facts about me essay

Explore Jobs

• Jobs Near Me
• Remote Jobs
• Full Time Jobs
• Part Time Jobs
• Entry Level Jobs
• Work From Home Jobs

Find Specific Jobs

• $15 Per Hour Jobs
• $20 Per Hour Jobs
• Hiring Immediately Jobs
• High School Jobs
• H1b Visa Jobs

Explore Careers

• Business And Financial
• Architecture And Engineering
• Computer And Mathematical

Explore Professions

• What They Do
• Certifications
• Demographics

Best Companies

• Health Care
• Fortune 500

Explore Companies

• CEO And Executies
• Resume Builder
• Career Advice
• Explore Majors
• Questions And Answers
• Interview Questions

25 “Fun Facts About Me” (Perfect For Introductions)

• How Long Does It Take To Find A Job
• How To Find Internships
• How Many Internships Should I Apply To
• Networking Email
• Foreign Service Exam
• Working Abroad
• Organize Your Job Search
• How To Find A Second Job
• How To Get A Job In A New City
• Fun Facts About Me
• Job Search Burnout
• How Old Do You Have To Be To Work?
• Job Review Sites
• How To Become A Freelancer

Sharing “fun facts about me” is a great method for breaking the tension of being with an unfamiliar person or group of people. While the facts that add up to who you are might not seem super fun initially, there are a lot of interesting details you can pull from your experiences to use during an introduction.

When sharing your fun fact, keep it brief, relevant, and appropriate to the setting. Some great examples include talking about your travel dreams, personal hobbies, or favorite types of food.

Key Takeaways:

“Facts about me” prompts can be found at job interviews, networking events, or icebreaker activities.

Sharing a fact about yourself in an introduction is a great way to make the experience unique.

Be appropriate with what you share because others might interpret it differently.

25 Examples of “fun facts about me” to use in an introduction

Why fun facts work during an introduction, when to use a fun fact about yourself, tips for choosing the best fun fact about yourself, fun fact faqs.

• Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs

While sharing a fun fact seems like the perfect way to break the ice and be memorable during an introduction, many people aren’t sure about what information to share. If you’re wondering what exciting details you can exclaim, read through the following 25 examples of fun facts you can use about yourself during an introduction.

Where you would go if you could travel anywhere right now. When you’re stuck in a conversation that feels like it’s at a dead-end , mention the place you would travel right now if you could go anywhere in the world. This topic might hit a little closer to home since most people have been itching for a trip during Covid.

The things you’re allergic to. Your allergies have been a hassle for your entire life, but they could come in handy when it comes to introducing yourself. While some people might not have any allergies to contribute, it can still spark an interesting conversation .

Your favorite type of food. Favorites are a common choice for people trying to contribute fun facts about themselves. If you’re going to delve into your favorites, mentioning your favorite food can be a strong topic choice. Once you’ve stated your favorite dish, it could lead to an invitation for a meal to further the interaction.

Your favorite ice cream. Similar to sharing your favorite meal during an introduction, an ice cream flavor that you enjoy can be a good way to kick off a conversation. Everyone has an opinion on an ice cream flavor that they like, and providing yours can make the discussion a little more lighthearted.

Your go-to cocktail order. If you aren’t in the mood to discuss your food choices, maybe talk about your go-to drink order instead. A person’s cocktail choice gives the conversation somewhere to go, even if the other person doesn’t drink. It’s a simple question that teaches everyone in the conversation more about the other party.

The last song you played on Spotify. Music preferences are often held close to a person’s heart. Instead of using the cliche of your favorite type of x, look back at your Spotify to disclose the last song you played. It’s more specific and might lead to the other person in the interaction being interested in hearing the song.

Your guilty pleasure TV show. While everyone has a favorite movie or television show that they robotically recite when asked, people are less likely to share their guilty pleasure in this department.

The languages that you’re fluent in. Another great strategy for introducing a fun fact about yourself is by explaining the languages you’re fluent in. Sharing the languages that you speak provides more context about who you are as a person.

A strange talent that you have. If you’re a person who has a strange talent lurking under the surface, this could be a neat fun fact to mention during an introduction. Perhaps you’re studying ventriloquism or know how to ride a unicycle. Whatever the skill is, be sure it is appropriate for the situation.

The names of your pets. The family’s furry members are an important part of your life, and mentioning their names can lighten up an otherwise difficult introduction. If you don’t have any animals at the moment, saying some of the funny names of your childhood pets can also work as a fun fact about yourself.

The best place you’ve ever been to. Your travels are something you can always use as a fun fact during an introduction. Think back to the best trip you’ve ever taken and where it was. After mentioning the name of the best place you’ve ever been to, you can also explain why it’s your top destination choice to keep the conversation rolling.

What you wanted to be when you grew up. The childhood fantasies of what you would grow up to be can be a wonderful fun fact to include during an introduction. It’s interesting to see how your childhood aspirations lined up with your eventual adulthood career, and it can ignite a spirited discussion about the way things turned out.

Your nickname. This fun fact only works for people who have a nickname to share. However, if that’s you, mentioning your nickname can create an immediate bond during an introduction.

The #1 item on your bucket list. Before exiting this world, most people have a few things that they’d like to do first. For you, that might be visiting Italy, learning another language, seeing a particular music artist live, or something completely different. Narrow down your bucket list item to the top spot and use it as a fun fact when introducing yourself.

What would you pick if you won a sweepstake that gave you a lifetime supply of anything you wanted? This is a fun question that taps into your values and preferences. Whether you choose a lifetime supply of chocolate or gasoline says a lot about you in an easygoing way.

A funny memory from your childhood. Within the years of your childhood, there are probably at least a few comical memories. For people with strong storytelling abilities, telling one of these funny memories could be used as a fun fact during an introduction.

Your goal for the year. Having a New Year’s resolution or year objective is fairly common. Speaking about your goal for that year does not only lessen the awkwardness of an introduction but also holds you accountable for following through with it.

The most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you. Embarrassment leaves your cheeks red hot at the moment, but after a while, that initial pain turns humorous. Embarrassing moments are things that people prefer to forget, but they can be useful during an introduction as a fun fact.

What you were known for in high school. The person that you were during the four years of high school is completely different from who you are as an adult. In retrospect, thinking about what you were known for in high school can be comical. It can also be a fun fact to share about yourself when making an introduction.

The career you almost ended up pursuing. Deciding what career path you’re going to head down is a process. You likely considered a few different ideas for potential careers as a young adult. Mentioning the career you almost had during an introduction is an interesting fact that can open up the conversation to many more questions.

The instruments that you know how to play. Another potential fun fact to use during a less-than-interesting introduction is bringing up the instruments that you know how to play. Talking about your musical inclinations can create a deeper dialogue during an otherwise stale interaction.

Your biggest fear. Everyone has a fear that they make it a mission to avoid. Heights, deep water, or dogs all scare someone out there. While most people don’t think of their phobias as the perfect way to start a conversion, mentioning it can be a good fun fact to use because it humanizes the speaker .

Your weirdest secret hobby. If you have a weird hobby that few people know about, it could be a great fun fact to bring up during an introduction.

The celebrity you’d most want to take on a date. Talking about the celebrity that you’d want to take out on a date if given the opportunity is a playful and fun fact to get through an introduction. It makes the other person in the conversation smile and they think about the answer for themselves, which turns into an effortless conversation.

The first thing you’d buy if you won the lottery. Many people have an idea of the first thing they would buy if they came into an obscene amount of money. Some people would rush to pay off all their debts , and others would immediately purchase a yacht.

We’ve all exchanged pleasantries with a stranger and felt that awkward silence after exchanging names. The introduction phase when meeting a recruiter for an interview, engaging with a new friend, or going on a first date can be overwhelmingly uncomfortable and dull.

Sharing a fun fact about yourself breaks through the monotony of an everyday introduction . It gets the other party involved and can take the conversation to new depths.

Here are some common occasions when you might be asked, “Tell me a fun fact about yourself:”

Job interviews. Interviewers sometimes like to kick things off with an icebreaker question like this to make you comfortable. It can also be used to wrap up a more formal interview by giving the interviewer a glimpse of your personality and life outside the profession.

Networking events. Business conferences and the like are places where it pays to be armed with some quick conversation starters like fun facts about yourself. Letting people know more about yourself outside of your relationship to the field helps build stronger bonds.

Icebreaker activities. Icebreaker games are common at schools, large corporations, and any sort of club or group where new member induction is common. If you know that you’ll be meeting a bunch of strangers (who are also meeting each other for the first time), you can bet that having a quick fun fact about yourself will come in handy.

Even with a list of fun fact examples laid out for you, it can still be difficult to choose the right fact for you to use during an introduction. To help you figure it out, read through the following tips for choosing the best fun fact about yourself.

It’s relevant to your personality/life. While there are many fun facts out there that you could turn to during an introduction , the best move is to pick a fact that’s relevant to you. If your weirdest hobby is playing basketball on the weekends, then you probably should choose a different prompt. Focus on facts that match your life and personality.

It’s appropriate for the introduction. Don’t let the word ‘fun’ distract you from the fact that an introduction needs to be appropriate . Fun facts that cross boundaries aren’t going to further the conversation, it’ll only make it more awkward. If you think your response might be ill-fitting, it’s best to just choose another fascinating fact.

You can explain it briefly. The purpose of a fun fact is to propose a compelling tidbit of information that eases the transition from strangers to friends during an introduction. For a fun fact to be effective in this capacity, it must be explained briefly.

How do you answer fun facts about yourself?

Answer fun facts about yourself by using something relevant and appropriate. Consider the situation you are in and try to find something that ties to it. For example, if you are meeting a boss for the first time, you could share what your travel dreams are so that your boss as some sense of what you might be working towards.

Are fun facts about me necessary?

Technically, no, sharing fun facts about yourself is not necessary, but it is helpful. Sharing a fun fact about yourself helps loosen up any situation where you are meeting people for the first time. Your fact helps place your face to your name because people can have something to attribute you by.

What if I don’t have a fun fact about me?

You are mistaken if you think you don’t have a fun fact about yourself. Everyone has something unique about themselves that they can share. Your fact doesn’t have to be the “funniest” or most unique, in fact, sometimes it can be inappropriate to try to be too funny. Your fact simply has to be something that lets others learn a little bit more about you.

Indeed.com – Ultimate List of Team-Building Icebreaker Questions for Work

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Sky Ariella is a professional freelance writer, originally from New York. She has been featured on websites and online magazines covering topics in career, travel, and lifestyle. She received her BA in psychology from Hunter College.

Matt Warzel a President of a resume writing firm (MJW Careers, LLC) with 15+ years of recruitment, outplacement, career coaching and resume writing experience. Matt is also a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Certified Internet Recruiter (CIR) with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing Focus) from John Carroll University.

Recent Job Searches

• Registered Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Truck Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Call Center Representative Jobs Resume Location
• Customer Service Representative Jobs Resume
• Delivery Driver Jobs Resume Location
• Warehouse Worker Jobs Resume Location
• Account Executive Jobs Resume Location
• Sales Associate Jobs Resume Location
• Licensed Practical Nurse Jobs Resume Location
• Company Driver Jobs Resume

Related posts

How To Find A Job On LinkedIn

Career Tests To Find Your Perfect Job

The Most Important Skills To List On LinkedIn (With Examples)

Picking The Perfect LinkedIn Profile Photo

• Career Advice >
• Finding A Job >

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Kim and Kalee

Building a Life You Love

25+ Interesting & Fun Facts About Me Examples for Work Bio

Professional bios, social media profiles, and about pages can be pretty dry. On of the best ways to stand out is to include fun facts about me (you) in yours! Below are 25+ different ideas, prompts, and questions to help you create an entertaining biography to break the ice and impress your colleagues or readers!

Whether you’re trying to create a professional bio, a short bio for a job interview, or just break the ice on a first date, interesting facts about yourself can go along way on setting a great first impression.

Little things about yourself can show another person what is important to you and also help you relate to them on a personal level.

Examples of Interesting & Fun Facts

• Bucket list items
• Your favorite book
• How many siblings you have
• Your favorite food
• Do you have any pets?
• Your favorite television show
• Have you ever met a celebrity?
• Your favorite hobby
• Have you ever had any broken bones?
• What was your first job or first work experience?
• What was your first concert?
• Your favorite childhood memory
• Your childhood nickname
• What’s the best place to go eat?
• Some of your favorite things about your work/job
• Your favorite city
• What you like on your pizza?
• Your coffee order
• Where did you grow up?
• Where would you love to visit?
• Do you prefer the beach or the mountains?
• Who is your favorite sports team?
• What did you think you’d do as a career when you were in elementary school?
• Do you collect anything?

And if you’re looking to connect on more personal level, like a first date or filling in a dating profile, you could also mix in personal interests and a few more personal facts like your favorite alcoholic drink of choice, or what do you like to do in your free time.

Below I’ll share some random facts and interesting things about me to help you get inspired to share more about yourself!

Here are a few ideas to get you going!! Try to place them within your bio, about page , or even if you’re speaking at a live event, share them within your presentation.

You might think these fun facts may be silly and who on earth would want to know these crazy things about you, but fun facts about you make you relatable, as well as, offer humor to the bio or presentation.

Your First Car is Always a Great Fun Fact About Me to Start With

1. My first car was a ’77 Camaro that was gray and primer in color. Red interior.  There was a spring in the driver’s side seat that had poked through, and I just knew would leave a permanent scar from me getting in and out.

2.  I helped put the transmission and engine in my ’77 Camaro.  I’ve bled I don’t know how many sets of breaks, but I really know nothing about cars other than to keep them maintained.  #sorrydaddy

Your Guilty Pleasure is always interesting…

3. I love to sing Jessie’s Girl by Rick Springfield while in the car.  I’ll do the guitar part, and Kalee will hit the drums for me.

4.  I LOVE NY Pie’s pizza. I do pepperoni, bacon, and jalapeños, plus they have this amazing homemade ranch for the bones (aka crust) of the pizza!!

5.  When it comes to singing, I tend to make up words and think that’s the lyric.

• John Mayer’s “I am still your man. ”  For me is “I am still a man”   which Kalee finds hysterical and bets John is glad that he still finds himself a man.
• Kenny Chesney’s American Kids…the lyric dealing with “little pink houses”  for me “little bitty houses.”
• Judas Priest’s, “Breaking the Law” for me is “Walking the dog”  (I was referring to walking Izzie at the time and couldn’t remember the correct lyrics.

Hey, I say just roll with it.  The best is when I mix two songs into one.  I’ll do this often with two Britney Spears songs.

6.  I love cupcakes and Nothing Bundt Cake !!

7.  I have watched every episode of Friends, Friday Night Lights, Smallville, Gilmore Girls, Breaking Bad, Dexter, and Sopranos.

8.  I have a crush on Vince Vaughn, Dwayne Johnson, Rick Castle (Nathan Fillion)…yes I know he’s a character, but he’s really cute, Coach Taylor (Kyle Chandler)…yes another character, but I just love him.  Don’t make me pick between them.

9.  Aside of NY Pie pizza, I love hamburgers, sushi, & pasta.  Yes, I do eat healthy, but these are some of my treats.

10.  I love going to wine festivals and food tastings .

Childhood memories are always Fun Facts About Me to share

7.  I was so insecure in 7th grade that to fit in I thought I had to wear Jordache everything!!

It backfired. I had so much Jordache that I became known as the Jordache girl…not in a good way.   #embarrassing

9.  I witched for water when I was about 10.  “Well witching” is what they call it.  I was a pre-teen when I successfully found water.  It scared me enough that I’ve not tried it again.  Some say it’s a gift.  I find it spooky.  My grandfather, the 7th son, could do weird stuff like that.  I just so happen to be the 7th granddaughter on his side, too.

10.  When I was 14, I bottle fed a calf until she was up old enough to go on her own, but I’m not your country girl.

What’s on your bucket list is another great item to share about yourself.

11.  I have been to Greece.  Kalee & I went as her graduation present.

12.  I want to go to Bora Bora #bucketlist

What were you known for in school, high school, or college?

13.  I was on the high school dance team…LOL!! It must’ve been a pity vote for me now that I look back at it and my current ability to dance.

14.  I turn red SUPER EASY, so this was always a fun thing for a shy girl all through school.

Another Fun Fact About Me that people find interesting…PETS!!

Share about yours people will relate.

15.  I am definitely a dog person.  I love dogs, but I will only have one at a time because I don’t know if I could make sure more than one received all the attention that she’d need.

16.  I have a dog, Izzie. Due to some knee issues, I’ve started to cook for Izzie which she absolutely ADORES!!! It is truly disgusting though!!  It consists of chicken livers, gizzards and hearts (gag).

Share some of your hidden talents or odd things about you…

17.  I am a pretty good shot with a pistol.

18.  I have green eyes which they say it’s rare? Most green eyes are actually hazel, but I actually have green eyes according to the eye doc.

19.  I worked years ago in my dad and brother’s tire store every Monday for over a year.  I could stack tires with the best of them!

20.  I will occasionally do a head stand.  Scares Kalee to death.

21.  I like the room completely dark with white noise for sleep.

22.  I can curl my tongue and flare my nostrils.  #talent

23.  I have “heard” God speak to me in very distinct ways.  No…not a voice…but I definitely know it was Him talking to me at the time.

24.  I prefer socks versus bare feet.

25.  Summer or Winter…you’ll find me in sweats & hoodie when I’m home.

26.  I like ketchup on my mac-n-cheese.

27.  I can’t stand fish (gag).  I will however eat tuna from a can and shellfish like shrimp, crab, & lobster.

28.  I am a huge Harry Potter dork!!  I love Harry Potter World!!

Share About Your Accomplishments

29.  I started a business with Kalee.  We are CEO’s of our company The Girls, LLC where we are bloggers for two blogs SoreyFitness.com and this one KimandKalee.com, and where we are also online fitness accountability coaches through Team Beachbody.

