Introducing Yourself Beyond the Basics: A Journey of Self-Discovery

This podcast episode, hosted by Tiana Ortiz, guides listeners, particularly those at an intermediate or advanced English level, to introduce themselves in a more profound way, moving beyond simple facts like name and job. Instead, Tiana encourages a deeper exploration of personal experiences, values, and passions that have shaped who we are. The episode is structured around Tiana sharing her own story as an example and prompting listeners to reflect and share their own.

1. The Power of a Name and Origin Story

Tiana begins by sharing her name, Tiana Ortiz, but immediately clarifies that it's "not the whole story." She emphasizes that her identity is intertwined with her experiences living "between cultures, between places that both feel like home." She reveals the Aztec origin of her name, meaning "the most beautiful flower," according to her parents, and then uses her birthplace, Nebraska, as a starting point to delve into a pivotal moment in her life.

• Key Takeaway: Your name and where you come from are starting points, but they don't define your entire story. Consider the cultural significance of your name and the places that hold meaning for you.

2. Defining Moments: Loss, Adaptation, and Resilience

Tiana recounts the significant impact of her father's deportation to Mexico when she was eight years old. She describes this event as turning her "life upside down" and teaching her valuable lessons about "loss, adaptation, and resilience." She emphasizes how this experience revealed the strength within herself and the ability to adapt to change. This is a pivotal moment in her story, shaping her worldview and resilience.

• Key Takeaway: Identify defining moments in your life that have shaped your character and taught you valuable lessons. Reflect on how these experiences have contributed to your personal growth and resilience.

3. Education Beyond the Classroom: Experiential Learning

While Tiana attended a bilingual school and learned the basics of Spanish, she highlights the importance of learning through experiences. She shares that she "learned through experiences, through making mistakes, through work and through lots of curiosity." Her travels further reinforced this belief, demonstrating that "education does not only live in a classroom, but it lives in conversations, in travel, in culture, in failing but trying again, in stepping out of your comfort zone."

• Key Takeaway: Recognize the value of learning outside of formal education. Embrace experiences, travel, and cultural immersion as opportunities for personal and intellectual growth. Don't be afraid to make mistakes and step outside your comfort zone.

4. Inspiration Over Envy: A Shift in Perspective

Tiana shares a personal strategy for overcoming envy by choosing to feel inspired instead. She explains that when she finds herself judging someone and feeling envious, she actively chooses to "feel inspired" and take action on what she needs in her life. This shift in perspective allows her to focus on her own growth and development rather than dwelling on the perceived success of others.

• Key Takeaway: Cultivate a mindset of inspiration rather than envy. When you find yourself comparing yourself to others, redirect your energy towards identifying what you admire and taking steps to achieve your own goals.

5. Redefining Your Role: Beyond Job Titles

Tiana challenges listeners to consider what they truly do beyond their job titles. While she identifies as an English teacher, she emphasizes that her true role is to "make people feel safe, safe using their voice." She aims to help people feel "less afraid, afraid of being misunderstood" and to combat the discouraging attitudes that language learners often encounter. For instance, she mentions how she is keen on destroying “that belief that maybe someone else made you think” and instead wants to encourage learners who are doing a very “courageous thing to even attempt”.

• Key Takeaway: Look beyond your job title and identify the deeper purpose and impact of your work. What problem do you solve? What kind of energy do you bring to the room? What do others come to you for?

6. Language as a Catalyst for Self-Discovery

Tiana emphasizes the transformative power of language learning. She explains that "language changed my life" and that "every language I learned teaches me a new version of myself." She even feels like she has "two personalities, one in English and one in Spanish." She encourages listeners to reflect on how language has shaped their own identities and experiences.

• Key Takeaway: Explore the impact of language on your identity and perspective. How has learning a new language changed the way you think, express yourself, and connect with others? Which language feels like home, and which language feels like growth?

7. The Importance of Slowing Down and Self-Reflection

Tiana concludes by sharing her love for simple pleasures, such as walking or biking through cities, listening to music, and visiting small shops. She emphasizes the importance of slowing down and reminding herself that "my life doesn't need to be super productive to be meaningful." She also highlights the value of travel and learning as a means of self-discovery, "not to escape, but to understand more and more about myself."

• Key Takeaway: Prioritize self-care and reflection. Take time to engage in activities that bring you joy and connect you with yourself. Use travel and learning as opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery.

In conclusion, Tiana's podcast episode encourages listeners to move beyond superficial introductions and delve into the deeper aspects of their identities. By sharing her own story and prompting thoughtful reflection, she provides a framework for introducing ourselves in a more authentic and meaningful way.