Elgoni Nikolla

1. My identity is interwoven with the different family roots of both my parents. From my father’s side, it traces back to Bulgaria through my grandfather's lineage, while the other is tied to Greece through my grandmother's heritage. Moreover, from my mother’s side, I have Aromanian origin. I was born and raised in Albania, where my childhood memories were shaped.
My baptizing name is Antigoni, like my grandmother, which gives me the strength of her character.
On a personal level, I align the perception of my identity with open-mindedness, a thirst for intellectual growth, and a continual quest for self-improvement.

2.
Professional
Social
Sexual
Marital
National
Confessional

Throughout my life, the hierarchy of “identities” that I have listed above has undergone changes every 5 to 10 years, reflecting my evolving identity as a woman in varying contexts.
I find a deep sense of harmony within my sexual identity and embrace my strong feminine essence, which is evident whenever I pursue a goal or immerse myself in activities that are significant to me.
My mother's guidance has consistently redirected me towards prioritizing self-fulfillment, investing in education, and personal growth. I believe I've instinctively followed this path.
My marital identity holds significance to me because I think that happy moments in life are more fulfilling when they are shared with a partner whom I identify as my family.
At times, my confessional identity is also important to me. Exploring my spiritual dimension, nurturing a desire to contemplate profound questions about existence and our place in the universe has developed in me a sense of deep empathy.
 

3. Some important influences in forming my identity are especially my parents, high school teachers, university professors, and determined and hard-working peers who succeeded in their goals. I have been inspired since I was a little girl to fulfill my dreams by working hard.
There are two years that I think have somehow influenced my identity. First, the year 1989, which coincides with the collapse of the communist regime in the Eastern bloc, but at the same time, it is the year I was born. And second, the year 1997, which coincides with a short civil war in Albania and the start of my elementary school. It is the year in which I learnted the alphabet and the numbers. My parents have played a major role in teaching me to become a strong young woman and walk through challenges with a positive mindset, even in turbulent times. 
Moreover, moving to different countries to study at the university level also shaped my identity (Italy, Albania, and Bulgaria).
Some of the images (figures) that express my identity best come from different forms of art, including books, paintings, theater plays, movies, and architecture.
At this moment in time, I can mention Laura Wingfield, a character from The Glass Menagerie (a play written by Tennessee Williams), since, under some circumstances, I can relate to her fragile emotional state.
On the other side, I demand social justice and equality – I think of Ruth Ginsberg, as a symbol of a strong female voice.
In terms of books, I was fascinated by reading The Fountainhead, a novel written by Ayn Rand. I find the narrative very interesting.
The book Charlotte by David Foenkinos has deeply impressed me, focusing on the role of art during troubled times.
Architecture deeply influences my perception of space and its history (especially Italian medieval buildings).
In terms of music, I love the harp as an instrument. The melody that the harp creates somehow resonates with my internal emotional state. 

5. I have specified above the names of the books to which I refer. Moreover, what I would like to add as an impressive image in my mind is the movie Mona Lisa Smile, and the figure of the main character in the movie, the teacher of art.Her attempt to introduce a new view on life and a higher purpose on the young female students impresses me.

6. My identity is not an obstacle for me, on the contrary, I realize it is a strength.

7. I think this is an interesting part of me – my diverse identity and background.

8. I love to enrich my life experiences. Living in only one place is not part of my identity. I like to explore new cultures and meet new people.

9. Since my professional identity takes precedence very often, I feel my identity stronger when I am achieving something at the university, at work, when I complete a project, when I inspire other people to set new goals and accomplish them.

10. I believe that the more multidimensional people are (in background, culture, education, etc.), the more empathic they become, and this is a way to make the world a better place.

2024