Reveal the Most Unusual Item in your purse or desk…

30.  I don’t know if it’s unusual, but I have chapstick everywhere!!! I have a tube in my desk, purse, car, nightstand, kitchen drawer, coat pocket….You get the idea. I’m slightly addicted to it.  The other weird thing in my purse is a pair of socks.  You never know when you’ll need a pair.

Other great “Fun Facts About Me” that you can share in your bio:

Favorite sports team, favorite color, best friend, family….

31.  I like pink and tiffany blue.

32.  My favorite team is the New England Patriots.

33.  I have one child, Kalee, and she’s my best friend.

34.  I have a grandpup, Roxy.

Last One to get you going on making your own list…

What have you learned from a life changing moment or a big mistake.

35.  For me, a life-changing moment…well, I’ve had several, but recently I would say it was my divorced after 28 years of being married.  I’ve learned that I am way stronger than I realized.  My purpose isn’t to make someone else happy.  My purpose is to seek God’s purpose for me in order to bring glory to His name.

I’ve learned I’m loved, and I am strong.

I hope this list has entertained & helped you to think of a few of your own.

Try scattering some of these Fun Facts About Me (except about you of course, lol) throughout your bio or “ about me ” page.  It just makes things more fun.

A Twist to Fun Facts About Me approach…the NOT So Fun Facts About Me List…

Not so fun facts about me, pet peeves are always fun facts about you to share..

1.  I can’t stand when people – especially news anchors because it’s their job for heaven’s sake – misuse the word “I”…example:  “This is a photo of Kalee & I”  WRONG.  I’m learning to let it go, but that’s a hard one.  I cringe when I hear it, yet as you can see I don’t worry about using correct grammar in general.

2.  I don’t like fat shaming or bullying.  With that said, I don’t think it’s cool when someone huffs if I want to lose 5 pounds that the doctor said is perfectly fine if I lose.  I think we all need to support one another.

Weird Things About Yourself That You Might Just Have In Common with Others

4.  I don’t have a colon.  I have (or maybe it’s “had” since I no longer have a colon?) ulcerative colitis.  They couldn’t get it in remission for over a year back when I was 21, so at 22, I had my colon removed and an awesome “j” pouch created from my small intestine.

5.  Due to the above, I pretty much know where all the clean restrooms are, lol.  Yes, I’m “normal” but still with a shorter GI track, it’s nice to know where the restrooms are just in case. #TMI?

6.  When I get nervous, I get quieter.  When I get angry, I get monotone.

Your not so greatest achievements…

7.  I can cook well enough.  I have those meals & desserts I do well.  Then I do some others that are just something to eat, lol, but even while I can cook well enough, I don’t do it very often especially now that I’m single.

When I was first single I would cook for myself thinking it would last me a week.  Well…I have no self-control.  I would eat too much of whatever I had cooked.  If it was a pan of lasagna, for example, that would last anyone a good week, it would last me MAYBE 3 days.

So I just don’t tempt myself any more.  I don’t cook but will do a meal delivery like Nutrisystem , Trifecta , or Veestro .

8. I’m not too adventuresome.  I’m not planning to sky dive, bungeeing jump, white water raft, or drive extremely fast.  However, I do like to try new foods though and travel to new places.

OK…I can’t really think of anything else.  However, I am positive there are plenty more of the not-so-great facts about me, but why dwell on those when I’m so awesome, hee hee.  (Yes, I’m a dork, too.)

Did you learn anything interesting?  What else would you like to know about us?

We hope these ideas helped inspire you to include some fun details the next time you are in a new social situation or writing up your Linkedin profile!

Get Our Best Morning Routine Checklist!

Get more simple life hacks on our podcast.

Kim & Kalee

Visit Our Shop

Latest Blog Posts

All about Me Essay: How to Write, Ideas and Examples

Writing All About Me paragraph is probably one of the most usual assignments. For example, students might write it when entering an academic institution. Such work gives an opportunity to introduce yourself, your skills, and goals. However, it is not the only possible situation.

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

Naturally, tutors have already seen millions of such essays. This is why you need to think how to impress your tutor and demonstrate your perfect writing skills and creativity. You can also get some inspiration by reading All about Me examples.

In this article, experts from Custom-Writing.org would like to give you several pieces of advice on how to create a thrilling essay About Me. Moreover, we’ve also provided the best About Me essay examples.

All about Me Essay Idea #1 with Example

Start writing your essay About Me with a brief description of any event that considerably influenced your life. While writing it, mention your name and some general information about yourself.

My name is Helen, and I am 18. When I was 15, I traveled to Europe for the first time in my life. It was an unforgettable experience that changed my perspective on certain things.

All about Me Essay Idea #2 with Example

Use an interesting quotation that characterizes you. It may be a quote from a well-known novel or poem, or a phrase of a famous person, etc… Explain in your About Me essay how exactly the chosen quotation characterizes you.

“I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition.” (Martha Washington) This quote suits me perfectly because I would describe myself as a cheerful person. I try to stay positive no matter what situation I am in.

All about Me Essay Idea #3 with Example

Compare yourself with an animal and do not be surprised – we do mean an animal. For example, you associate yourself with a tiger. Does it mean that you are a strong and determined person who is always ready to achieve the desirable purpose by all possible means? Or, maybe, you are a cat and prefer to stay at home, comfortably sitting in a chair and enjoying the company of your family… What are your ideas? Present them in the essay About Me.

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

Writing About Me essays may be considered as a way to express yourself, show what kind of person you are. If you are ready to tell who you really are, writing your paper will not be that difficult. If you are not ready, read our ideas once again.

All About Me essays can be written in the form of narrative essays. If you need help with writing essays of this kind, use our tips to improve your work.

I love dogs because they are loyal and friendly. That is why I also associate myself with one. I am a loyal friend, and I always try to be nice to people around me.

Learn more on this topic:

• Example of Autobiography about Yourself: How to Start
• How to Write an Autobiography: Questions & What to Include
• Outstanding Ambition Essay: How to Write about Your Ambitions
• Personal Essay: How to Write, Tips and Essay Topics
• Reflexive Essay: How to Write, Topics and Paper Example
• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to LinkedIn
• Share to email

Coral reefs can be called one of the most amazing things created by nature. These structures can be found in tropical and temperate waters. Like many other unique natural phenomena, coral reefs are influenced by human activity these days. This negative impact is one of the significant issues to consider when...

The age of primary school students ranges from 5 to 11 years. At this stage of education, children start developing their writing skills. They make their first steps to analyzing and proving their points of view. Besides, they study how to write an essay for elementary school. Correctly preparing all...

Canadian identity is something that has become really important for many Canadians in the past fifty years. Canada is a big, multinational country with its own traditions, culture, and history. However, because of quite a large number of foreigners and even Americans, its culture and people are associated with the...

Let’s say you received a task to write an essay about cars. The topic might be interesting for you, but you may still have no idea how to organize your paper. Well, this article is for you.

Smoking can be viewed as one of the trendy habits. Numerous teenagers try it since they think that it is cool or can help them socialize. Often students start smoking due to stress or mental illnesses. But is it okay? Educators tend to give different written assignments, which may disclose...

Children have always been apprentices and servants all over human history. However, the Industrial Revolution increased the use of child labor in the world. It became a global problem that is relevant even today when such employment is illegal.

Nowadays, knowing several foreign languages is no longer surprising. For example, learning French is common for English-speaking countries. So, getting an assignment on this subject won’t be a surprise for a student.

Dissertation critique writing develops the students’ critical and logical thinking abilities. When composing, the students learn to analyze the works conducted by other researchers. To critique a dissertation, you should: Thoroughly read the paper.Take notes and summarize the text (you can even try and use auto summarizer for that).Interpret and...

An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing which presents the author’s point of view on a particular subject supported by reasoning and examples. The opposing viewpoint is also suggested, but it is followed by arguments that show its inconsistency. Take a look at the guide prepared by Custom-writing experts to...

So, you need to accomplish your discursive essay writing. The typical questions most students ask are: How do you write it? What is discursive essay? A discursive essay is an academic paper that involves a discussion on a particular topic. It is usually assigned to college students. You may be...

How to write a narrative essay? To do that, you need to know what a narrative essay is. It is an academic text usually written as a story and containing all the usual elements of a story. Narrative essays are often personal, experiential, and creative. Still, they should be made...

So, you can’t wait to get into college and join a fraternity, sorority, or student union. Well, we have some incredibly useful tips and helpful information for college admission essay writing! Remember: getting into college takes more than money. And outstanding essays get you great college scholarships!

My all about me essay.

Hi, my name is Gionna Rossi, and I live in Cranston, RI, with my dad and grandparents. I am 13 years old. I love to dance, and I like to hang with my friends a lot. I’m considered fun, funny and very outgoing. My favorite subjects are English and Science. I like to be creative, and I like to do fun things. I always try my best and never give up. I am a respectful person. I don’t like to exclude anyone from groups. I don’t like people getting bullied. Sometimes I like to work in small groups rather than large. When I grow up, my goal is to go to college, get good grades, and become a vet.

Wow, Gionna, that was a great way to write an essay about yourself. Those were some really good ideas which might help you write a very interesting story. Structure them properly, and your good grade will be guaranteed.

Thanks for the post! Hope it’ll help me with my All About Me essay writing! Thanks a lot!

Brilliant ideas for writing excellent All about Me essays! Your posts make a difference online! Regards!

120+ “Fun Facts About Me” For Work

The fun facts about me section of an introduction can be challenging to complete. Thinking up a good fun fact can be tricky. It’s a good thing there are over 120 different prompts and questions in this article to spark some creativity and random fun fact memories. There are plenty that fit within all kinds of situations. You can tell an interesting fact about travel, a random fact about food favorites, or a cool fact about music. If you find yourself stuck when writing an introduction , browse the list below and enjoy.

Basic Fun Facts About Me

Template: My full name is: Example: My full name is Sarah Rebecca Finnegan.

Template: My full name originates from: Example: My full name originates from my Irish grandparents. “Finnegan” is a common Irish last name. My middle name stems from my father naming me after his mother, Rebecca.

Template: My favorite color is: Example: My favorite color is blue because it reminds me of the ocean.

Template: My favorite hobby is: Example: My favorite hobby is hiking.

Template: My birthday is: Example: My birthday is on October 27th, and I was born on the same day as my mother.

Template: My astrology sign is: Example: Cancer is my astrology sign which is totally fitting for me.

Template: I have this many siblings: Example: I have 3 siblings; 1 older brother and 2 younger sisters.

Template: Our birth order went like this: Example: I am the fifth out of seven children.

Template: I have a few pets. Their names are: Example: I have two dogs. One is named Leo after Leonardo DiCaprio. And one is named Susie because my little sister liked the name.

Template: My favorite animal is: Example: My favorite animal is a cow. I once read they symbolize being super connected to nature like I want to be.

Template: My childhood nickname was: Example: My childhood nickname was beans because I was as skinny as a string bean.

Template: I met my partner at: Example: It’s such a crazy coincidence, I met my current partner at my ex-boyfriend’s wedding.

Share A Fun Fact About Food

Template: My last meal on Earth would be: Example: My last meal on Earth would be a mashed potato. I would also want some fried chicken with a big ice cream sundae for dessert.

Template: The weirdest food I’ve ever eaten is: Example: The weirdest food I’ve ever eaten is alligator meat in Florida. Such an odd texture!

Template: My favorite snack to munch on is: Example: My favorite snack to munch on is flaming hot Cheetos.

Template: My favorite type of ice cream is: Example: My favorite type of ice cream is birthday cake with rainbow sprinkles.

Template: My favorite food type is: Example: My favorite food type is Greek because my father’s side of the family stems from Greece.

Template: A food I absolutely cannot stand is: Example: A food I absolutely cannot stand is ketchup. I don’t know how so many people love it.

Template: My guilty pleasure snack is: Example: My guilty pleasure snack is a pint of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream. So much sugar but so irresistible.

Template: Between coffee or tea, I prefer: Example: Between coffee or tea, I prefer tea.

Template: My tea order is normally: Example: My tea order is normally Earl Grey with a splash of milk.

Template: My alcoholic drink of choice is: Example: My alcoholic drink of choice is a vodka sour.

Template: My food allergies include: Example: I am allergic to the skin on the outside of apples.

Template: My favorite fast food place to eat at is: Example: My favorite fast food place to eat at is Wendy’s. Their burgers are delicious.

Template: A common food I’ve never tried is: Example: A common food I’ve never tried is a banana. I always hated banana flavored candy, so I never tried the real thing.

Template: My favorite pizza toppings include: Example: Contrary to popular opinion, my favorite pizza toppings are ham and pineapple.

Template: My favorite kind of chocolate is: Example: My favorite kind of chocolate is dark chocolate because it’s so rich.

Template: My favorite food as a child was: Example: My favorite food as a child was peanut butter and jelly.

Template: My favorite drink is: Example: My favorite drink is diet coke.

Template: My favorite fast food item is: Example: My favorite fast food item is french fries.

Share A Fun Fact About Travel

Template: I grew up in: Example: I grew up in the sticks of Oklahoma.

Template: I dream about traveling to: Example: I dream about traveling to Japan because I’m a huge fan of ramen.

Template: My craziest travel experience was when: Example: My craziest travel experience was in Costa Rica. I missed my ride to the airport and ended up hitchhiking to make it in time.

Template: I have been out of the country a few times. My favorite place was: Example: I have been out of the country twice. My favorite place was New Zealand.

Template: The longest road trip I ever went on was to: Example: The longest road trip I ever went on was to California. It took me four days to get there.

Template: Between the beach and the mountains, I prefer: Example: Between the beach and the mountains, I prefer the mountains.

Template: My dream vacation includes: Example: My dream vacation includes a cruise ride through Alaska.

Template: The most spontaneous trip I’ve ever taken was to: Example: The most spontaneous trip I’ve ever taken was to Colorado. This was on a whim a few days before finals with my college roommates.

Template: If I had to pick between living in the suburbs, city, or rural area, I would choose: Example: If I had to pick between living in the suburbs, city, or rural area, I would choose a rural area. I just love nature.

Template: I went to summer camp as a kid and my favorite experience was: Example: I went to summer camp as a kid. My favorite experience was when my friends and I snuck out to canoe beneath the stars at night.

Share A Fun Fact About Hobbies/Interests

Template: My favorite sports team is: Example: My favorite sports team is the Boston Celtics. My grandfather loved them and watched every single game.

Template: Growing up, one thing I always played: Example: Growing up, I always played football and my favorite position was running back.

Template: Growing up, I played the instrument: Example: Growing up, I always played the clarinet.

Template: I collect: Example: I collect coins from all over the world because I find them to be fascinated and closely linked to history.

Template: My favorite style to write in is: Example: My favorite style to write in is speculative fiction.

Template: I used to have a blog dedicated to: Example: I used to have a food blog. It shared all of my recent eats and my thoughts about them.

Template: I was published once and the piece was on: Example: I was published once in a magazine. The piece was a poem on my grandmother’s tortillas.

Template: My favorite genre of books to read is: Example: My favorite genre of books to read is mystery/thriller books.

Template: I am currently reading: Example: I am currently reading Stephen King’s Memoir, and it is fascinating.

Template: My favorite author of all time is: Example: My favorite author of all time is Gillian Flynn.

Template: I love art and my favorite medium to work with is: Example: I love art. My favorite medium to work with is clay for sculpting.

Template: Between cooking and baking, I prefer to: Example: Between cooking and baking, I prefer to cook.

Template: I’m a film fanatic and my favorite director is: Example: I’m a film fanatic and my favorite director is Steven Spielberg.

Template: I love film and my favorite movie of all time is: Example: I love film. My favorite movie of all time is  Kill Bill: Volume 1 .

Template: My favorite film genre is: Example: My favorite film genre is action.

Template: A fun, useless habit I have is: Example: A fun, useless habit I have is juggling.

Template: My all-time passion is: Example: My all-time passion is for chess.

Fun Facts Relating to Pop Culture

Template: My favorite social media platform is: Example: My favorite social media platform is Facebook because I love sharing my photography.

Template: My favorite thing to post on social media is: Example: My favorite thing to post on social media is cool quotes on Twitter that I find inspiring.

Template: My celebrity crush is: Example: My celebrity crush is Andrew Garfield because of his gorgeous green eyes.

Template: My favorite musician is: Example: My favorite musician is John Legend.

Template: My favorite song is: Example: My favorite song is American Pie by Don McLean.

Template: My favorite actress is: Example: My favorite actress is Anne Hathaway.

Template: My favorite actor is: Example: My favorite actor is Leonardo DiCaprio.

Template: I love Game of Thrones and my favorite character is: Example: I love  Game of Thrones  and my favorite character is Arya Stark.

Template: I am a big Potter-Head and my Hogwarts house is: Example: I am a big Potter-Head and my Hogwarts house is Ravenclaw.

Template: I am a big Potter-Head and my favorite book is: Example: I am a big Potter-Head. My favorite book is Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban .

Template: My current author obsession is with: Example: My current author obsession is with Gillian Flynn.

Template: The celebrity that inspires me the most is: Example: The celebrity that inspires me the most is Miley Cyrus.

Template: One time, I met this celebrity: Example: One time, Olivia Rodrigo flew on the same plane as me and I got to meet her.

Template: My guilty pleasure TV show is: Example: My guilty pleasure TV show is  New Girl .

