Shloka Ramshankar

As humans, we are on a constant search to understand who we are at the very core. For me,
the Enneagram Assessment served as one method for my personal self exploration. I found that
this assessment in particular provided quite straightforward and relatable results, in comparison to
other personality type assessments I have taken in the past. Specifically, I appreciated how the
description of the results was prefaced with a statement about how all individuals have the same
psychological domains, however some domains function are disproportionately higher or lower
depending on the individual. I found that the Enneagram Assessment truly evaluated me as a whole
person, rather than place me in a rigid personality type like some other assessments tend to do.
The overarching theme I garnered from the results of this assessment is that overwhelming
psychological qualities influence my overall behavior; the psychological domains with the higher
percentages explain my day to day behavior. I analyzed this theme through three key take-aways.
First, the way that I deal with my feelings is attributed to the domain I scored the highest also
known Type 3 or “Achiever”. Achievers focus heavily on nurturing their self esteem and
promoting their self development. This result most accurately described how I handle my feelings,
because I tend to strive to maintain an optimistic mindset regardless of the situation I am in. When
I make mistakes, I strive to focus on learning from them rather than dwelling on the negative
emotions I may be feeling. Next, the values that I view dearly are definitely reflected in the domain
I scored the second highest known as Type 1 or “Reformer”. Reformers place high personal
emphasis on following ethical standards and maintaining responsibility. I have been described as
“reliable” and a “rule follower” by my peers and adults older than me, so this quality makes sense
as well. Finally, my regular actions are overwhelmingly reflected in the third highest domain I
scored in which was Type 8 or the “Challenger”. Challengers are naturally assertive and tend to
take on leadership roles in situations. I do find myself to be an assertive individual, whether that
be contributing to class discussions, reaching out to professors and peers, as well as speaking up
for what I believe in. Further, I am comfortable with assuming leadership positions in group
projects or team related activities if I have earned the position through my capabilities.
In determining things I could do differently based on the analysis of this assessment, I
realized that I should look to the domains I scored the lowest in. I particularly looked at Type 4,
as I scored the lowest here. Type 4 individuals prioritize experiencing their emotions “deeply”.
For one, I realized that I could perhaps allow myself to be more vulnerable in experiencing my
emotions. I tend to bottle up my emotions and ignore them in favor for doing other activities, and
this practice can be mentally draining. So the second thing that I could do differently is work on
feeling more comfortable to discuss my emotions with trusted individuals. When it comes to my
innermost emotions and thoughts, I tend to be very guarded about them. Discussing these feelings
with trusted people in my life could help me grow personally and develop closer relationships with
important people in my life. Finally, I could also practice consistent journaling to gain clarity of
my emotions. I’ve always enjoyed writing in my free time, but lately I have put that hobby to the
side in favor of my academics and extracurricular activities. Journaling on a consistent basis would
allow me to properly reflect on my thoughts and emotions over a long period of time.
As my long term goal is to go into business law, I find that my stronger psychological
domains nicely align with this prospect. Utilizing the “achiever”, “reformer”, and “challenger” to
my advantage on a consistent basis would allow me to reach success in my dream career path.
However, if I want to stay grounded and morally good as a person, I definitely should be in tune
with and comfortable with experiencing my emotions; this is the area that I scored the lowest on
in the Enneagram Assessment and it will be an area of focus as I progress through my
undergraduate career and beyond.
Shloka Ramshankar