People are often classified by their different characteristics, personality traits, likes, dislikes, and more. Have you ever thought about whether you are classified as an introvert, extrovert, or maybe even both? Your personality traits can help you figure that out.

Introverts are usually seen as quiet, shy, and reserved. As an introvert myself, I see it from a different view point. At first glance we may come off as those traits, but when it comes to things we are passionate about, we have lots to say. Lisa Torres a parent of a Cam High student, classifies herself as an introvert. “I’m not good with small talk but if a topic comes up that I’m interested in you can’t keep me quiet,” said Torres.

Additionally, we introverts tend to cherish our alone time, often making it a mandatory must because it gives us more time for self care–both physical and mental. Torres finds herself inside more than out, and she values being able to do that. “Staying at home is refreshing because I have less to worry about and [I can] focus on myself,” said Torres. “It feels nice to put myself first sometimes.” 

As an introvert, I value my in-depth understanding of myself, and I make sure to keep in touch with my feelings and emotions. Torres also makes sure she stays in touch with the way she feels at all times. “I want to know myself better than anyone and having time to myself is the best way to do so,” she said.

But as much as we enjoy our alone time, introverts still like to get out, cherishing their time outside more than you think. “When I hangout with my friends I really value the time I spend with them,” Torres emphasized. Contrary to popular belief, being an introvert is much more than being shy, quiet, and reserved. 

The opposing identifier of an introvert is the extrovert. Extroverts are seen as outgoing, sharp, and sociable. Amerie Ramirez, a 7th grader from Frank Middle School, identifies as an extrovert. “I’m someone who gets along easily and has no problem being social,” said Ramirez.

Despite acknowledging that his out-going personality aligns with the extrovert category, Ramirez doesn’t strictly adhere to the identifier. “I see myself as an extrovert but I don’t want to ‘label’ myself as that, instead I want to look at it in a bigger spectrum.” Although we might identify ourselves with one trait instead of the other, Ramirez thinks it’s important not to label ourselves as certain things because we are certainly capable of being more than just one thing. “I’m more of an extrovert than an introvert, I still have traits of an introvert, but they don’t shine as much as my extroverted side, but that’s not me saying I’m not an introvert,” Ramirez said.

Annaie Franco, a senior at Cam High said, “I felt like I could be in the middle now [but] it depends [on] where I’m at and what’s going on.” Both Ramirez and Franco stressed the importance of seeing the bigger picture and looking beyond these basic identifiers.

At the root of it all, terms like “extrovert” and “introvert” are just words, and although we might identify with one more than the other, it is important to remember that labeling can get the best of us by limiting our understanding of the world and its opportunities. Labels are abundant in this world and shouldn’t be given the level of importance that they have. There is more to life than classifying oneself as an introvert, extrovert, or an ambivert.