Template: My comfort TV show is: Example: My comfort TV show is  Gilmore Girls .

Template: If my life was a film, I would want this actor/actress to star as me: Example: If my life was a film, I would want Drew Barrymore to star as me.

Template: My favorite childhood cartoon was: Example: My favorite childhood cartoon was Tom & Jerry .

Template: The best live performance I’ve ever seen was: Example: The best live performance I’ve ever seen was Pink Floyd in concert.

Template: My favorite blogs to read are blogs about: Example: My favorite blogs to read are blogs about traveling.

Template: I miss reading this blog about: Example: In college, a random thing I used to read is a popular blog. It was about music, and I miss it now.

Template: My favorite television husband/wife is: Example: My favorite television husband is Dan from  Roseanne .

Education/Work Fun Facts

Template: As a kid, my favorite subject in school was: Example: As a kid, my favorite subject in school was math. I loved solving problems.

Template: The awkwardest job interview I ever had was when: Example: The awkwardest job interview I ever had been on was when I walked into the room. I realized I had matched with the interviewer on Tinder.

Template: My favorite job thus far has been: Example: My favorite job thus far has been when I worked as a chef in NYC.

Template: My least favorite job thus far has been: Example: My least favorite job thus far has been when I worked for a boutique. My co-workers were very mean.

Template: My first job was: Example: My first job was being a babysitter when I was 12.

Template: A chore I despised doing while growing up was: Example: A chore I despised doing while growing up was washing dishes.

Template: My dream job is: Example: My dream job is working undercover as a special agent for the C.I.A.

Template: My favorite volunteering experience was: Example: My favorite volunteering experience was when I helped out a local soup kitchen. On Wednesdays, I served the homeless dinner.

Template: When I was a kid, I wanted to grow up and be:

Example: When I was a kid, I wanted to grow up and be a bus driver. Template: A skill I would love to learn is: Example: A skill I would love to learn is how to speak Italian. That way, I can talk with my grandmother.

Template: My high school mascot was: Example: My high school mascot was a hornet.

Template: The other language I know is: Example: The other language I know is German.

Random Fun Facts

Template: My favorite day of the week is: Example: My favorite day of the week is Friday. I know I get to sleep in the next day.

Template: My favorite season is: Example: My favorite season is fall because of the beautiful leaves.

Template: My favorite holiday is: Example: My favorite holiday is Easter because I love going to mass that day.

Template: My favorite tradition is: Example: My favorite tradition is making cookies on Christmas Eve with my father.

Template: An irrational fear I have is: Example: An irrational fear I have is of the dark.

Template: My favorite year of life thus far has been: Example: My favorite year of life thus far has been when I was 22.

Template: My biggest pet peeve is: Example: My biggest pet peeve is when people chew with their mouths open.

Template: A random superstition I have is: Example: A random superstition I have is to not walk under ladders.

Template: Something at the top of my bucket list is: Example: Something at the top of my bucket list is to learn how to swing dance.

Template: A bad habit of mine is: Example: A bad habit of mine is biting my nails.

Template: If I could live in another era, I would pick: Example: If I could live in another era, I would pick the 80s. This is because of the music and the vibrant fashion.

Template: I broke this bone once: Example: One time, I broke my ankle and was laid up for over a month.

Template: The dream date I look forward to is: Example: The dream date I look forward to is a picnic in a park.

Template: I have a few tattoos and piercings like: Example: I have three tattoos and four piercings.

Template: A word I hate is: Example: A word I can’t stand is “moist”.

Template: A word I love is: Example: A word I love to say is “bubbly”.

Template: One of my hidden talents is: Example: One of my hidden talents is touching my thumb to my wrist.

Template: The best advice I’ve ever received is: Example: The best advice I’ve ever received is to make my own happiness in life.

Template: An odd fear I had as a child was: Example: An odd fear I had as a child was about monsters. I worried they would have bitten my toes if I let them hang over the edge of the bed.

Interesting Facts

Template: If I could open up a shop, I would sell: Example: If I could open up a shop, I would sell fun flavors of ice cream.

Template: My favorite time of the day is: Example: My favorite time of the day is at dawn because it feels calm.

Template: In my opinion, the best invention of the 21st century was: Example: In my opinion, the best invention of the 21st century was the automobile.

Template: My favorite activity to do with my partner is: Example: My favorite activity to do with my partner is play golf.

Template: Something not many people know about me is that: Example: Something not many people know about me is that I write poetry.

Template: An accent I’m good at interpreting is: Example: An accent I’m good at interpreting is a British accent, want to hear?

Template: An interesting thing that stresses me out the most is: Example: An interesting thing that stresses me out the most is traveling for long distances.

Template: My favorite sport is: Example: My favorite sport is hockey.

Template: My favorite activity to de-stress is: Example: My favorite activity to de-stress is taking a hot bath.

Template: The person I would pick to be stranded on an island with is: Example: I would pick to be stranded on an island with Bear Grills.

Template: One time I had a crazy experience with: Example: One time I had a crazy experience seeing a U.F.O.

Template: My favorite childhood memory was: Example: My favorite childhood memory was when my family and I traveled to Italy.

Template: If I had a warning label, it would say: Example: If I had a warning label, it would say “Caution, very clumsy”.

Template: My favorite candle scent is: Example: My favorite candle scent is of freshly baked cookies.

Template: My biggest role model is: Example: My biggest role model is my mom.

Template: Another name my parent was thinking of naming me was: Example: Another name my parent was thinking of naming me was Zoey.

Template: I call my grandparents: Example: I call my grandparents pop-pop and gram.

Template: The bravest thing I’ve ever done is: Example: The bravest thing I’ve ever done is going bungee jumping in New Zealand.

Template: My clothing style is: Example: My clothing style is considered Bohemian, in my opinion.

Template: My biggest fear is: Example: My biggest fear is being lost in a cornfield.

Template: My first car was: Example: My first car was a VW bug.

Template: As a kid, my imaginary best friend was named: Example: As a kid, my imaginary best friend was named Fred.120+ “Fun Facts About Me” For Work

Katee Fletcher

Katee’s passion for writing and fascination for language has forever guided her path in life.

Keep up with Katee on Instagram and linkedin.com

More From Thought Catalog

The 13 Best Romantic Comedies On Netflix In May 2024

5 Reasons Why Michael Scott From ‘The Office’ Was Actually An Amazing Leader

‘Boy Kills World’ Review: Its Blend Of Absurd Humor And Nonstop Action Shouldn’t Work (But Totally Does)

Women Quit Dating, Sex, Marriage and Children With Men As 4B Movement Comes to The United States

4 Movies About Toxic Limerence That Will Make You Reassess Your Fantasy Relationship and Situationship

3 Love Lessons The TV Show “Imposters” Taught Us About Sociopathic Manipulators and Con Artists

60 About Me Examples (Writing Guide + Free Templates)

Are you struggling to write an About Me section for your website or portfolio? Look no further!

We’ve compiled a list of 60 About Me Examples + Templates to help you craft the perfect introduction that showcases your skills, experience, and personality.

No matter your profession, we’ve got you covered with these customizable templates that will make your About Me section stand out.

What Is An About Me Statement?

Table of Contents

An about me statement is a short description of one’s background, achievements, and personal interests.

It’s typically used for job applications or as part of a professional portfolio.

An effective about me statement should be concise yet informative, showcasing the individual’s most impressive qualifications, skills, and experiences.

Writing an about me statement can feel intimidating at first but with the right approach, it can give you the opportunity to tell your story in a genuine and meaningful way that resonates with employers and colleagues.

60 About Me Examples

Here is a massive list of 60 about me examples, about me resume examples, and about me examples for portfolios.

1) Accountant

I am a highly organized and detail-oriented professional with a passion for numbers. My expertise lies in financial analysis and accounting, and I am committed to helping my clients make informed financial decisions.

2) Actor/Actress

I am an experienced actor with 10 years in the industry. I have a diverse portfolio of work ranging from musical theater to film. My passion for performing and commitment to excellence has earned me roles in several successful productions.

3) Aerospace Engineer

As an aerospace engineer, I am a creative problem-solver with a passion for aerodynamics and space exploration. My track record includes designing and testing successful aircraft and spacecraft, demonstrating my strong understanding of engineering principles.

4) Agricultural and Food Scientists

I am a dedicated researcher with a passion for sustainable agriculture and food production as an agricultural and food scientist. My extensive knowledge of plant and animal biology and my understanding of the environmental, economic, and social factors that impact food systems enable me to make significant contributions to the field.

5) Agricultural Worker

With years of experience in farming, I am an agricultural worker who takes pride in producing high-quality food for local communities. My strong work ethic and commitment to sustainable agriculture practices demonstrate my deep love for the land and all things agricultural.

6) Air Traffic Controller

As an air traffic controller, I am a highly skilled and responsible professional with a passion for ensuring safe and efficient air travel. My extensive training in air traffic control procedures and my ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations are critical to my success.

7) Aircraft Pilot

With extensive experience flying various types of aircraft, I am a seasoned aviator who is passionate about flight. Safety and professionalism are of the utmost importance to me, and I am committed to maintaining the highest standards while in the air.

8) Aircraft Mechanic

As an aircraft mechanic, I am a skilled and knowledgeable aviation professional with a passion for keeping aircraft in top condition. My strong understanding of aircraft systems, coupled with my commitment to ensuring each plane I work on is safe and ready to fly, is critical to the success of any aviation team.

9) Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assembler

I am an extraordinarily skilled and experienced professional with a passion for assembling aircraft structures, surfaces, rigging, and systems. My strong understanding of aircraft structures and systems, coupled with my precision and attention to detail, ensures that each plane I work on is assembled to the highest standards.

10) Architect

I am a creative and innovative architect with a passion for designing buildings and spaces. My strong understanding of building design and construction, coupled with my commitment to creating functional and aesthetically pleasing structures that meet the needs of my clients, makes me a valuable asset to any design team.

11) Architectural and Engineering Manager

As an architectural and engineering manager, I am an experienced leader with a passion for overseeing large-scale construction projects. My strong background in architecture and engineering, coupled with my commitment to ensuring that each project I manage is completed on time, on budget, and to the highest standards of quality, make me an invaluable asset to any team.

12) Archivist

I am a knowledgeable and organized professional with a passion for preserving history. As an archivist, my strong understanding of archival techniques, coupled with my commitment to ensuring that important historical documents and artifacts are properly stored, cataloged, and made accessible to the public, enables me to play a critical role in preserving our cultural heritage.

13) Biomedical Engineer

As a biomedical engineer, I am a highly skilled and innovative professional with a passion for using technology to improve human health. My strong background in engineering, biology, and medicine, coupled with my commitment to developing cutting-edge medical devices and treatments that will enhance patient outcomes, makes me a valuable asset to any healthcare team.

14) Biostatistician

As a biostatistician, I am a data-driven professional with a passion for using statistics to improve health outcomes. My extensive training in statistical analysis, coupled with my deep understanding of the biological and medical applications of statistical methods, makes me a valuable asset to any healthcare or research team seeking to make data-driven decisions.

15) Building Inspector

As a building inspector, I am a highly trained and experienced professional with a passion for ensuring the safety and quality of buildings. My strong understanding of building codes and construction practices, coupled with my commitment to conducting thorough and accurate inspections of residential, commercial, and industrial properties, enables me to ensure the safety of those who live and work in these buildings.

16) Business Professional

Having experience leading teams within a wide range of industries such as finance, IT & healthcare – my unique combination of analytical thinking & problem-solving skills offers added value no matter the context or situation.

17) Carpenter

As a skilled and experienced carpenter, I am passionate about working with wood and creating high-quality, functional structures and furnishings. My strong understanding of carpentry techniques, coupled with my commitment to using the best materials and tools available, enables me to create beautiful and durable pieces that stand the test of time.

Passionate about transforming ingredients into delightful dishes, I’ve had the pleasure of cooking in some of the best restaurants across the country. With over 9 years of experience working with different cuisines and techniques, I constantly strive to refine my skills and challenge myself.

19) Chemical Engineer

As a chemical engineer, I am a knowledgeable and innovative professional with a passion for using chemistry to solve real-world problems. My strong background in chemical engineering, coupled with my commitment to developing new and improved chemical processes and products, makes me a valuable asset to any company seeking to improve its products or processes.

20) Chemist

As a chemist, I am a curious and dedicated scientist with a passion for understanding the chemical properties of matter. My strong background in chemistry, coupled with my commitment to conducting cutting-edge research and developing new and improved chemical products and processes, enables me to make significant contributions to the field of chemistry.

21) Civil Engineer

As a civil engineer, I am a skilled and knowledgeable professional with a passion for designing and building infrastructure. My strong background in civil engineering, coupled with my commitment to ensuring that each project I work on is functional, safe, and sustainable, makes me a valuable asset to any infrastructure project.

22) Commercial Diver

As a highly trained and experienced commercial diver, I am passionate about working underwater and ensuring the safety and success of each dive I make. My extensive training in diving techniques, coupled with my commitment to using the best equipment and following strict safety protocols, makes me a valuable asset to any diving or underwater construction team.

23) Computer and Information Systems Manager

As a computer and information systems manager, I am a highly skilled and experienced professional with a passion for using technology to solve business problems. My strong background in computer science, coupled with my commitment to ensuring that each technology project I manage is completed on time, on budget, and to the highest standards of quality, makes me a valuable asset to any organization seeking to improve its technology infrastructure.

24) Computer Network Architect

As an exceptionally skilled and innovative computer network architect, I am passionate about designing and implementing computer networks. My strong understanding of network technologies, coupled with my commitment to ensuring that each network I design is scalable, reliable, and secure, makes me a valuable asset to any organization seeking to improve its network infrastructure.

25) Computer Programmer

As a highly skilled and experienced computer programmer, I am passionate about writing code and developing high-quality software that meets the needs of my clients. My strong background in computer science, coupled with my commitment to using the best programming practices and tools available, makes me a valuable asset to any software development team.

26) Construction Worker

As a hardworking and experienced construction worker, I am passionate about building and ensuring the success of each project I work on. My strong understanding of construction techniques, coupled with my commitment to ensuring the safety of myself and those around me, makes me a valuable asset to any construction team.

27) Cost Estimator

As a highly organized and detail-oriented cost estimator, I am passionate about calculating costs and ensuring that each cost estimate I produce is accurate, comprehensive, and realistic. My strong background in finance, coupled with my commitment to using the best data and tools available, makes me a valuable asset to any organization seeking to manage its costs effectively.

28) Crane and Tower Operator

As a skilled and experienced crane and tower operator, I am passionate about operating cranes and towers and ensuring the safety and success of each lift I make. My extensive training in crane and tower operation techniques, coupled with my commitment to following strict safety protocols and using the best equipment available, makes me a valuable asset to any construction or industrial team.

29) Dentist

As a dentist with 5+ years of experience, my mission is to provide quality dental care while fostering relationships of trust with each patient I serve. My passion for dentistry allows me to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies in order to deliver optimal results.

30) Designer

Drawing from my knowledge of graphic design principles and trends, I create visually stunning designs that capture my audience’s attention. Whether it be web graphics, logos, or other types of digital assets, my work speaks for itself.

31) Entrepreneur

In pursuit of creating meaningful businesses with lasting impact – For over a decade now, I’ve dedicated myself to developing ventures that solve real problems & offer creative solutions. With more than 5 startups under my belt – each as successful as the last, it’s safe to say that this mission has become second nature by now.

32) Event Planner

With over 9 years’ worth of experience as an event planner, I specialize in creating memorable experiences for any type of event; from corporate functions and galas down to private parties and celebrations alike! Having worked on dozens upon dozens of successful events thus far – there’s nothing I won’t do when it comes to organizing your special occasion just the way you envisioned it.

33) Financial Advisor

As a financial advisor with more than 8 years’ worth of experience helping people make smart decisions with their money, I take pride in helping others reach their long-term financial goals. My background as an accountant offers clients peace of mind knowing they’re getting sound advice backed by reliable credentials.

34) Hair Stylist

As a creative hair stylist with over 10 years worth of experience, I find joy in helping others express their individual beauty through haircuts and colors. Whether it be an everyday kind look or for special occasions – no style is off limits.

35) Hospital Administrator

Worked with hospitals for over 8 years now, and my enthusiasm lies in helping these institutions run more efficiently through careful management of staff and resources. By approaching each day with an open mind and perceptive eye toward improvement, I hope to make a positive impact on healthcare as a whole.

36) Interior Designer

Tapping into my extensive knowledge base & understanding of the principles behind aesthetics . My aim is to craft visually appealing spaces that mirror the individual personality and style preferences of every client. All while keeping within budget restrictions. From offices, homes, restaurants, you name it – having crafted interiors across various contexts during the past decade; my work has been featured in numerous acclaimed galleries and magazines worldwide.

37) Landscaper

Crafting greener environments one job at a time has been my mission since day one; Deriving satisfaction from breathing life into untouched spaces – landscaping has allowed me to take artistic expression outdoors for nearly 7 years now while simultaneously enjoying being surrounded by nature.

Dedicated to providing legal services that are tailored to meet the needs of each individual client, I have amassed 10+ years of experience tackling complex cases both in and out of court. My commitment is to always uphold justice and ensure an ethical resolution for all matters I take on.

39) Makeup Artist

As a veteran makeup artist with 8+ years in the beauty industry, clients know they can trust me with all their beauty needs! From providing unique looks for special occasions like weddings or photoshoots – all the way down to perfecting everyday natural looks; there is no job too great nor small for me to handle.

40) Marketer

With over ten years of experience developing campaigns both online and offline, I am confident in my ability to drive results through strategic marketing initiatives. My skills extend from writing persuasive copy to leveraging social media channels for maximum visibility.

