see the world.

Growing up, I always had a deep curiosity about people and why we think and act the way we do. That’s probably why psychology drew me in. I wanted to understand human behavior on a deeper level, not just to gain knowledge but to create meaningful change in the world around me. My minors in sociology and Black studies added layers to this understanding, showing me how systemic structures affect individuals and communities, especially the Black community. They’ve given me the tools to not only analyze society but to actively advocate for better, more inclusive futures.

But what makes me me goes beyond academics. I’ve always been someone who loves to write, particularly about topics that resonate with me on a personal level. Writing is my outlet, my way of processing the world and making sense of my thoughts and emotions. I focus a lot on relatable topics within the Black community because I see the need for more spaces where Black voices, especially Black women’s voices, are uplifted and celebrated. I feel an innate responsibility to create those spaces, to write stories that reflect our experiences and to speak to issues that often go unheard or unaddressed.

I find so much inspiration in my culture, my heritage, and the powerful women who came before me. Being a Black woman in America means navigating a world that often tries to box you in or underestimate you, but that only makes me more determined to carve out my own space. It’s this determination, this sense of purpose, that shapes everything I do – whether it’s in my academic work, my creative projects, or the way I carry myself in day-to-day life.

My creativity also plays a huge role in shaping my identity. Fashion, for instance, is more than just clothes to me: it’s a form of self-expression. It’s how I show the world who I am without having to say a word. The way I style myself is a reflection of my mood, my confidence, and the way I want to show up. Whether I’m experimenting with bold colors, unique patterns, or simple classic looks, fashion allows me to express different facets of my personality.

At the heart of everything, I believe in staying true to myself. I’m not interested in conforming to expectations that don’t align with my values or losing myself in trying to please others. Authenticity is my foundation, it drives my writing, my creativity, and my relationships. I’m drawn to people and places that allow me to be fully myself, and I strive to give others the same space to be who they are.

In addition to this, my journey as a content creator has been an important part of discovering more about who I am. Diving into the world of fashion content, for example, has shown me how much I enjoy creating and curating experiences for an audience. It’s a space where I can merge my passion for style with my love for storytelling, and finding new ways to connect with people who share similar interests or who see themselves in my content.

But what truly makes me me is my desire to make an impact. I don’t just want to exist in the world, I want to contribute to it. Whether that’s through advocating for change, lifting up underrepresented voices, or simply being a source of encouragement for someone else, I want to leave the world better than I found it. It’s why I’m so drawn to the idea of becoming a lawyer, where I can use my voice and knowledge to help others, challenge injustices, and advocate for equality.

Ultimately, what makes me me is a combination of all these influences. My journey, my passions, and my desire to stay true to my identity, even when the world makes it difficult. I’m always evolving, always learning, but at the core of it all, I’m someone who values authenticity, creativity, and purpose. And I think that’s what makes me stand out, not just as a person, but as someone who’s determined to make an impact in everything I do.

Hi! I'm Dajaiya Pegue, a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a pre-law psychology major with minors in sociology and Black studies. I'm passionate about writing on topics that resonate with the Black community and aim to create spaces that uplift Black writers and Black women.