_{“Who am I?” One of the most dreaded and difficult topics to respond to.}

Most people dislike answering this question for some mysterious reason. It's as if they're embarrassed to talk about themselves, or perhaps they have no idea who they are.

When I first started writing this blog, I was in a similar position. It didn’t take long for me to start performing a thematic analysis of other bloggers’ representations of themselves. Isn’t it ridiculous? Answering the question “who am I?” could not possibly be that difficult — we explore more complicated research questions every day! Perhaps that is the issue; maybe our minds have become so accustomed to thinking in a certain way that it is difficult to return to the basics?

Anyway, my given name is Lucé (loosh-ay), which means “light” or “light provider” (meaningofthename.com). When I was younger, I wasn’t always enthralled by the numerous mispronunciations – Lucy, Luce, Lusy, Lush, and even Luke. Only people with unusual names will be able to comprehend this. When I was in high school, I went through a phase where I simply stopped reacting to people who mispronounce my name. Fortunately, I grew out of that phase and regained my brightness. Nowadays, I will respond to almost anything!

I’d always wanted to be a member of the health sciences community, but I wasn’t sure where to start. In 2009, I started a BA Social Work degree at North-West University with the intention of using it as a stepping stone into another field. I instantly fell in love with the profession and knew it was a good fit. Following that came my Honours, Masters, and eventually my PhD. I’m now wrapping up my PhD on client violence, the protection of social workers and policy development.

I started working in the field after finishing my Honours Degree and obtained a lot of experience. I was fortunate enough to launch a private practice a few years ago, where I offer psychosocial and psycholegal counselling to children and families, as well as medical and psychiatric social work and EAP services. In addition, while completing my PhD, I lecture part-time and conduct training abroad and within South Africa. Although I am really proud of my work, there is so much more to me.

Team sports have never been my thing, but dancing has always been my happy place. I began ballet at the age of three and have never looked back. I experimented with various forms within the genre as I got older, such as freestyle and hip-hop, then artistic and rhythmic gymnastics, but I always reverted to ballet. Unfortunately, I don’t have as much time for it these days, but my ballet pointes are eagerly waiting for their turn. Meanwhile, I try to do Pilates once a week to remain mindful.

Music is also very significant in my life. I play the piano, guitar, and flute, and I feel that music can improve any situation. When people hear a variety of sounds coming from my residential area, they know it’s “one of those days.” I also absolutely love arts and crafts, which can include everything from painting to mosaic to decoupage to simply pouring glitter on something. It’s the realization that there’s beauty in imperfection, I believe, that makes it worthwhile.

Wow, I’ve revealed a bit about myself, what I do, and what I enjoy. Even so, who I am is not defined by what I do, achieve, or enjoy. I’m still stumped on how to respond to the original “who am I?” question, and I may need to revisit the thematic analysis idea.

_{Do you have any idea who you are and how to answer this question instead of describing what you do, achieve or enjoy?}

Perhaps we should bypass all the controversy and issue a single statement. Mine will be the following:

I am Lucé. Someone like you.

(with a lot of sparkle)