41) Massage Therapist

As an experienced massage therapist with several certifications, I have built my reputation on providing personalized treatments catered to each client’s needs. By taking into account physical ailments as well as emotional well-being, my goal is to leave clients feeling invigorated after every session.

42) Musician

My passion for music comes through in every performance, whether I’m playing solo or with a full band. With over 10 years of experience playing at various venues around the world, I bring expertise and energy to any event.

43) Novelist

When it comes to telling stories – I’m fiercely passionate about creating engaging tales that captivate readers from the first page all the way through the last. Throughout the past decade, I have written multiple novels under various genres; Bringing fiction to life has been an amazing journey so far.

As a skilled nurse with 10+ years of experience in healthcare, my aim is to provide compassionate care during tough times while also advocating for patient rights & well-being. Whether it be providing physical or emotional support – no matter where you are in your journey, you can rest assured that my focus remains entirely on your well-being first & foremost.

45) Paralegal

When it comes down to understanding the complex legal system – there’s nothing quite like having a paralegal. Having worked within this profession for nearly 7 years, I’m deeply passionate about helping those who are often stuck trying to figure things out when it comes to managing cases and paperwork within court systems.

46) Personal Trainer

With over eight years of personal training experience, I specialize in helping people reach their fitness goals through personalized workout plans designed specifically for them. No matter where your starting point is, together we can make progress toward achieving your health objectives safely and effectively.

47) Photographer

With an eye for composition and detail, I bring creativity and professionalism to every project I work on. For the past decade, my photography has been featured in galleries and magazines around the world.

48) PR Specialist

As a public relations specialist, I have worked with major brands to shape their public image while also protecting their reputation amongst key stakeholders such as customers and journalists. My history of success is backed by numerous awards and press features throughout my career.

49) Project Manager

Taking projects from start to finish requires a comprehensive, detail-oriented mindset – which is fortunately what I specialize in, alongside several certifications obtained during this time span. Be it organizing events, or budgeting resources — my passion and drive for successful completion have allowed me to manage projects both small-scale and large-scope within tight deadlines.

50) Quality Assurance Consultant

From developing requirements documents all the way down to testing software applications; I take great joy in finding every little detail that makes up a successful product launch. With 6+ years of expertise under my belt – I’m constantly pushing towards refining QA processes or protocols to their fullest potential.

51) Real Estate Agent

As a real estate agent with a knack for finding properties that fit perfectly with each customer’s needs, I have been helping families find their dream homes for over 8 years. My passion lies in guiding people through what can often be overwhelming processes and ensuring they make smart investments.

52) Social Worker

Over the past 10 years, I have been fortunate enough to be part of a community where reaching out to those most vulnerable is always a priority. My mission as a certified social worker lies in ensuring rights — promoting fairness — upholding equality — advocate justice regardless of any circumstance.

53) Software Developer

With a degree in Computer Science and an impressive track record as a developer at several Fortune 500 companies, my work speaks for itself. For over 8 years I have provided robust solutions that consistently exceeded expectations while meeting deadlines.

54) Teacher/Educator

Applying creativity & out-of-the-box thinking alongside traditional teaching methods – After having served within this profession for nearly a decade now, I believe wholeheartedly that education should be fun yet thought-provoking at the same time – My goal has remained unchanged since day one upon embarking into this field – To inspire children towards excellence through knowledge & self-discovery whilst remembering too that everyone learns differently.

55) Telemarketer

With an extensive background in customer service & sales spanning nearly 9 years, salesmanship has always come naturally to me. My aim is constantly honing in on key selling points while adapting to customers’ needs or preferences – ultimately launching campaigns that produce dramatic results.

56) Therapist

As an experienced therapist (& consultant) with certifications spanning many different fields (such as psychology & psychiatry), I strive to bring out my innermost potential during each session that allows individuals to solve personal issues on their terms.

57) Veterinarian

As an accomplished veterinarian with over 5 years working in animal medicine, there’s no creature no matter how large or small that doesn’t deserve quality care under my watchful eye. Educating pet parents about preventative health measures is also something I’m more than willing to do as part of maintaining a healthy relationship between owners & their beloved companions alike.

58) Web Designer

I blend creativity with logic seamlessly. For 8+ years, my contributions to web design resulted in quality workmanship driven towards user-centric experiences that integrate accessibility with efficiency together at once.

As a professional writer with ten years of experience across many genres, I consistently create engaging, insightful pieces while meeting tight deadlines. Publications like The New York Times and Harvard Business Review have featured my articles.

60) YouTuber

From creating humorous skits and satirical takes on societal norms, YouTube has allowed me to express myself creatively through video content during the past few years. Embracing honest moments of humor – My ultimate goal remains to bring out laughter and joy into people’s lives every day.

About Me Example Templates (Free to Copy or Download)

When I’m writing, I love to use templates to guide my own creativity.

Here are three About Me Example Templates you can copy:

I am a [Adjective] [Occupation] with [Number] years of experience in [Industry]. I am passionate about [Interest or Skill] and have worked on several projects that have [Achievement or Impact]. When I’m not [Occupation-related Activity], you can find me [Hobby or Interest]. I believe in [Personal or Professional Philosophy] and strive to [Goal or Mission Statement].

I am a [Adjective] [Occupation] who has been [Verb + Ing] for [Number] years. I enjoy [Interest or Skill] and have been fortunate enough to [Achievement or Impact]. In my free time, I love to [Hobby or Interest] and [Fun Fact or Quirky Detail]. My goal is to [Personal or Professional Goal] and I am always looking for ways to [Action or Skill] to achieve it.

I am [Name], a [Adjective] [Occupation] who has been working in [Industry] for [Number] years. I am passionate about [Interest or Skill] and have been able to [Achievement or Impact]. When I’m not [Occupation-related Activity], I enjoy [Hobby or Interest] and [Fun Fact or Quirky Detail]. My philosophy is to [Personal or Professional Philosophy] and I strive to [Goal or Mission Statement].

About Me Writing Guide

Now that you have read through the examples and templates, keep the following eight super tips in mind:

• Know your audience. Consider the people who will be visiting your website or portfolio and tailor your statement to their interests and needs.
• Keep it concise. Your about me statement should be brief and to the point. Avoid long paragraphs and stick to the most important information.
• Use a professional tone. Your about me statement should be written in a professional tone that reflects your brand and image.
• Highlight your skills and experience . Use your statement to showcase your skills and experience in your field. Be specific and highlight your achievements.
• Be authentic. Write your about me statement in your own voice and be authentic. Avoid using jargon or buzzwords that don’t reflect who you are.
• Use a storytelling approach. Use a storytelling approach to share your journey and experiences in your field. This will help you connect with your audience and make your statement more engaging.
• Add a personal touch . Add a personal touch to your statement by including your interests, hobbies, or values. This will make your statement more relatable and help you stand out.
• Update it regularly . Make sure to update your about me statement regularly to reflect your current skills, experience, and achievements. This will keep your statement fresh and relevant.

Although this video is about sharing your About Me information verbally, you can apply many of the tips to the about me section of your resume, website, or portfolio:

Final Thoughts: About Me Examples

These are just a few examples of the many diverse professions that exist in the world.

Each one requires a unique set of skills and expertise, and each one has the potential to make a significant impact on the world around us.

No matter what profession you choose, it is important to have a passion for what you do and a commitment to excellence.

Read This Next:

• How To Write a Blog About Yourself? (22 Best Tips)
• Do Companies Hire Writers? (Explained & Solved)
• 57 Best AI Blog Writers (Ultimate Guide For 2023)

101 Fun And Interesting Facts You Can Say About Yourself

Disclosure: this page may contain affiliate links to select partners. We receive a commission should you choose to make a purchase after clicking on them. Read our affiliate disclosure.

Whether you’re at a party, on a date, in a job interview, or just meeting someone new for the first time, revealing some fun facts about yourself can be a great icebreaker.

When you tell people these interesting tidbits of information, you become more human and more likeable.

But it can be hard to think of these things on the spot.

You may be asking yourself, “What are some fun facts about me?”

Do you need some examples of interesting things you might drop into a conversation?

You’re in luck.

We go one better and give you the facts – you just need to fill in the blanks.

With this list, you’ll never run out of ideas for good fun facts about yourself.

And there is no shortage of ways to use them…

…spice up your dating profile.

…make a fun game out of it with friends.

…create a more relaxed, open atmosphere in a work meeting.

…sprinkle them into a text conversation with your crush.

…make your resume more interesting to potential employers.

…introduce yourself with a bang when starting a new job.

…incorporate them into a speech you have to make.

And this is just the tip of the iceberg.

Are you ready to come up with some fun facts about yourself?

Fun Facts About Your Likes

1. My favorite cuisine is ___, especially ___.

People bond over food – both eating it and talking about it. Do you love Thai food, French cuisine, traditional African recipes? Why? What’s the best dish you’ve ever eaten?

2. The hobby that I could never give up is ___.

Are you so passionate about tennis that you can see yourself playing until your body gives up on you? Do you love to potter about in the garden so much that those green fingers will never leave you?

3. My favorite season is ___ because ___.

Do you love the long, hot summers? Are you amazed by the colors of fall? Do you enjoy snuggling up in winter? Does the new life of spring excite you?

4. I have seen [insert favorite movie][insert number]times.

Have you watched The Matrix seventeen times? Do you binge the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy in one go (extended versions, of course)? Have you sung along to Frozen every night since it was first released?

5. I support [insert sports team]and have done since I was [insert age].

Is there a sports team that matters a lot to you? If you’re passionate about it, that will show through even if others aren’t into sport.

6. My favorite ice cream flavor is ___.

Who doesn’t love ice cream? Are you a chocolate lover? Is cookies and cream your number one choice? Or do you go for a blueberry cone whenever you can?

7. My non-alcoholic drink of choice is ___.

It can be helpful for others to know what sorts of drinks you like. Do you cool down with an iced tea? Or warm up with a coffee? Perhaps a fruit juice combo?

8. My alcoholic drink of choice is ___.

Do you like to kick back with a beer? Or a G&T? Maybe you are partial to a cocktail of sorts?

9. The thing I find most attractive in a person is ___.

What personality trait do you look for most in a person? Kindness? Positivity? Calmness? This one is great on dates.

10. I mostly listen to ___ music.

Most people enjoy listening to music on a regular basis and your taste can spark all sorts of conversations about bands, concerts, and festivals.

Interesting Facts About Your Dislikes

11. I’m allergic to ___.

It’s a bit of a talking point if you’re allergic to something unusual such as pumpkin, but even common allergies can be interesting topics to discuss, especially if you have to be extra careful with what you eat.

12. My pet peeve is ___.

What really annoys you? Do you hate it when people don’t put their coffee mugs on your carefully placed coasters? Or when other drivers follow close behind you?

13. I hate the smell of ___.

Does the scent of lavender drive you crazy? Does fresh fish make you retch? Does a carton of soured milk put you off your breakfast cereal?

14. I’m most scared of ___.

Show a little vulnerability and reveal your darkest fears. Do snakes give you the creeps? Are you terrified of walking alone at night?

15. I can’t stand the sound of ___.

Do bagpipes make your ears bleed? Is the sound of a crying baby enough to put you off having kids?

16. People who [insert behavior or trait]really annoy me.

Do loud chewers get your back up? Does it give you rage when someone corrects others all the time? Are judgmental people just the worst?

17. I don’t like how ___ feels to touch.

Do you hate preparing raw chicken or fish? Is Styrofoam your nemesis in life? Do you have an aversion to cotton wool balls?

18. The most boring sport to watch is ___.

We get it, not all sports are that exciting. Would you rather watch paint dry than watch golf? Is cricket enough to send you to sleep?

19. The word that most irritates me is ___.

Moist? Totes? Guesstimate? What word makes you want to punch whoever said it?

20. The most stressful thing for me is ___.

Thinking up things to say about yourself in small talk? No, seriously… this is actually a fun thing to talk about because the other person will no doubt relate.

Random Talent Fact Examples

21. I can play the [insert instrument].

A you a grade 8 bassoonist? Can you just about string a tune together on a guitar? Are you a master of the harmonica?

22. I can speak ___ languages and ___ was the hardest to learn.

It’s impressive enough to be able to speak more than one language, especially if you learned them after your early childhood. Show off your lingual skills and teach others a few phrases.

23. I can cook the most amazing ___.

What’s your signature dish? Duck a l’Orange? Chilli con carne? A pea and asparagus risotto?

24. I once [insert some amazing feat of skill or endurance].

Did you once climb El Capitan? Have you completed an Ironman triathlon? Show off a bit once in a while – you don’t have to be humble all of the time!

25. I once made a ___ from scratch.

Have you sown yourself a Japanese kimono? Did you build a boat? What practical skills do you have that might be worth shouting about?

26. I can do a really good ___ accent. (Then proceed to prove it.)

This one can be really impressive or really funny depending on how good you actually are at the accent. Either way, it’s sure to make an impression.

27. I once wrote a book/short story about ___.

Have you ever created your own work of fiction, no matter how long or short? Perhaps it was at school or simply in your spare time as an adult.

28. I can [insert something unusual you can do with your body].

Are you double-jointed? Can you walk bent over backwards on your hands and feet? People love to hear and see about this sort of thing.

29. I once played ___ in my school production of ___.

Were you the Genie in Aladdin? Did you follow the yellow brick road as the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz?

30. I ___ better than most people.

What are you really talented at? Something you do better than anyone you know. Are you a yo-yo pro? Are people envious of the way you dance? Do you know how to tell a really good joke?

Cool Travel Facts People Want To Hear

31. I have visited ___ countries in my life.

Have you travelled a lot? Where to? This can initiate conversations as you compare lists with others. It also shows your adventurous side.

32. My favorite country so far is ___.

Of all the countries you have been to, which one did you like the best and why?

33. I first traveled solo when I was ___.

When did your love of travel start? What was your first solo trip like? How old were you at the time?

34. The scariest moment of my travels was when ___.

Have you ever come face-to-face with a mountain gorilla? Did you have a near miss when white water rafting? Did you get lost in the jungle?

35. The most amazing place I’ve ever been is ___ because it ___.

What’s the one place that sticks in your memory more than any other? This might be a city or a famous attraction or one of the great natural landscapes of the world.

36. My next trip is to ___.

Where are you going next? What has drawn you to that place? When are you going and who are you going with?

37. I love travel so much because ___.

Why do you love travel? Is it the new cultures you experience? The sights you see? The freedom you feel when you’re on the road?

38. The one thing I always take on my travels is my ___.

What could you not do without when you’re away? Do you take a childhood teddy with you? Has your Shewee come in handy more times than you’d like to admit?

39. When I go on an adventure, I like to [plan the whole thing / make it up as I go – delete as necessary].

Are you a spontaneous traveler who sees where the winds take her? Or do you like to have a meticulous hour-by-hour itinerary to ensure you maximize your time away?

40. The most remote place I have ever been to is ___.

Have you been hundreds of miles from civilization in the Australian Outback, the Arctic peninsula, or the Amazon rainforest?

Unique Facts Involving Your Family

41. I have ___ siblings.

How many brothers or sisters do you have?

42. I am the [eldest/middle/youngest] child in my family.

Whereabouts are you in the sibling pecking order? First born, middle child, last one out? How has that shaped who you are?

43. My [brother(s)/sister(s)] taught me that ___.

What have you learned from your siblings? Did you have to speak up if you wanted to be heard? Are you tougher because of the scraps you got into with them?

44. I have ___ dogs/cats/hamsters/snakes/etc. Their names are ___.

Many people have pets and most pet owners love to talk about their various animals. It’s also good for potential dates to know because if they’re allergic, the relationship probably won’t get very far.

45. My fondest childhood family memory is ___.

When you think back to the time you spent as a child, what memory sticks out the most? A trip to Disneyworld? The summers you’d spend at the beach?

46. I have been with my spouse/partner for ___ years.

How long have you and your partner been together? It doesn’t matter if it’s a long or a short time – it’s nice just to talk about them.

47. We have ___ children. Their names are ___.

Do you have any kids? How old are they? What are their names? Why did you choose those names? What are they like?

48. My parents/grandparents emigrated here in ___ from ___.

Are you a second or third generation immigrant? Where are your family’s roots originally? Is that a big part of your family life still?

49. When I was ___, I [insert funny story about your childhood].

Did you fall down a slide backwards into a giant muddy puddle whilst trying to show off to your friends? Did you bury your brother in the sand and put jam on his face to encourage the ants to get him?

50. My family name means ___. (you can look up your surname here )

Find out what your family name means and use that as an interesting snippet of information.

Fun Facts All To Do With Your Friends

51. When I was younger, I had an imaginary friend called ___. He/She was a ___.

Many people had imaginary friends as a child and it can be fun to tell stories about them and what you used to do with them.

52. My childhood nickname was ___.

Were you known as Scooby or Hootie or Beanie by your friends or family? How did that nickname come about?

53. I have known my best friend for ___ years.

How far back do you and your best friend go? 10 years? 20? 50?!

54. My friends would describe me as ___.

If you asked your friends to describe you, what would they say? And, more importantly, is what they say true?

55. In my group of friends, I am considered the ___ one.

Are you the sensible one? The creative one? The loud one who is often at the center of conversations?

56. My friends and I most often talk about ___.

What do you and your friends chat about most regularly? Sports? Music? Movies? Philosophical ponderings?

57. I have been a bridesmaid / best man / usher at ___ of my friends’ weddings.

Have you been entrusted with a special role at one or more of your friend’ weddings? Have you had to do a speech? How did that go?

