Who Am I?
Helping Students Identify Strengths, Values & Interests
by Ceinna Bush
In high school, students often wrestle with a defining question: “Who am I?”
It may seem like a simple question to some, but for teenagers standing on the brink of adulthood, this question is the gateway to purpose, passion, and a pathway forward. At Contigo Ed, we believe that helping students uncover their strengths, values, and interests is about more than college and career readiness; it’s about developing self-aware individuals who make empowered choices.
Why Identity Exploration Matters
Today’s students are juggling more than ever: academic pressure, social media influence, family expectations, and the uncertainty of the future. In the midst of this noise, understanding their inner compass is essential. When students recognize their strengths, know their values, and identify their interests, they begin to:
✅Make informed decisions about their futures
✅Build confidence in their abilities
✅Feel more engaged in school and life
✅Set goals that reflect their true selves
✅Communicate more effectively, advocating for their needs and interests
These outcomes don’t just happen. They are the result of intentional reflection, guidance, and the right support systems. When we equip students with meaningful tools and create space for self-exploration, we empower them to step into their futures with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Therefore, we want to introduce you to the strategies and resources below, which are designed to help students better understand who they are, what drives them, and how they can thrive in high school and beyond.
High-Tech Self-Discovery Tools
To support this critical journey, Contigo Ed offers the “Future Plans” microcourse (with lesson plans, activity sheets, and Powerpoints about Personal Strengths) and it also includes information about some of our favorite identity-exploration platforms included below. These tools empower students to reflect, grow, and plan their futures.
1. YouScience (Additional Cost/Paid Service $$$)
YouScience is more than just a career tool; it’s a powerful self-discovery platform. It helps students uncover how their brains naturally approach tasks by measuring their aptitudes, not just their interests. For many of my students, it’s the first time they see how their unique cognitive strengths, like idea generation or numerical sequencing, are real assets. It’s eye-opening for students to realize that who they are isn’t just about what they like, but also about how they think, solve problems, and contribute in meaningful ways. This deep reflection builds confidence and affirms for students that their strengths are valuable. Click the video link below to learn more about YouScience.
Tip: After students explore their full profile, ask them to highlight three new discoveries that surprised them. These moments often spark some of the most powerful and inspiring conversations you’ll have.
2. VIA Institute on Character (FREE)
The VIA Character Strengths Survey is a free, research-backed tool that helps students uncover the positive traits that shape who they are, such as perseverance, curiosity, humor, and leadership. It’s one of the few tools that centers identity around values, rather than skills or grades, which can be especially affirming for students who don’t always see themselves reflected in traditional definitions of success. When students realize that traits like kindness or fairness are real strengths, it shifts their mindset. They begin to see themselves as capable, valuable, and worthy, not just in school, but in their relationships and communities. Click the video link below to learn more about the VIA Character Strengths Survey.
Classroom Activity Idea: After taking the VIA, have students reflect on their top 3 strengths and how they might use those same traits to make an impact in the future.
3. ASVAB Career Exploration Program (FREE after students take the ASVAB)
The ASVAB is often misunderstood as just a military test, but it’s actually a dynamic tool for self-awareness. The assessment measures a range of aptitudes, from mechanical comprehension to verbal skills, and helps students understand how they naturally think, learn, and solve problems. For students who may struggle in traditional academic settings, the ASVAB can be incredibly validating, revealing strengths they didn’t know they had. It’s a reminder that intelligence and potential come in many forms, and every student has a unique way of contributing. Click the link below to learn more about the ASVAB Career Exploration Program.
Fresh Idea: Host an "ASVAB & Donuts" day! Invite students to take the assessment in a relaxed setting with snacks, then offer small-group debriefs to interpret their results and explore next steps.
Low-Tech Strategies to Help Students Explore “Who Am I?”
While platforms like YouScience and VIA offer powerful data-driven insights, not every counselor or educator may have the time, access, or desire to use them. So here are a few strategies you can implement right away without log-ins or licenses.
1. Values Cards
Have students sort a set of 30–50 value words (like family, creativity, freedom, honesty, fun) into three categories: Very Important, Somewhat Important, and Not Important. Then have them choose their Top 5 and write about why those values matter to them. You can create your own cards or find printable sets online. Here is an example from Wichita State University.
✅ Best for: Helping students understand what motivates their decisions.
2. Identity Mapping
Have students draw a visual map of who they are—starting with their name in the center and surrounding it with labels such as:
Roles (e.g., daughter, friend, student)
Culture
Strengths
Challenges
Interests
Dreams
This is a great way for students to see how layered and unique they are, and how those layers influence their future choices.
✅ Best for: Class-wide activities, art-based lessons, or SEL sessions.
3. Conversations with a Twist
Instead of asking, “What job do you want?” start with:
“What problems do you care about solving?”
“What environments make you feel like your best self?”
“When do you feel most proud of yourself?”
I enjoy asking students these questions because they catch them off guard and encourage a deeper exploration of their identities and values, not just their outcomes.
✅ Best for: Career days, small groups, or everyday hallway chats.
When we take time to ask meaningful questions and listen with curiosity, we open the door for identity discovery. You don’t need a platform to make an impact, just a safe space, a reflective prompt, and the willingness to believe in the power of student voice!
How to Implement Identity Work in Your School
Start Early and Revisit Often: Identity work isn’t one-and-done. Integrate tools like VIA and YouScience at multiple grade levels.
Create a Reflection Culture: Use journals, one-on-one meetings, and peer conversations to help students process their results.
Use Tech Creatively: Create QR codes for each assessment and display them around campus during an identity-themed month. Pro Tip: Offer fun incentives to boost engagement. My students were always excited to complete assessments when snacks or Croc Jibbitz were on the line!
We aren’t just schedulers or graduation checklist managers. We are mentors, identity guides, and empowerment specialists. When students see themselves clearly, they step into their futures with purpose. So let’s keep pushing this work forward by sharing tools, creating resources, and fostering spaces where students can ask, explore, and answer the question: Who am I?
Resources:
Video Overviews:
#SelfDiscovery #StrengthFinder #FuturePlans #IdentityDevelopment #WhoAmI
