English Literature Autoethnography: Identity, Motherhood, and Self

This autoethnography explores the author's evolving identity, particularly focusing on the intersection of motherhood and professional aspirations. Drawing on personal experiences, interviews, and literary references, the essay examines how the author navigates societal expectations and personal values. The author reflects on the challenges and triumphs of balancing motherhood with career goals, highlighting the importance of self-confidence and challenging traditional gender roles. The essay analyzes the influence of specific texts from the course, such as 'Two Names, Two Worlds' by Jonathan Rodríguez, to understand the complexities of identity and the impact of societal pressures on women. The author discusses the support received from friends and family, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's core identity despite external influences. Ultimately, the autoethnography provides a detailed account of personal growth, resilience, and the pursuit of a fulfilling life that encompasses both motherhood and professional success.

Running head: ENGLISH LITERATURE
ENGLISH LITERATURE
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author’s Note:

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I have learned many different things about my identity in this process and the most important
among them is empathy and confidence as a mother. Motherhood is my identity. I am enjoying
motherhood and also I try to make sure that I am not compromising with my education and wok.
Therefore apart from giving time to my children I always try to focus on building a different
identity where I can be a successful working woman as well. As is evident from the interview
that my interviewee and friend RIQUITA DURDEN said that she can also relate with one of
her friend that is me (Amber) in the context of motherhood. She said that both of us relate with
each other in all possible ways and also make sure that when it comes to our children we can talk
with one another and also share our thoughts and feelings. However, she also mentioned that
Amber has another identity as well. I feel that this identity is my attempt to establish myself as
successful working women however currently my major identity is motherhood and my love
towards them (Börzel & Risse, 2020).
I would also like to explain my identity to others that are to any outsider when I am speaking
with them. I am influenced by the work Two Names, Two Worlds by Jonathan Rodríguez
(Rodríguez, 2017) where the writer is trying to talks about his entangled self between the two
worlds. In other words, he is using two different names Jonathan, who is a European (to talk
about his new York city origin) and Rodríguez, who is Spanish (To talk about his rustic
upbringing somewhere in Connecticut). He tries to focus on a kind of dilemma and says that he
does not fit any of the two worlds. He is most comfortable in being him and that he does not like
any kind of stereotyping. I feel the same. Therefore while explaining my identity to an outsider, I
would proudly say that I am a confident and well-established mother (Alvarez,2017). I do not
believe in social stereotypes where women are only objectified or seen within the domestic

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household. Therefore I will work to earn a living and at the same time, I will also abide by all the
responsibilities of a mother (Kim, 2017 ).
This is also evident from my personal experience when I became a mother for the first time. As I
was very young, many of my family members and also the neighbors discouraged me from these
decisions. They said that as I am very young I will not be able to take up the responsibility of my
child. However, I explained to them that I feel motherhood will form a very essential part of my
whole identity. This is a very beautiful moment in a woman's life and I would try to give in all
the comfort and all the happiness that my child deserves. However, I do accept that I took this
decision at a very young age but I do not regret it because I feel that children are the gifts of god
and they make life complete and beautiful. I did not pay attention to what people or society had
to say (Danilovich et al., 2019).
I took a leave of about six months from work so that I could take care of my child. Even within
this span of six months or the maternity leave, I have opted for several freelancing or work from
home facilities so that I can work hard and also ensure that I am getting a good inflow of money.
This has surely helped me a lot as I was able to focus on my career and also give time to my
child at home. This has helped me to develop my basic identity that of motherhood and also to
establish myself as a successful working woman. I was therefore successful in challenging the
social dogmas and prove my self-worth.
I have not changed my mind about any aspects of my identity. I have also been inspired by the
interview that I conducted with my friend RIQUITA DURDEN. I asked her this question
that- Do you feel you can have more than one identity than just motherhood? RIQUITA

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DURDEN said ‘’ I feel like I can but I'm not sure how. Motherhood is all I focus on besides my
work. I am sure I can have more than one identity but that's not my focus right now.''
Her answer to this question was she feels she can have another identity but at the same time, she
is not able to focus on building the other identity as she is focusing all her attention over one that
is motherhood and upbringing of her child. In the same way, I feel that I am not changing any
aspect of my identity. I am happy as a mother and I try to focus on my child and also give her all
the love and care (Wagoner & Kavookjian, 2017). I do not want to ignore my duties or change
my decision. However, I feel that if I had more time before deciding on motherhood, then I
would have been financially more independent and gained good professional knowledge as well.
Therefore I will gradually deal with the situation and try to focus on my professional work as and
when I am free and also when my child grows up (Baur, Moore & Wendler, 2017).
I have been able to learn that if an individual can maintain their core identity throughout then
they will be able to overcome all obstacles. My current identity is that of motherhood and it has
stayed stable throughout this research process (Allen,2019). I have also been positively
influenced by the interview session that this will surely help me in the long run. I have learned
that other women embrace the concept of motherhood and also try to maintain all responsibilities
associated with the same. This has helped me to grow my confidence level. I dare to stand up
against all odds and also to work hard so that I can also establish myself professionally
(Alvarez, 2017). As I am confident and determined, I feel that I will be able to establish myself
as a career-oriented and successful working woman along with being a good responsible mother.

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References
Allen, A. (2019). Curriculum guide and resource aid for teaching topics of diversity to middle
school students.
Alvarez, J. (2017). Names Nombres. Retrieved from
https://www.sd27j.org/cms/lib/CO01900701/Centricity/Domain/352/Names%20Nombres
%20by%20Julia%20Alvarez.pdf.
Baur, K., Moore, B., & Wendler, M. C. (2017). Influencing commitment to BSN completion: A
pilot project using motivational interviewing. JONA: The Journal of Nursing
Administration, 47(3), 172-178.
Börzel, T. A., & Risse, T. (2020). Identity Politics, Core State Powers and Regional Integration:
Europe and beyond. JCMS: Journal of Common Market Studies, 58(1), 21-40.
Danilovich, M., Johnson, R. E., Diaz, L., & Boyken, L. (2019). HEALTH INTERVIEWING
IMPROVES THE MEDICAID HOME AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES
HOME CARE AIDE-CLIENT RELATIONSHIP. Innovation in Aging, 3(Suppl 1), S134.
Kim, J. (2017). HELLO, MY NAME IS ______. Retrieved from
https://www.commonlit.org/texts/hello-my-name-is-______.
https://www.commonlit.org/texts/hello-my-name-is-______
Rodríguez, J. (2017). The Reconstruction Era and the Fragility of Democracy. Retrieved from
https://www.facinghistory.org/reconstruction-era/two-names-two-worlds.

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Wagoner, S. T., & Kavookjian, J. (2017). The influence of motivational interviewing on patients
with inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review of the literature. Journal of
clinical medicine research, 9(8), 659.