58. My friends and I used to spend our long summers ___.

When you were younger, what would you and your friends do during the long summer school holidays? Were you always out in the woods building tree houses and swimming in lakes? Or did you start little side-hustles to earn a bit of money to spend?

59. My friends once played an awesome prank on me when they ___.

Have you been pranked by your friends in a funny or creative way? Tell someone about it.

60. I went on my first friends’ holiday when I was ___ and we went to ___.

At what age did you ditch your family and opt for holidays with your friends instead? Where did you go and what did you get up to?

Important Facts About Your Education And Work

61. My favorite subject at school was ___.

What lesson could you not wait for at school because you enjoyed it so much? Art? Music? Drama? P.E.?

62. My dream job is ___.

Whether or not you are in the job now, what would you love to do for a living? Are you working toward that now or is it more of just a pipe dream for the future?

63. But when I was a child, I wanted to be a ___ when I grew up.

The career options we think we would like to go into as a child can be very different to the paths we walk later in life. Did you want to be a chef? A pilot? A firefighter?

64. My first ever job was ___.

Did you pack groceries? Stack shelves in a shop? Wash cars?

65. My first proper job after graduating was ___.

What would you say your first real job was after you left school, rather than your weekend or holiday job?

66. My most embarrassing job was ___.

Did you have to dress up in a costume at a kids’ restaurant and dance around? This is the kind of story that has to be told.

67. The thing I like most about my job is ___.

What’s the best thing about what you do now? The way you have to think outside the box? The interesting people you get to meet? The free samples you get to take home?!

68. I am a qualified ___.

Maybe you have a qualification you no longer use in your job. Are you a qualified dentist? An accountant turned entertainer?

69. I volunteer as a ___.

Do you give your free time to a good cause? What is it and how did you first get involved in it?

70. If I had my time at school again, I’d ___.

We don’t always appreciate our school days until they’re over. What would you do differently if you could go back in time? Pick different subjects? Get your head down and work a bit harder? Be more confident putting your hand up in class?

Random, But Interesting Facts

71. I’m practically addicted to ___.

Do you polish off a jar of peanut butter in a few days? Do you watch old re-runs of Friends on a loop? Is there a computer game that you can’t let go of no matter how many times you play it?

72. The famous person who inspires me most is ___.

Greta Thunberg? Nelson Mandela? Elon Musk? Who is it for you and what is it about them that you find so inspirational?

73. The most embarrassing thing to ever happen to me was ___.

Did your dress come undone and fall down whilst shaking your booty at a wedding? Have you ever laughed so hard that you peed yourself? Sharing these moments of vulnerability is incredibly endearing.

74. I collect ___.

Do you have a thousand Beanie Babies? Is your collection of teapots proudly on display around your home? Beer bottles from around the world?

75. My guilty pleasure is ___.

Is there something that you secretly (or not so secretly) enjoy that is perhaps a little geeky or unusual? Do you dress up in Cosplay? Do you still watch your favorite TV shows from your childhood?

76. The achievement I am most proud of is ___.

Brag a little – it’s healthy in small doses. Whether you’re most proud of raising your kids, starting a business, the degree you got at university, or something else, tell it to the world.

77. My idea of Heaven on Earth is ___.

A hammock hung between palm trees on your own private beach with someone serving you cocktails with little umbrellas in them? Riding your horse through the open countryside? Diving the Great Barrier Reef?

78. The best advice I ever received was ___.

What advice has someone told you that has stuck with you the most? How has it changed your life?

79. My first car was a ___.

Most people’s first car is somewhat embarrassing, but maybe you bucked that trend and had a cool motor as soon as you passed your test.

80. I have never tried [insert food or drink].

Random fact but still a fun one – which food or drink have you never tried that you would really like to, either because it looks really nice or it’s really weird?

81. I have ___ tattoos and/or ___ piercings.

Whether or not some of them are visible to others, it’s often a talking point that can create a bond with other ink or piercing lovers.

82. If I had 1 hour to live, I’d spend it ___.

Time is running out… how would you like to spend your last hour on this planet?

83. My favorite childhood toy was ___.

Were you a Lego monster through and through? Did you carry around a Barbie doll for years and years?

84. My favorite color is ___.

Everyone has one, so which is it for you? Yellow, red, turquoise, amber?

85. The most romantic thing anybody has ever done for me is ___.

Did it involve rose petals, a sunrise, candles, singing for you? Romance is underrated!

86. I [do/don’t] believe in love at first sight. (delete as necessary)

Can you really fall in love at first sight? Why do you think so or not think so?

87. I spend far too much money on ___.

Is your bank balance being hurt by your love of takeaway burritos? Or twice-weekly neck massages? Or pimping out your ride?

88. I have broken ___ bones in my body. I broke them ___.

Everyone loves a story about how you broke some bone or another. Did you fall out of a tree and break a leg? Were you balancing on a chair trying to find something on top of a cupboard but slipped and broke your nose on the cupboard door?

89. My celebrity crush is ___.

Which celebrity does it for you either in looks or personality or both?

90. My first thought when I wake up in the morning is normally ___.

Is it: “man that alarm is annoying,” or, “I want to go back to bed,” or, “hell yeah, let’s do this!”?

91. My earliest memory is ___.

What’s the first thing you remember in your life? Having a goat steal all your animal feed at the farm? The crashing waves of the ocean? You uncle’s tickly moustache?

92. If I could live in any other era of history, it would be ___ because ___.

Would you go back to Roman times? Or perhaps the ways of the Ancient Egyptians fascinate you. How far back in time would you go, and why?

93. I would most like to learn how to ___.

Is there something you don’t know how to do but really want to learn? Like playing an instrument or coding a website or swimming?

94. The thing I love most about me is my ___.

What is your very best trait or characteristic – physical or otherwise? Is it that you take risks that others are afraid of? Or that you care deeply about the well-being of others?

95. My worst habit is ___.

Okay, we’ve done your best bits, now for your worst bits. What habit do you have that you know annoys others? Do you pick your nose? Are you always late to things?

96. My favorite artist / form of art is ___.

Perhaps you are dumfounded by Damien Hirst’s pieces or the sculptures of Rodin set your heart ablaze. Maybe you are more of a painting fan with Dali’s surrealism topping your favorites.

97. If my life were made into a movie, I’d like ___ to play me.

Who do you think would capture you and your life the best in a movie? Chris Hemsworth? Margo Robbie?

98. If I could live anywhere on the planet, it would be ___.

If you had the opportunity to live in any place in any country, where would it be and why would you wish to settle down there?

99. I am superstitious about ___.

Do you have a thing about magpies or black cats? Do you believe that getting splattered by bird poop is good luck?

100. I [do/don’t] believe in extraterrestrial life. (delete as necessary)

Do you believe aliens exist? Why or why not? If they do, what might they be like?

101. I once met [insert celebrity].

Did you serve Tom Hanks whilst working in a shop? Have you rubbed shoulders with bona fide royalty at a charity event? Spill the beans – people love a celebrity story.

There you have it, 101 examples of fun and interesting facts about yourself that you can tell other people.

So, no more straining your mind trying to think of something to say when people ask to know more about you.

Now get filling in those blanks!

How To Use These Facts To Your Advantage

In our introduction, we gave some examples of when you might want to bring out a few of these fun facts, but how can you get the most out of them? That’s what we’ll briefly look at here.

It all comes down to context. In other words, what is the situation in which you are using them and what outcome are you hoping to achieve?

Here are some key examples:

In a job interview or on your resume.

When you are trying land a job, you need to decide which of your attributes you think best represent you and “sell” you to the potential employer.

Whether it’s the classic “tell me a little bit about yourself” question in a face-to-face interview or you want to grab the recruiter’s attention with your resume or cover letter, try to use facts that demonstrate the kind of qualities they want to see.

For example, that might be that you are hardworking, innovative, ambitious, determined, or resourceful.

In fact #24 we talked about climbing El Capitan. That’s a really cool story that demonstrates some amazing qualities that can translate into the world of work.

Have you recently learned an instrument, language, or other skill? That type of thing also shows a lot of great traits that can impress the recruiter.

Your accomplishments, your experiences, or the talents you have that are unrelated to the job can all help you to stand out from other potential candidates. They are talking points, and since a big part of landing a job is your ability to fit into the workplace, if you can get the interviewer chatting – and enjoying that chat – they are far more likely to remember you afterwards and have a positive view of you and how you would slot into the current team.

During the dating process.

Much like when job hunting, if you are looking for a potential partner to form a relationship with, it helps to stand out from the crowd and show your most attractive qualities.

Let’s be honest, there are a lot of single people out there, which means a lot of competition for you to outshine. You need to build a connection with a potential date both in text form and when talking to them in person. Fun and interesting facts are a good way to go about this.

They tell the other person more about you, and they form good stories that can lead to compelling conversations.

Depending on your personality type, you might want to highlight traits such as being thoughtful, easygoing, loyal, caring, friendly, happy, loving, or adventurous.

And you can use facts such as childhood memories, goals, experiences, college stories, or favorite books/songs/tv shows/comfort foods to spark conversations that allow you to highlight the traits you think are your best features.

At networking events or parties.

“What do you do?” – it’s such a boring dead-end of a question but one that so many people fall back on when in social situations where they have to talk to strangers.

Instead, you can transform some of the facts above into far more interesting conversation starters.

Are you inspired by a particular famous person? Why not ask someone to name the 3 famous people (dead or alive) they’d invite to a dinner party?

Ask people what their biggest or most unusual fears are. Ask them what their dream vacation would be, what their pet peeve is, what the best prank they ever pulled was, or what their guilty pleasure is.

The great thing about these questions is that you can have a readymade answer to them for when the other person or people inevitably ask, “how about you?” after giving their own response.

You will come across as more friendly and outgoing if you can engage other people in conversations that are a bit quirky and a bit different to the usual small talk topics.

You may also like:

• How To Talk About Yourself (+ 12 Good Things To Say)
• 250 Words To Describe Yourself: Find Your Perfect Adjectives
• How To Keep A Conversation Going And Avoid Awkward Silences
• How To Sound Smart And Speak More Eloquently
• How Much Personal Information Is Too Much When Getting To Know Someone?

You may also like...

14 Steps To Unleash Your Body Confidence And Believe In Your Beauty

10 Surprising Indicators You’re On The Path To Personal Growth And Success

10 Things You’re Prioritizing Over Your Own Happiness (That You Shouldn’t)

13 Clear Signs You Respect Yourself (That Many People Simply Fail To See)

“Why Am I So Ugly?” 11 Reasons Why You Feel Unattractive

How To Join The Top 1% At Making Positive Changes In Your Life

15 Reasons You Don’t Need To Prove Yourself To Anyone

To My Younger Self (Open When You Are Feeling Lost)

14 Simple Yet Effective Tips To Help You Rebuild Yourself

About The Author

Steve Phillips-Waller is the founder and editor of A Conscious Rethink. He has written extensively on the topics of life, relationships, and mental health for more than 8 years.

Use this 30 Interesting Facts About Yourself Examples article to help you impress your interviewer.

30 interesting facts about yourself examples (to stand out).

by Adriana Herrera | Last updated Feb 8, 2022

Are you getting ready for a job interview? Not sure what to answer when the interviewer presents you with an interesting facts about yourself icebreaker such as “ Tell us something interesting about yourself or something that you are very passionate about?”

If you need inspiration to create interesting personal facts to share with an interviewer then you are in the right place! There are many interesting facts that you can share in an interview. The key is to share interesting facts that are good for a professional work environment while allowing the interviewer to get to know you as a person. 

This article will provide you with 30 Interesting Facts About Yourself Examples and the job interview tips you need to create, and share, interesting facts about yourself that are professional while showing off your personality and passions. So, if you’re ready to get started let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

• 1 How do you answer tell me an interesting fact about yourself?
• 2 30 Interesting Facts About Yourself Examples
• 3 Interesting Facts About Yourself (FAQs)
• 4 Conclusion

How do you answer tell me an interesting fact about yourself?

The main rules when sharing interesting facts about yourself in an interview is to make sure the facts are:

• Appropriate for a professional environment,
• Something you can elaborate on, and
• Relate to a soft skill (examples: leadership, teamwork, persistence, or communication) or hard skill (examples: spoken languages, computer languages, SEO, or fast typing) specific to the job you are interviewing for 

For example, if you’re interviewing for a design job and happen to be an art fanatic you could tell the interviewer, “When I’m not working my hobby is to attend art shows.” As a designer the soft skills that you would exhibit by sharing that you attend art shows are: curiosity, continuous learning, and industry networking.  

To build rapport and lighten the mood the interviewer may ask follow-up questions to the interesting fact that you share. Using our example, the interviewer may follow-up and ask questions such as “How often do you go to art shows?” or “What’s been your favorite art show in the last six months?” Only share interesting facts about yourself that you can elaborate on otherwise you may end up in a situation where the interviewer asks you questions you should be able to answer but can’t because the interesting fact isn’t truthful. This would discredit you and set a negative tone for your interview. To help you brainstorm facts to share in an interview below are 30 examples to draw inspiration from. Go ahead, scroll through the examples to pull inspiration that help you create interesting facts about yourself that wow the interviewer!

30 Interesting Facts About Yourself Examples

The interesting facts you share with the interviewer will depend on your passions and industry. To help you get inspired below are interesting facts that can be used by people interviewing for a variety of roles and industries. 30 interesting facts about yourself examples:

• My cat is named Da Vinci after one of the people in history I admire most for their forward thinking and innovation. 
• As for hobbies outside of work, I like to build things with LEGO. On occasion, I am commissioned to build large company logos for corporate events.
• I love learning new technologies. I contribute to a number of open source projects.
• My favorite event is RuPaul’s Drag Race because it always has interesting people from all walks of life and the styling is creative.
• One of my goals this year was to run a half marathon and I did it!
• My favorite podcast is scigest , it’s all about plant and food research. 
• I have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from UC Davis and graduated in three years instead of four. 
• I love to scuba dive and have a list of 63 unique sea animals I’ve come across.
• I love reading. It is one of my favorite hobbies and something I do for fun. This year I’ve read 234 books.
• I am very interested in learning new languages. I speak four: English, Spanish, Portuguese and French and am currently working on learning Italian and Arabic.
• I am a big fan of traveling and have been to over 20 countries. Some highlights include Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China, and the Taj Mahal.
• I am on the Board of Directors of a nonprofit called Code for Fun which is dedicated to teaching kids how to code through after-school programs and summer camps.
• I’ve been married for 5 years and have an almost 2-year-old daughter who is deaf. My wife and I have enjoyed learning American Sign Language to communicate with our daughter.
• I was born in a small town in Maine that only had a population of about 500 people. In the town everyone was friendly and would wave and say “hi.” When I moved to Los Angeles it was a culture shock. Here I learned you can’t just wave and say “hi” on the street or people think you’re creepy. You can however smile and wave “hi” at work. In my exit interview at my last position I was told they were going to miss the personal warmness I brought to the office. 
• I’m an avid hiker and have climbed mountains in several different countries.
• I lived in Spain for two years while teaching English as a second language.
• I’m an amateur ballroom dancer. I started competing a few years ago and have competed in city, county, state, and East Coast competitions. I just missed the bronze to go to nationals by .73 of a point. This year I’m ready, and hoping, to make it to nationals.  
• A year ago, I organized a 5k walk/run event in my condos that raised over $10,000 for the local food bank. The community had so much fun that they said they would set a goal of raising $25,000 for the food bank if I organized the event again, so I am!
• While studying abroad in college, I decided to take a cooking class and learn to make Mexican food. It opened my eyes to the culinary arts. Now I find cooking to be how I relax at the end of a day. No matter what type of day I’ve had I always feel relaxed after time in the kitchen. 
• I’m an avid traveler and have visited over 28 countries around the world. 
• I love playing sports and volunteer as a basketball coach for at-risk youth at the YMCA.
• When I was growing up my family would do community service each weekend for several years which taught me how important it is to help others. It’s a habit I continue to practice and have used to help build positive relations between the companies I work for and the community.
• I interned for a company that got hacked. It is what prompted me to pivot my career from accounting to cyber-security.
• I’m really into fitness and used to compete in bodybuilding competitions.
• I’ve been playing the violin for over 22 years and once had the honor of playing for the Pope during the holiday season.
• Even though I’m shy and introverted, I’ve excelled at public speaking. I am the West Coast Toastmaster Champion and have spoken to groups as large as 10,000.
• I’m very into health and fitness and have published a few articles about health topics on Forbes.
• The biggest challenge I overcame in life was losing 50 lbs in 10 months because it took me out of my comfort zone by constantly pushing myself to try new activities like boxing, hiking, and crossfit.
• I’m a big fan of personal finance and have been managing my own finances since the age of 10. I’ve been successfully investing in stocks for more than 20 years now!
• When I was a little girl I was a dancer not a Girl Scout. I was jealous that they got awards, patches, and other things for selling cookies. So I decided to sell snacks at my dance rehearsals. I ended up making almost $600.00 in profit over a few weekends. When I told my Girl Scout friends they were mad because they didn’t make money, they only got awards and “stuff”. It was at the age of eight that I first realized not doing what everyone else is doing pays off. 

Get Everything You Need to Ace Your Interview

Get Started Now »

Interesting Facts About Yourself (FAQs)

What are some examples of fun facts about yourself.

Some examples of fun facts about yourself are:

• My father was a paleontologist. Every summer since I was five I spend time with him wherever in the world he’s digging.
• I was fortunate to be born with a photogenic memory. It has helped me a lot in life and work.
• I love to plan. I created a life plan at 21 when I graduated from college. I have yearly milestones all the way to 30-years-old then I have milestones every five years until the age of 55.
• I love to sing but I am tone deaf. Whenever there’s karaoke at a work holiday event people love my songs for the sheer fact that I own how horrible I sing.

