1. Think about clear and strong statements throughout your essay
2. Draw upon key ideas, quotes and examples from the text.
3. Keep parallel examples short and to the point.
Positive and supportive relationships are critical to our sense of self and help us find a secure place to belong. (short example) Contrastingly, in the absence of such supportive groups, individuals often struggle to discover who they truly are.
Mainstream groups in society often determine the rules by which most of us are expected to conform. Their stated and unstated rules, values and goals often provide the framework for our attitudes and behaviour. (As Patti Miller states, she is fortunate to be in the “main story”.)
Contrastingly, those in marginalised groups, such as the aborigines, often suffer from a sense of inferiority or difference. They are frequently excluded from dominant social groups, and suffer from feelings of worthlessness.
Indigenous groups also suffer, according to Patti Miller, from segregation-style social policies. (quote from Evelyn)
Differences can lead to a lot of soul-searching. The way we deal with our differences and cope with adversity will have a big impact on our life’s journey. In many cases, adversity or obstacles can strengthen us and help us to find a purpose. They may challenge us to make commitments or to look at our life from different perspective.
Despite adversity or despite the obstacles, it is important to find a special place to belong that brings a sense of security and purpose. Many indigenous citizens find a sense of purpose in pursuing land rights claims. It is not just about owning the land but redeveloping one’s sense of place and connection with land and kin. (Baime and kinship laws – deep spiritual roots and connections.)
In this case, the stories we tell about who we are and where we come from are critical to our sense of spirituality and our pride and confidence.
(contrast migrants many homes) Whilst indigenous people like Wayne Kerr find a source of pride in their ancestral cultural origins, many migrants find a sense of purpose by affirming a multitude of roots. As The Age Good Weekend writer Benjamin Law states, finding that one indeed belongs to many places can be a liberating experience.
Often setbacks or negative experiences make us question the type of person we want to be and the values we cherish.
Often new experiences, new encounters or new relationships can lead to insights about ourselves that often contrast (or contradict) with our perception of who we are.
Those who can withstand obstacles during a difficult personal journey often develop remarkable life skills and a strong sense of purpose.
The way a person deals with adversity or obstacles in life is critical to their sense of self and their levels of confidence.
Often we discover ourselves in opposition to others, or through dealing and resisting the burden of expectations of those within the group.
In many ways, this opposition can define who we are in terms of our differences.
Such a struggle can lead to uncharacteristic moments or reveal insights that appear completely contradictory or strange.
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