What to say for interesting facts about yourself?

When you share an interesting fact about yourself in an interview you want it to be:

• Appropriate for a work environment,
• Something you can go into detail about, and
• A soft skill or hard skill that relates in some way to the duties and responsibilities of  the job you are interviewing for.

For example, if you are interviewing for an Executive Assistant position you might say something like…

“I’m unusually perceptive and good at reading people’s body language to anticipate their needs. For example, I noticed that when my last boss went into the kitchen more than two times in an hour to get water he was actually stressed about something and subconsciously using the trips to the kitchen to pace. When I noticed this I would ask if there was anything I could take off his plate. Usually, there were a couple of small things he’d delegate to me and then he would use me as a sounding board to talk through whatever he was trying to figure out or dealing with. I’ve always been perceptive to others I think that’s part of why I make a great Executive Assistant.”

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

When you answer “What are 3 random facts about yourself?” for a job interview you want to make sure they are professional and personable such as:

• I do yoga with my dog every morning before work to get ready for the day.
• I am reading a book about how a regular guy used tricks to increase his memory and am hoping to be able to put his tactics to use.
• I am a connoisseur of all things gluten-free. I’m allergic to gluten and have tried many restaurants, products, and recipes. If anyone needs gluten-free suggestions I’m happy to steer them towards the good stuff!

What are 3 fun facts about yourself job application?

Fun facts you share about yourself on a job application should be personal, true, and professional. 3 examples of personal fun facts you can share on a job application are:

• I was awarded “best one-handed barista” in my last office because I would often make coffee for my team while reviewing a meeting agenda on my phone.
• I submitted several emoji ideas to apple and they might be making one of them.
• On my last day of work my entire team was in tears. I love building strong productive bonds with my coworkers.

What are three interesting facts about me?

Three interesting facts about you are:

• The achievement you are most proud of.
• A hidden talent you have.
• Hobbies you enjoy when you are not at work. 

Tell us something interesting about yourself or something that you are very passionate about.

When you are asked to share something interesting about yourself or to share something you are passionate about in a job interview the interviewer is looking for an answer that is:

• Appropriate for a work environment
• Relates to soft skills or hard skills that the job requires.

A good passion to share is an athletic activity you participate in outside of work that helps you relax, rejuvenate, and refresh. Sharing a activity that helps you revive your energy lets the interviewer know you have practices in place to manage stress and prevent burnout.

Here’s an example of sharing something interesting and that you’re passionate about…

“I am passionate about becoming a better surfer. Being in the ocean is an amazing workout and great way to destress. No matter what type of day I’ve had I can paddle out and everything melts away. I’ve also found I randomly come up with good ideas while surfing. I have a goal to be able to surf 3.5 meter waves by the end of summer. Getting to my goal requires a lot of physical training and practice that is humbling. I’m learning a lot about myself through the process.”

Standing out in a sea of job applicants can be difficult. An easy way to become a memorable candidate is to share a fun fact about yourself. I hope the 30 Interesting Facts About Yourself Examples, tips, and FAQS, have provided you with inspiration to create your own interesting facts about yourself for a job interview. Remember, the more unique and genuine your interesting facts are, the more likely the interviewer is to remember you when they are making the final hiring decision! What interesting facts about yourself did you come up with? Share in the comments!

Want everything you need to ace your job interview? Create your InterviewDestiny account now. Get started here .

Do you want to ace your interview ?

InterviewDestiny provides you the tools you need to get the job offer.

Want to impress your interviewer?

Submit a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Copy short link

58 Fun Facts About Yourself That Everyone Wants To Hear

You’re about to embark on an adventure of sorts.

It involves being social, which can be daunting when you are engaging with people you don't know well.

But you know that good relationships have to start somewhere.

Whether you are on a first date or a job interview, being prepared to share something interesting about yourself is an excellent icebreaker.

Knowing what to share about yourself is the hard part because we're often not prepared when the situation arises.

If you were to make a list of “fun facts about me,” what would you include?

How to Come Up with Interesting Facts About Yourself

1. “one of my favorite things to do is…. “, 2. “right now, i’m reading about….”, 3. “if i could have any superpower, it would be….”, 4. “one thing i know i do well (or better than most) is….”, 5. “i look up to….”, 6. “one thing i cannot live without is….”, 7. “something i’d love to get rich by doing full-time is….”, 8. “the people i grew up with influenced me by….”, 9. “i would love to meet (and even have lunch with)….”, 10. “one struggle i’ve had that has made me who i am is….”, 11. “my perfect day would start with _____ and end with _____.”, 12. “if i could live anywhere in the world, it would be….”, 13. “one thing on my bucket list is….”, 14. “my best friend is my best friend because….”, 15. “an accomplishment i’m particularly proud of is….”, 16. “one very memorable summer, i….”, 17. “one thing i use every day that i could probably live without is….”, 18. “the most embarrassing thing that happened to me at work was….”, 19. “i volunteer at….” or “if i were to volunteer, it would be for….”, 20. “my favorite comfort food is….”, 21. “i’d most like to be remembered for….”, 22. “if i won the lottery, the first thing i’d buy would be….”, 23. “if i could make anything happen for someone, i would….”, 24. “if i could keep any animal as a pet, i would choose…”, 25. “if i could win a lifetime supply of one type of clothing, it would be…” , 26. “if i had to eat one type of food for the rest of my life, it would be…” , 27. “my dream home would be…”, 28. “if i had to be trapped in a movie or a video game for a day, it would be…”, 29. “my favorite type of art is… because….”, 30. “my most embarrassing moment was…”, 31. “i know it's crazy, but i love to eat…”, 32. “when i was growing up, my parents made me…”, 33. “as a kid, i once did this really stupid thing, and it was…”, 34. “i can't stand it when. . .”, 35. “before i started my career, would you believe i was a…”, 36. “have i told you about my crazy uncle joe”, 37. “instead of the job i have, i've always dreamed of being. . .”, 38. “not many people know this about me, but when i was younger, i…”, 39. “one thing i’m very afraid of is…”, 40. “when i was a teenager, i never told my parents that i…”, 41. “if i had to do it all over again, i probably wouldn't…”, 42. “one of my favorite life hacks is ….”, 43. “if i could go back in time, i would change _______ so that ______.”, 44. “if i could get paid to blog about anything, i’d write about…”, 45. “if i could download a how-to book directly into my brain, it would be for… “, 46. “if i had to leave my native country, i would go to ______ because _____.”, 47. “one thing i wish i’d learned before i left home is… “, 48. “a tv series i’ve watched all the way through more than once is…”, 49. “the last time i made a fool of myself, i learned…”, 50. “if i could have the world’s best collection of something, it would be…”, 51. “if i get to choose my next life, i want to be…”, 52. “my hidden talents and skills are…”, 53. “if i could do anything, my dream job would be…”, 54. “my dreamiest dream vacation is…”, 55. “my biggest fear of all is…”, 56. “my secret guilty pleasure is…”, 57. “the season i love most is…”, 58. “i could watch this movie a hundred times…”, how much you hated your last boss, the state of your love life, your financial situation, politics or religion, your family plans, anything potentially controversial.

• Share some fun facts about yourself.

You likely don't spend a lot of your spare time thinking about yourself and interesting tidbits to share with others.

But when you're trying to get to know someone new, or you just want to keep the conversation going, it's good to have some fun fact ideas top of mind.

Here are some ways to come up with these ideas:

• Think about your childhood and any interesting, unusual, or relevant events or situations.
• Consider your family and any unique characters or funny stories about them.
• What about your talents and skills? What do you do that others will find compelling?
• Remember places you've traveled and memorable experiences you've had on your journies.
• How about movies, books, news items, or podcasts that have impacted you?
• Consider the different jobs or careers you've had and the experiences with them that have shaped you.

If you’re having trouble thinking of enough fun facts to share about yourself, try some of the suggestions we've curated in this article.

You never know what will start a long and enjoyable conversation — or a lifelong friendship.

List of 58 Examples of Fun Facts about Yourself to Tell Others

Use the following examples of fun facts about yourself to start a conversation or take one in a different direction.

And don’t forget to invite your conversation partner to share fun facts about themselves.

Whether it’s a hobby or just something you enjoy doing (for yourself or someone else), if it’s a favorite thing of yours, it says a lot about what matters to you.

And if this is the first of more than one date , this is useful information for both of you to share .

Whether you’re a bookworm or are just determined to keep learning, your new conversation partner might want to know what you’re reading this week (or today, if you go through books more quickly than most).

Maybe you’ll discover a shared favorite.

This isn’t a “DC vs. Marvel” question. Awesomeness isn’t exclusive to either camp, and adults in both can get along just fine. But superpowers are always a fun topic to discuss.

What would you most like to be able to do better than most?

Maybe you already have a superpower (or something like it). And whatever it is, you’re probably proud of it — if only secretly.

Why not admit you’re good at it? And what do you most enjoy about this ability of yours? How have you developed it?

If there’s someone you admire and want to emulate, this is the person you want to mention here, along with a brief explanation as to why.

What specific traits do you admire in them and want to cultivate in yourself? What have they done that impresses you most?

Name something you use every day — enough that you sometimes take it for granted.

Maybe the thought of living without it makes you feel naked and vulnerable, even if being deprived of it wouldn’t actually kill you (not quickly, anyway).

When was the last time you lived without it?

If you were assured of earning more than enough, no matter what you did full-time, what would you do?

Why would you do it and how would your life change?

For extra credit, what could you do to earn at least some of your income doing what you love?

The people you grew up with shaped the person you are today. And if you don’t have siblings, that shaped you, too.

What personal traits do you attribute to the people with whom you were closest growing up? What are you most grateful for?

Name a celebrity whom you’d love to meet and even have a conversation with — over lunch or at least a beverage of choice.

Or maybe you’d like to meet a dream mentor of yours and chat for half an hour or more. Whose face comes to mind?

This can get personal in a hurry, so if you want to take a step back, you can also discuss a moment or experience that changed your life.

Did anything crazy happen that challenged a belief about what was possible?

Maybe it starts with strong coffee and ends with a glass of Scotch. Or maybe the words you’ll put in those blanks are “sunrise” and “meditation.” Whatever. Go wild.

Just try and keep it legal (and more or less socially acceptable).

If you’re tempted to answer with “anywhere but here,” try to be more specific.

Do you prefer beachy, tropical getaways or have you dreamt of touring Europe or Africa — or exploring New York City? Let your imagination lead.

Even if you haven’t actually written out a bucket list — i.e., things you want to do before you die — you probably have some ideas here.

Maybe there’s something you’ve wanted to do but have put off for the time being.

How did you and your best friend meet, and why do you call them your best friend?

What have you been through together? What have you done for each other?

And how has their friendship changed you? Would you name a child after this person?

This doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking. Just think of a moment when you felt deep satisfaction over something you did or a challenge you faced.

Think of something that scared you — until you did it. Is it something you’ve crossed off your bucket list?

Think of a summer that stands out because of something that happened to you — or something you did — or someone you met.

What was it about that summer that made it so memorable? Would you relive it if you could?

More Related Articles:

22 Funny Get To Know You Questions

27 Of The Best Small Talk Topics And Questions

15 Must-Know Signs of Deep Insecurity in a Woman

Name something you use in your day-to-day life that you could probably live without.

Maybe you don’t want to — or maybe you’d like to try living without it for a while?

Have you thought of taking a break from gluten, for example? Or Netflix?

Did something happen to you on a job that you can’t remember without cringing (or even feeling an involuntary shudder)?

What was it, and what did you learn from it? Who was responsible? And has it changed anything? Has it changed you ?

And if you don’t currently volunteer, for what local causes would you consider volunteering?

What causes inspire you? If you have volunteered — or if you currently volunteer somewhere — what do you do?

If a food genie popped up and said, “Today, I’m cooking your favorite meals — from breakfast to dinner and dessert. Money is no object, and you can have people over for dinner if you like.”

What’s on the menu, and whom would you invite?

What would you like your loved ones to think of when they remember you?

What do you want to accomplish that will outlast you in its impact?

And whom will it benefit most? What would it say about your priorities or about your life’s purpose?

Maybe you need a new car, or maybe you’ll just celebrate with a latté. Or maybe you’d call the realtor for that house you’ve been sighing over for the past month.

What comes to mind first? And how many people would you tell?

Is there someone in your life who needs help with a difficult problem?

If you could make anything happen for them to instantly improve their life or open a door for them, what would that be?

And would you want them to know you were behind it?

Maybe you’re a self-described dog person or cat person, or maybe you’d rescue any animal that needed a home.

But if you can think of an animal you’d love to have in your home — to share your space and to spend time with — what would it be? 

And if you already keep a boa constrictor or a large, aggressive dog in your home — and you’ve always wanted a pet monkey — these would be interesting facts for anyone who might want to come over.

This could be anything you wear — from your favorite type of underwear or your favorite socks to a sweater or t-shirt with just the right cut and shape. Maybe it’s your jeans because no other brand or style fits you as well as the ones you’re wearing. 

Whatever it is, if you could never run out of new pieces, what would you want that to be?

This could be breakfast food, sandwiches, Indian food, pizza, etc. What type of food comes to mind that you could see yourself eating every single day for the rest of your life? 

In the case of breakfast food, for example, it doesn’t have to be the exact same thing every day, but it has to fit in that category. Same goes for any ethnic food category (Korean, Italian, Mexican, etc.). 

Maybe you dream of living in an elaborate “tree mansion” designed with echoes of Rivendell or Lothlórien. Or maybe you imagine yourself living in a spaceship or in a flying RV with a cloaking shield. Maybe you just want a nice apartment in Manhattan.

What fun and interesting facts about yourself would help answer this question. Don’t limit yourself to what sounds realistic. And don’t settle for what you can afford right now.

Ever wanted to be part of the cast for Jumanji — or to jump into your favorite video game or RPG to make things happen? If you had to be stuck in a movie or video game for a day, which fabricated world appeals to you most?

This would be your reality for a full 24 hours. So, if you could choose, where would you go?

Whether it’s abstract paintings, scrap metal sculpture, or something else, what art would you buy for your home if you could afford it? What artist would grace your walls (if you’re leaning toward paintings or drawings)? Or of whose art would you pay to see more?

If you can’t think of a specific artist, that’s okay. Think of the kind of art you’d put on your own walls or end tables to decorate your space. What do you picture?

Funny Fun Facts about Yourself

If you're looking for some funny things to tell about yourself — things that don't make you look too weird or crazy — we've got you covered.

Consider some of the following ideas:

We all have them. And unless you were arrested or caught running through the woods naked, you likely have a couple of embarrassing moments you wouldn't mind sharing.

Telling a story about an embarrassing moment is a great icebreaker and is sure to generate some laughs.

Pickled pigs feet? Peanut butter and pickle sandwiches? Pizza for breakfast? If food happens to be the topic of discussion, throw in one of your favorite but strange food preferences.

You may get some cringes, a few laughs, and perhaps someone outdoing you with an equally weird or disgusting food love.

Parents do the darnedest things, and sometimes the things your mom and dad made you do when you were young are truly confounding now that you're an adult.

Share something funny that your parents made you do as part of their rules, a family ritual, or a get-together with relatives.

Jumping off the roof? Hiding in the dryer? Seeing if the lighter would ignite the cat's fur?

What is something you did as a kid (and survived relatively unscathed) that you now see as pretty hysterical. Once you tell your story, others are bound to tell you their crazy kid shenanigans.

Are particularly persnickety about certain things other people do, like slurping their coffee or clearing their throats?

Or maybe you have some slightly OCD behaviors yourself that might make others giggle. You wear your underwear inside out because you hate the tag in back, or you still refuse to step on a crack (even though you can vouch for the safety of your mother's back).

Share some of your goofy-isms for some good-natured, funny reactions.

Maybe you were a clown, a toilet paper tester, or work for the Tiger King. Whatever craziness you were up to, it makes for a great story.

If you once had one of those jobs that people exclaim, “You've got to be kidding me?!” when they hear about it, then you might be a source of entertainment for hours.

Or whatever relative in your family who seems to be the subject of wide-eyed, laughter-filled stories.

We all have that one (or several) wackadoodle relative whose past behaviors are so off the charts that they're almost unbelievable.

Who would guess that upstanding, law-abiding, competent you would have a relative who did that ?

Good Secrets to Tell about Yourself

Perhaps the funny things above are secrets that you haven't spilled before, but we all have secret longings, fears, and dreams as well.

If you're looking for something interesting to say, here are some safe secrets you might want to share to let others know more about you.

If you're several years into a career, you may not have allowed yourself to articulate your secret desire to do something different.

This is especially true if what you really want to do seems unrealistic, silly, or not reflective of who you appear to be. (Accountant to rockstar?)

But sharing this secret dream will give others a deeper insight into who you are and what you feel passionate about.

When you start a sentence with, “”Not many people know this about me ,” you've immediately got the attention of the room. Everyone wants to know something others don't know.

What is the secret thing you did when you were younger that gives a glimpse into your mindset back in the day? Or your mindset now?

What type of horror movie scares you the most? Or what nightmare scenario would keep you up at night, sitting in the corner with a flashlight and your weapon of choice?

Maybe you have a lifelong fear of spiders and imagine an apocalyptic scenario where the spawn of Shelob is taking over the planet. That’d do it for me. 

Or maybe you’re afraid of something completely different — and closer to reality. How would you finish the sentence?

Oh, we all have a few of these secrets, don't we? And some of them would make your parents flip their lids — even today.

As long as your parents aren't in the room when telling this secret, it's sure to provide some gasps and entertainment for those listening. And you can finally get rid of that guilty conscience!

This can be a tricky one because you don't want to offend anyone in the room or have something get back to a person you're close to (ie: “I probably wouldn't get married.”)

But there are likely some choices in your life that you'd like to claim a do-over on — some that aren't too controversial. Maybe you wouldn't have moved to a particular city or attended the university you graduated from.

Interesting Things About Me

Maybe you’ve learned unusual hacks for removing stubborn stains. Or you know how to turn a single meal into three different dinner menus to avoid waste. 

Whatever hacks you’ve learned to make your life easier or more fun, others can probably benefit from knowing them, too. So, share away. Who knows what hacks you’ll learn in exchange. 

Time-saving and money-saving tips and tricks are meant to be passed on and enjoyed — not kept secret. 

Most people would love a chance to go back in time and change at least one little thing in the hope that it would create a better outcome. It’s probably good that we can’t, but that doesn’t stop us from wishing. 

Humans are great at making mistakes. And even when we learn from them, it’s hard not to want to go back and fix it — if not for our benefit then for someone else’s. 

So, is there anything you’d like to change if you could?

If you could earn plenty of money keeping a blog on the subject/s of your choice, what would you write about? How much time would you want to spend each week working on this blog? 

What could you easily spend hours a day writing about? If you don’t already have a blog of your own, have you considered starting one, just so you can write about those topics? 

What would you need to get started? 

Maybe you wish someone could just download a course on “How to Be a Functonal Parent” directly into your brain — just like on the Matrix when Neo learned Kung Fu in seconds. 

How sweet would it be if you could learn something essential to your life and/or chosen career (writing computer code? building a bookshelf?) in less than the time it would take to drink your morning coffee?

So, what would you want to learn?

What if you had to leave the country you’ve always lived in — if it was no longer safe for you and your family to stay? Where would you go? Is there a country that immediately comes to mind? 

Or would you become a refugee, traveling through one country after another, hoping for a welcome from one of them? 

What would you be willing to do to survive and to keep your loved ones safe?

Whether it’s life skills in general or something more specific — like budgeting or cooking for yourself — most of us can think of something we wish we’d learned before we started living on our own. 

Think of something you had to learn on your own that others your age seemed to already know how to do. Did they give you any grief over it?

Maybe it’s something you wish you’d known but that no one around you could teach. Because they hadn’t learned it, either

What shows come to mind whenever someone asks you, “What series should I watch, now that I’m done with ______?” What show is so good, you’ve seen it more than once — and some episodes maybe three times or more?

Is it a fairly new show or something you remember watching years ago that you’ve only recently revisited? And why do you love it so much? Who are your favorite characters?

Pick something you wish you could forget and then rediscover as you watch it again.

Think of a time you said or did something that backfired in a big way. 

Whether it cost you a friend or just made you the butt of a joke for years afterward, what did you learn from it that you might not have learned otherwise?

If you don’t want to get into specifics, you’re welcome to generalize. And if someone asks for details, share them at your own discretion. Your rep may not be the only one at stake. 

Are you a collector? And by that, I mean, do you allocate a significant amount of money and time to building a collection of something that has meaning for you? 

Maybe you already collect something — geodes, Star Wars figures, porcelain dolls…. 

Or maybe you don’t. But if you could collect something, what would it be, and why? What would you willingly surround yourself with? And would you show them off to everyone who came to visit?

What would you want to be in a different life and as a different person? 

Maybe you want to experience life as someone of a different gender. Or maybe you want to come back as a cat — or as a dragon. 

Assuming you won’t consciously remember the life you’re living now, is there something you want to experience that you can’t experience in your current form? 

And would your new life be on the same planet or somewhere else in the universe?

Maybe you can play the harmonica or do a backflip. Or perhaps you are really great with animals or know how to cook traditional Moroccan food.

All of us have talents or skills we don’t talk about much. Often these are talents that we take for granted or assume others wouldn’t find very interesting.

But you’d be surprised at how your set of hidden abilities can impress others. After all, not everyone can make a dog stop barking on command or whip up a dish of Tagine.

The career world was your oyster when you were a kid. Nothing was stopping you from being a teacher, doctor, movie star, or whatever job seemed intriguing to you.

Life, education, and luck (or lack thereof) led you to a career that might not be the job of your dreams. But we’re sure you’ve pondered what you would do if – if you could go back and do it again. If you had the talent or skill. If you didn’t have to worry about money.

What is the job you’d be proud to tell your little kid self that you are doing now?

If money were no object, and you could go on the vacation of your dreams, consider what it would be.

• Where would you go — just one place or many?
• How long would you stay? A week, a month, several months?
• What would you do? Relax, have adventures, see historical sites, go to galleries, shop? Or several of those?
• Who would you go with? Your partner, child, friend, or parent?

Think about all of the details of the perfect vacation that would be life-changing and memorable.

We’re all scared of something — usually many things. But often, there’s that one creeping fear or anxiety that keeps us up at night and causes us to worry during the day.

You might have a phobia of something — like getting on a plane, a fear of heights, or encountering a snake. Perhaps clowns make you run away screaming, or just the idea of public speaking soaks you in sweat.

Some fears aren’t situational but just linger around us like a bad rash. You may constantly worry about getting a dire disease or dying. Whatever your particular fear happens to be, admitting it and even discussing it with a trusted friend can help you feel better about it.

A guilty pleasure is something love but know you shouldn’t do because it’s bad for you, slightly wicked, or a bit embarrassing.

You don’t need to share all of your guilty pleasures, but some might be worth admitting just for the fun of discovering that others imbibe too!

Do you sneak down for ice cream at midnight when you get the munchies? Maybe you binge-watch a trashy Netflix series or have a second glass of wine while taking a bath.

Everyone has their season – the one that makes them come alive and feel excited. Or the season triggers good memories or allows for special activities, indoors or out, that you enjoy.

Spring is often a favorite time because it marks a new beginning as trees start to bud and flowers bloom. But what can beat summer with the warm weather, days at the beach, and long, lazy days?

Autumn is awesome as the warm days start to turn cool again, the leaves turn their glorious colors, and you get to pull out your sweaters. And, of course, winter brings that warm and snuggly feeling with the holiday season and time with friends and family.

You have that one movie you just can’t get enough of. Maybe it’s a tradition, like watching The Wizard of Oz or The Grinch Who Stole Christmas every year. 

Perhaps you love a movie because it’s so well-crafted that you appreciate the art form and never tire of it. Or the movie speaks deeply to some part of you and your life experiences. 

Whatever the reason, your movie is special because it means something special to you. Talking about it with others is sure to spark an interesting conversation . 

Fun Interesting Things About Yourself Not to Say in an Interview

We know you’re a fascinating person with a life full of experiences and relationships. But the topics you’d share with your friends and family aren’t necessarily what you should share in a job interview. 

A potential boss mind find your guilty pleasure relatable, but throwing it out there isn’t likely to get you the job. Here are some fun facts about you that you want to avoid in an interview:

Really? You won’t win many points with a new boss if you’re throwing shade at the last one. Keep it classy, even if you couldn’t stand the past manager.

There’s no place in an interview for stories or shared information about you latest or previous relationships. 

When the interviewer asks you about yourself, they don’t need to know you’re looking for a new job to get away from your ex who still works at the old one. 

These kind of comments can be a red flag suggesting that you might not fit into the culture of the organisation.

Whether it’s good or bad, the state of your finances isn’t an appropriate topic for an interview. 

They don’t need to know you had to borrow money for an Uber to get to the interview. Nor do you need to wear your Manolo Blahnik pumps to scream how in the green you are.

These topics are dangerous enough around the family dinner table. 

Why would you want to jeopardize a potential job offer by making an offhand comment, however innocent, that might offend the person interviewing you?

An interviewer can’t ask you whether or not you plan to get pregnant or your relationship status, but you may find yourself letting it slip.

Times have changed, but not so much that some employers may still view your future plans as a liability. Even if they don't, you don’t need to tell personal information to a stranger. 

You don’t need to share any legal situations, possibly strange hobbies, or past improprieties in an interview. Just don’t let them slip. 

Keep it professional and relevant to the job you’re applying for. Even if you’re hired, most of these topics should stay out of the workplace altogether.

How to Answer, “What Are 3 Fun Facts About Yourself?”

Don’t get stumped with this question, either with friends or in an interview. Prepare in advance with some interesting but relevant topics that might make you a more desirable candidate. Here are some ideas to consider:

• Share a skill that shows your tenacity or intelligence, such as speaking another language or completing a marathon.
• Discuss a volunteer project or passion project that reveals your compassion or desire to help others.
• Bring up a course you are taking or took in the past that shows you are interested in learning and improving yourself. 
• Mention a team sport you play or once played and discuss how valuable teamwork is and how much you learned.
• Share your love of reading and the genres you find fascinating.

When coming up with your three fun facts about yourself, consider the audience and the setting. For an interview, think of facts that reinforce you are a good candidate for the job. 

Final Thoughts

So, now that you’re armed with 58 examples of fun facts about yourself, which ones appeal to you the most?

Did any get you thinking about how to generate even more fun facts you can share with others?

Or maybe you’re thinking of making conversation cards that ask “fun facts about me” questions.

After all, you don’t want to be the bearer of cheesy pick-up lines or stale one-liners. These prompts remind you to relax and just be you.

The folks worth hanging out with will appreciate your authenticity and look forward to learning more about you.

Wherever you go, any of these prompts can serve as a conversation starter. And a fun conversation can lead to friendships, job opportunities, and other adventures.

May you have them all in abundance.

Home — Essay Samples — Life — About Myself — All About Me: A Personal Journey

All About Me: a Personal Journey

• Categories: About Myself

About this sample

Words: 842 |

Published: Sep 7, 2023

Words: 842 | Pages: 2 | 5 min read

Table of contents

My background, my interests, my aspirations.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Prof. Kifaru

Verified writer

• Expert in: Life

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 723 words

2 pages / 1069 words

1 pages / 504 words

2 pages / 911 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on About Myself

I’ve always had a big imagination as a child, with ideas raging in my head, but they were usually just random things mostly cartoons I saw on television. Drawing provided me a great outlet where I can release those ideas onto a [...]

Life, as I know it, resembles a vivid mosaic, with each piece representing a unique facet of who I am. I am a canvas adorned with an ever-evolving collection of experiences, passions, and dreams. As I reflect upon the diverse [...]

There are moments in life when the act of opening a door becomes an invitation to the extraordinary. As I stood before that unassuming door, the anticipation of what lay on the other side ignited my imagination. It was a door [...]

A racial autobiography is a narrative that explores an individual's personal experiences with race, racism, and identity. It is a powerful tool for sharing one's story and for understanding the complexities of race in society. [...]

The Autobiography of Myself is a personal essay that delves into the life of the author, exploring their experiences, challenges, triumphs, and growth. This essay aims to provide a deep and intimate look into the life of the [...]

The following essay is the example of a personality profile of a teenager. A chosen person for the essay is Brad, a young man in his late teens. The genuine and thoughtful young man. Brad can be an extremely dedicated worker if [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

before you go

Help us keep in touch — it won’t take long, tips on writing your "25 things" essay, admissions counselor claire garst has some suggestions.

If you've taken a look at an application for any of the programs we offer at Duke's Fuqua School of Business, then a unique essay prompt has likely caught your eye—"25 Random Things About Yourself." Yes, you read that correctly. While we're interested in learning about your reasons for applying to Fuqua and your future goals, the most important thing we want to know is what makes you, YOU.

We read hundreds of applications per admissions cycle, and many people have similar motivations for studying quantitative management—but no one has had the same life experiences as you. Sharing your experiences with us is the easiest way to make your application stand out! Most of my teammates in admissions save reading the "25 Things" essay until last when we review applications. We're really rooting for you to demonstrate how interesting you are! 

After reading many "25 Things" lists from amazing applicants—and even creating my own list—I have a few tips on what makes a great "25 Things" essay.

• Think of it as a list, not an essay.  We truly mean it when we say to number your points 1-25 and that some points can be just one sentence.
• Avoid repeating what we already know about you.  The work experience and leadership and involvement sections of the application, as well as your resume and transcript, tell us everything we need to know about your academic and professional accomplishments. Reiterating that you graduated top in your class or that you were the student body president wastes valuable space you could use to share something else about yourself.
• Make it personal.  For example, many of our applicants are very well-traveled, so we commonly see statements like, "I have visited 38 of the United States and 17 additional countries." A more specific and personal demonstration of your wanderlust would be, "I have visited 38 of the United States and 17 additional countries, but my most memorable trip was when I traveled to Italy the summer after graduating from college. I saved up during college by working a part-time job to afford that trip." Here, you don't just tell us you're well-traveled; you show us your strong work ethic. Plus, it's unlikely another applicant would share this exact same story!
• Phone a friend.  Ask your family and friends—those who know you best—for help identifying your most unique traits and interesting stories. Something you may not think is noteworthy may be someone else's favorite thing about you!
• Take your time.  This list shouldn't be written at 11:00 pm the night of the application deadline. Come up with as many facts as you can for your first draft, and then think on it for a week or so. During this time, get help from friends and family, reflect on childhood memories, make a list of your favorite anecdotes, and consider your hobbies. Then revisit your list, and you'll likely have plenty of great inspiration to reach the magic number 25!

I hope these tips help as you begin to tackle this very fun essay prompt. For more inspiration, check out  this post  from some of our Daytime MBA bloggers. Happy writing!

Duke Daytime MBA Student Blog

25 interesting facts about me.

To give you a better idea of how you might respond to Fuqua's application question, here’s my list of 25 Random Things.

Published November 13, 2012

This year’s application includes an untraditional essay question which asks applicants for a list of 25 random things. Read more about the new essay question in this blog post from the Director of Admissions. To give you a better idea of how you might respond to the question, here’s my list of 25 Random Things:

• I love puns and clever jokes and plays on words. I love Scrabble but don’t like Words with Friends because you can use words that don’t really exist.
• I quote Finding Nemo often. I once started a “Just keep swimming” chant during a UVa football game across the 60,000 person stadium when they were down in the final minute of a big game.
• I love DIY television shows, blogs, and magazines although I don’t own a house or know how to safely use a power tool.
• I participated in Holi in Jaipur, India, this past March. My classmates from India didn’t warn me that my scalp and fingernails would be pink for a whole week!
• I started reading The Wall Street Journal at age 18 (I had it delivered to my college dorm). However, I still skip the Money and Investing sections more often than not.
• I organize my cookbooks by color. It’s just prettier that way.
• I did catering in college and probably cut more than 50 wedding cakes (the secret is to dip the knife in hot water between slices for the cleanest pieces).
• I met my husband at a leadership conference in high school . . . seriously.

• When I play golf, I sometimes make people turn around so they can’t watch me tee off.
• Every year we organize a “Generational Celebrational” in the fall and invite our friends from the University of Virginia and their parents for an Olympics between the ages. Then we head to a football game in our orange and navy.
• I consistently have a pile of books on my nightstand ready for reading, yet I continue to buy new ones to add to the pile.
• I drove to the 2012 Super Bowl in Indianapolis with 7 other people from Fuqua in an RV and camped outside the stadium for three days. We never made it to the game but we set up a TV outside of the RV with the stadium in the background.

• I have a ridiculously good penguin dance. It was so good that I wrote my college essay about it and got in.
• I have a freckle at the end of my nose that is perfectly centered. I have often wondered if people would look at me differently if it wasn’t. It’s also coincidental since my maiden name means “nose” in Italian.
• I auditioned for the high school talent show singing a Dixie Chicks duet with my best friend. They canceled the show before we found out if we made it in . . .
• I used to build model cars in high school and tried to bargain with my parents to buy a 1969 Chevelle but instead I got a 1996 Toyota Camry that was not mine but rather the “third family car that only I drove.”

• I don’t like shows that make you feel uncomfortable and often have to leave the room when they are playing. This mostly includes anything that has the following actors: Jim Carrey, Dave Chapelle, or Sacha Baron Cohen.
• I can’t work or read with the television on in the background but love listening to music instead.
• I lost the second grade spelling bee in extra rounds on the word “friend” to this kid nicknamed “The Brain.” To this day, I am fearful of spelling any words that have “ie” or “ei” unless spellcheck is available.
• I took a 4-week long cross-country road trip with two of my friends after college (to California and back to the East Coast). We slept in a place called the Border Inn which sat on the border of two time zones so the time changed when you walked between the bedroom and bathroom of the motel room.
• It took me over two years, but I finally have the courage (and the fitness) to run the Washington Duke “WaDuke” trail.
• I set my alarm at weird times (e.g., 7:23 am or 6:47 am). Subconsciously, I think it must be like those speed limit signs that are 19 mph in neighborhoods — it’s meant to catch your attention.

See more examples from and insight on Fuqua’s 25 Random Things essay

Related Content

Sharing our 25 random things.

As students at Fuqua, we embrace what makes us unique.

Knowing Fuqua was the Right Fit for My MBA

There is so much information available about universities and MBA programs that it can be a bit overwhelming.

Why Pursuing an MBA Surprised Even Me

The MBA also offered an ability to build practical skills and dive deeper into specific areas of interest.

Choose Your Test

Sat / act prep online guides and tips, did you know 61 amazing facts.

General Education

Everybody loves looking like the smartest person in the room with cool and interest facts. While I’m a big fan of random and fun facts, Did You Know Facts are facts that you can use as supporting evidence, whether it’s in a timed essay, a debate, or even a conversation. Did You Know Facts help expand your knowledge base so you’re prepared for any situation, and have the benefit of making you seem like you know what you’re talking about on any subject.

What Is a "Did You Know?" Fact?

Did you know that you can incorporate outside facts into your essays, debates and conversations? Did you know that facts make your argument stronger and more interesting ? There's a whole world of fun and interesting facts out there, on all kinds of subjects. Read on to find out how to use "did you know facts" to your advantage, and dive into our list of fascinating facts.

Using Did You Know Facts in Essays

The SAT and ACT optional writing sections that include times essays, and the GRE has an essay in its mandatory writing section. Statewide standardized tests or tests you take in school may also time essay sections.

Supporting evidence from facts increases your score, since it makes your argument stronger, or can help you clarify a point or topic. Since timed essays are written in the same structure as an academic paper, where you defend a thesis , it’s always made stronger by factual or statistical evidence, particularly if you can show that you can apply outside knowledge to the prompt at hand.

It’s helpful to go into a test with a few Did You Know Facts already in mind, things that you can hopefully apply to whatever your prompt is. Historical, literary, and political facts are great for essays since they’re more broad, and can be applied to more prompts.

Using Did You Know Facts in Debates

In a debate, you should already be prepared and have your facts and ideas ready to go. However, a fun fact can impress your audience and judges and throw off your opponent. Even if the fact isn’t directly related to your topic, having more supporting evidence and showing how your argument influences other things than the ones you’ve outlined in your debate prep can help put the discussion in context, and enrich the debate.

Did You Know? Fun Facts in 7 Categories

This list offers some interesting facts in different categories. These facts are fun and interesting, but also can be used as supporting evidence. If you're looking for facts to keep in your toolbox for things like times essays, remember that statistics are always strongest, and to choose facts that are relevant to your topic .

Did You Know These Facts About Animals and Nature?

The closest living relative to humans are chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas. We share between 98 and 99.6% of DNA with these species. Gorillas can even catch colds from humans.

Most mammals have reproductive cycles. However, only humans, humpback whales, and elephants experience menopause.

To escape a crocodiles jaw, push your thumb into its eyeballs.

Cats have only lived with people for about 7,000 years. Compared to dogs, whose domestication may have begun as early as 25,000 years ago.

Most of the Earth’s longest-surviving species are found in the ocean. While cyanobacterias are technically the oldest living organisms on Earth, having appeared 2.8 billion years ago, the ocean sponge has also been on Earth for 580 million years, and jellyfish have been here for 550 million years.

85% of plant life is found in the ocean.

The Amazon rainforest is an amazing place. The Amazon produces over 20% of the world’s oxygen, and contains more than half of the world’s species of plants, animals, and insects.

Additionally, up to 73 million sharks per year die due to shark finning, where fishermen catch the shark, cut off its fins, and throw the still-living shark back into the water. Many countries have imposed full or partial bans on finning, mainly that the sharks need to arrive onshore with fins attached. A few countries, notably Israel, Egypt, Ecuador, Honduras, Brunei and the Maldives, have total shark fishing bans.

Many animals exhibit high levels of emotional intelligence. For example, cows form bonds akin to friendships, and often have a “best friend,” and Gentoo Penguins bring a potential mate a pebble to “propose.”

Dog noses are as unique as a human fingerprint.

Did You Know These Facts About History?

Paul Revere famously yelled “The British Are Coming!’ at the start of the American Revolution. Or...not. Revere was just one member of a secret militia operation to warn other militias about the British troops. A lot of colonial Americans still considered themselves British at that time, and would have likely been confused if he’d actually said or shouted this.

Many people came forward pretending to be Grand Duchess Anastasia after the Czar fell in the Russian Revolution. But Anastasia impersonators came from a long tradition of royal imposters; Louis XVII of France died during the French Revolution, and years later when the country was discussing a revival of the monarchy, over 100 people came forward claiming to be the prince.

There were more than 600 plots to kill Fidel Castro. Plots were crafted by a variety of enemies, and even included an exploding cigar.

The patent for the first car was filed in 1886 by Karl Benz for a gas-powered, 3-wheel motor car.

Hitler, Mussolini, and Stalin were all nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. While not all nominees since have been controversy-free, whoever nominated these three probably regretted it.

We know now that the bubonic plague was in part spread by rats. But before the plague, Pope Gregory IX declared that cats were associated with devil worship and ordered that they be exterminated. Unfortunately, people listened and as a result the rat population flourished. It is believed that the increased rat population contributed to the plague. (Ahem, actions have consequences, and don’t mess with cats)

Jeanette Rankin was the first woman elected to Congress in 1916, 4 years before women had the right to vote. She was a pacifist from Montana, and was elected a second time in 1941. Both times, she voted no in regards to entering World Wars 1 and 2.

Seven of the 10 deadliest wars in history have taken place in China. The Taping Rebellion had twice as many deaths as World War 1.

Pineapples are all the rage now, but they were also a fad in the UK in the 1700s. People carried them around to show their wealth and status, and people decorated their homes with pineapples. You could even rent a pineapple as an accessory.

Bonus: Jeanette Rankin was one of the few suffragists elected to Congress. Unfortunately, Montana has not elected a woman to Congress since.

Did You Know These Facts About Science?

20% of the Earth’s oxygen is produced by the Amazon rainforest.

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on Earth at 2,000 kilometers long.

Most of us are familiar with the three states of matter: solid, liquid, and gas. But there are actually two dozen known states of matter. Plasma is one example, but scientists have also found other states of matter that only occur under certain conditions.

When helium is cooled to absolute zero (-460 degrees Fahrenheit) it becomes a liquid and starts flowing upward, against gravity.

The moon once had an atmosphere. Volcanic eruptions on the moon released trillions of tons of gas into the air, which created an atmosphere. The gases eventually became lost to space.

When Einstein posed his Theory of Relativity, he didn’t have the resources to prove this theory. However, the theory has been proven correct several times over the years. Most recently in 2018, scientists saw that as a black hole distorted light waves from a nearby star in a way that agrees with the theory.

Scientists have answered the question “what comes first the chicken or the egg?” The chicken came first because the egg shell contains a protein that can only be made from a hen.

It is mainly men who experience colorblindness.1/20 men experience color blindness as opposed to 1/200 women.

Scientists were called “natural philosophers” until the 17th century because science didn’t exist as a concept.

Did You Know These Facts About Famous People?

Natalie Portman is a Harvard graduate and has had papers published in two scientific journals, one of which was when she was in high school.

Some of Neil Patrick Harris’ characters are magicians, and so if the actor. His children’s book series, The Magic Misfits, is also about a group of magicians.

Colin Kaepernick got a pet tortoise at age 10, that fit in a shoebox. Today, the tortoise is 115 pounds and may live to be 135 years old.

The Doctor Suess book Green Eggs and Ham uses only 50 different words. Doctor Suess wrote the book on a bet from his publisher that he couldn’t write a book with fewer words than The Cat in the Hat, which has 225.

Woody Harrelson’s father was a hitman, who left the family when the actor was young. Woody didn’t find out about his father’s criminal activity until he heard a radio report on his trial.

Dr. Martin Luther King was a Star Trek fan. He convinced Nichelle Nichols, one of the first black women featured on a major TV show, not to quit, arguing that her role was making history. Mae Jamison, the first black woman to travel into space, later cited Nichols as one of her inspirations.

Queen Elizabeth II is the longest-serving British monarch. She has been on the throne for 67 years. The 93 year old queen’s heir is currently her son Charles, who is 70.

Isaac Asimov published so many books, essays, short fiction, and non-fiction, that if you read one per week it would take you 9 years to read all of his work.

Did You Know These Facts About Politics and Government?

In 2018, 50.3% of eligible voters turned out to vote. This was the highest turnout for a midterm election since 2018.

Also in 2018, 16% of voters said it was the first time they’d voted in a midterm election.

About ⅓ of Americans think the president affects their personal lives, and 63% say he affects the country’s mood.

The U.S. spends more on defense than the other 7 countries combined. Last year, the U.S. spent $649 billion, while China, Saudi Arabia, India, France, Russia, the U.K. and Germany spent a combined $609 billion

Any person born in the United States or to U.S. citizen parents is also a U.S. citizen.

The U.S. Constitution was signed on September 17th, 1787. It was meant not to “grant” rights, but to protect the rights people were born with.

Although the U.S. has a two party system, there are some other third parties. Notable ones now are the tea party and the green party, but the U.S. once had fringe parties like the Bull and Moose party.

Americans throw out 4.4 pounds of trash daily.

Did You Know These Facts About Sports?

The NCAA required football players to study during halftime in 1925

The Stanley Cup was originally two stories tall, but it was deemed too difficult to transport

Basketball legend Michael Jordan also played baseball, and allegedly still received his basketball salary while a member of the Chicago White Sox system.

Only three active players are in the top 50 on the all-time MLB home run list, yet 27 of the last 50 have played within the last 50 years.

There has never been a three-peat in the Super Bowl

Until 1992, female athletes competing in the Olympics had to undergo mandatory sex verification testing, due to fears that male athletes would disguise themselves as female to gain an advantage. The Olympic Committee still maintains the right to conduct testing if “suspicions arise.” There were no such requirements for male athletes.

Punters have the longest NFL careers, at an average of 4.87 years.

In 1972, Title IX was adopted, and opened the door for women and girls participation in sports. Before Title IX, women were 2% of college students participating in sports, and girls were 7% of high school students participating in sports. In 2019, high school girls are 42.7% of sports participants, and college women make up 44% of athletes.

Did You Know These Facts About Pop Culture?

Friday the 13th was filmed at a Boy Scout Camp. Fans of the film would go up to the camp to visit, take photos, and sometimes scare the campers, to the point where the camp had to ask on its website for people to stop coming there.

Elvis’s manager sold buttons that said “I hate Elvis” in order to make money off the many people who found his music controversial.

The world’s oldest piano is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It dates back to 1720.

Red Dawn was the first movie to be released with a PG-13 rating. It was released on August 10th, 1984.

The first movie to be released with an X rating (no admittance under the age of 16) was Greetings in 1968, Robert de Niro’s debut film. The rating was later reduced to R.

Mr. Rogers always announced when he was feeding his fish. He did so because a blind viewer wrote in, asking if the fish was okay, since she couldn’t see that he’d fed it.

The show M*A*S*H* was on TV for almost 13 years. The show was about the Korean War, in which American involvement only lasted three years.

In Game of Thrones, cloaks the members of the Night’s Watch wear are made from Ikea rugs

The shows Saved by the Bell, That’s so Raven, and iCarly were all filmed on the same “school” set, which is why they look so similar.

As they say, knowledge is power! And you, my friend, are one powerful person. While you can certainly use this list of facts to get high scores on your essays or stump your debate opponent, I also recommend that you take the opportunity to learn more about the things on the list. A lot of these facts are just the beginning of some super interesting topics and stories, and the first step in helping you become more informed about the world in which we live. Now you know, and happy reading!

What's Next?

Looking for compelling essay ideas? Check out these lists of Argumentative Essay Topics and Persuasive Essay Topics .

While you're working on your essay writing skills, make sure to read these guides on and writing an argumentative essay , and this guide on writing on analytical essay .

Are you taking the SAT or ACT writing section? Read How to Get an 800 on the SAT Writing and How to Write an ACT Essay .

And look for our lists of debate topics and research paper topics !

Carrie holds a Bachelors in Writing, Literature, and Publishing from Emerson College, and is currently pursuing an MFA. She worked in book publishing for several years, and believes that books can open up new worlds. She loves reading, the outdoors, and learning about new things.

Student and Parent Forum

Our new student and parent forum, at ExpertHub.PrepScholar.com , allow you to interact with your peers and the PrepScholar staff. See how other students and parents are navigating high school, college, and the college admissions process. Ask questions; get answers.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

Improve With Our Famous Guides

• For All Students

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points

How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 800 on Each SAT Section:

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading

Score 800 on SAT Writing

Series: How to Get to 600 on Each SAT Section:

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading

Score 600 on SAT Writing

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For?

15 Strategies to Improve Your SAT Essay

The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points

How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer

Series: How to Get 36 on Each ACT Section:

36 on ACT English

36 on ACT Math

36 on ACT Reading

36 on ACT Science

Series: How to Get to 24 on Each ACT Section:

24 on ACT English

24 on ACT Math

24 on ACT Reading

24 on ACT Science

What ACT target score should you be aiming for?

ACT Vocabulary You Must Know

ACT Writing: 15 Tips to Raise Your Essay Score

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

Is the ACT easier than the SAT? A Comprehensive Guide

Should you retake your SAT or ACT?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Looking for Graduate School Test Prep?

Check out our top-rated graduate blogs here:

GRE Online Prep Blog

GMAT Online Prep Blog

TOEFL Online Prep Blog

Holly R. "I am absolutely overjoyed and cannot thank you enough for helping me!”

Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Read our research on:

Full Topic List

Regions & Countries

• Publications
• Our Methods
• Short Reads
• Tools & Resources

Read Our Research On:

What It Means To Be Asian in America

The lived experiences and perspectives of asian americans in their own words.

Asians are the fastest growing racial and ethnic group in the United States. More than 24 million Americans in the U.S. trace their roots to more than 20 countries in East and Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent.

The majority of Asian Americans are immigrants, coming to understand what they left behind and building their lives in the United States. At the same time, there is a fast growing, U.S.-born generation of Asian Americans who are navigating their own connections to familial heritage and their own experiences growing up in the U.S.

In a new Pew Research Center analysis based on dozens of focus groups, Asian American participants described the challenges of navigating their own identity in a nation where the label “Asian” brings expectations about their origins, behavior and physical self. Read on to see, in their own words, what it means to be Asian in America.

• Introduction

Table of Contents

This is how i view my identity, this is how others see and treat me, this is what it means to be home in america, about this project, methodological note, acknowledgments.

No single experience defines what it means to be Asian in the United States today. Instead, Asian Americans’ lived experiences are in part shaped by where they were born, how connected they are to their family’s ethnic origins, and how others – both Asians and non-Asians – see and engage with them in their daily lives. Yet despite diverse experiences, backgrounds and origins, shared experiences and common themes emerged when we asked: “What does it mean to be Asian in America?”

In the fall of 2021, Pew Research Center undertook the largest focus group study it had ever conducted – 66 focus groups with 264 total participants – to hear Asian Americans talk about their lived experiences in America. The focus groups were organized into 18 distinct Asian ethnic origin groups, fielded in 18 languages and moderated by members of their own ethnic groups. Because of the pandemic, the focus groups were conducted virtually, allowing us to recruit participants from all parts of the United States. This approach allowed us to hear a diverse set of voices – especially from less populous Asian ethnic groups whose views, attitudes and opinions are seldom presented in traditional polling. The approach also allowed us to explore the reasons behind people’s opinions and choices about what it means to belong in America, beyond the preset response options of a traditional survey.

The terms “Asian,” “Asians living in the United States” and “Asian American” are used interchangeably throughout this essay to refer to U.S. adults who self-identify as Asian, either alone or in combination with other races or Hispanic identity.

“The United States” and “the U.S.” are used interchangeably with “America” for variations in the writing.

Multiracial participants are those who indicate they are of two or more racial backgrounds (one of which is Asian). Multiethnic participants are those who indicate they are of two or more ethnicities, including those identified as Asian with Hispanic background.

U.S. born refers to people born in the 50 U.S. states or the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, or other U.S. territories.

Immigrant refers to people who were not U.S. citizens at birth – in other words, those born outside the U.S., Puerto Rico or other U.S. territories to parents who were not U.S. citizens. The terms “immigrant,” “first generation” and “foreign born” are used interchangeably in this report.  

Second generation refers to people born in the 50 states or the District of Columbia with at least one first-generation, or immigrant, parent.

The pan-ethnic term “Asian American” describes the population of about 22 million people living in the United States who trace their roots to more than 20 countries in East and Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. The term was popularized by U.S. student activists in the 1960s and was eventually adopted by the U.S. Census Bureau. However, the “Asian” label masks the diverse demographics and wide economic disparities across the largest national origin groups (such as Chinese, Indian, Filipino) and the less populous ones (such as Bhutanese, Hmong and Nepalese) living in America. It also hides the varied circumstances of groups immigrated to the U.S. and how they started their lives there. The population’s diversity often presents challenges . Conventional survey methods typically reflect the voices of larger groups without fully capturing the broad range of views, attitudes, life starting points and perspectives experienced by Asian Americans. They can also limit understanding of the shared experiences across this diverse population.

Across all focus groups, some common findings emerged. Participants highlighted how the pan-ethnic “Asian” label used in the U.S. represented only one part of how they think of themselves. For example, recently arrived Asian immigrant participants told us they are drawn more to their ethnic identity than to the more general, U.S.-created pan-ethnic Asian American identity. Meanwhile, U.S.-born Asian participants shared how they identified, at times, as Asian but also, at other times, by their ethnic origin and as Americans.

Another common finding among focus group participants is the disconnect they noted between how they see themselves and how others view them. Sometimes this led to maltreatment of them or their families, especially at heightened moments in American history such as during Japanese incarceration during World War II, the aftermath of 9/11 and, more recently, the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond these specific moments, many in the focus groups offered their own experiences that had revealed other people’s assumptions or misconceptions about their identity.

Another shared finding is the multiple ways in which participants take and express pride in their cultural and ethnic backgrounds while also feeling at home in America, celebrating and blending their unique cultural traditions and practices with those of other Americans.

This focus group project is part of a broader research agenda about Asians living in the United States. The findings presented here offer a small glimpse of what participants told us, in their own words, about how they identify themselves, how others see and treat them, and more generally, what it means to be Asian in America.

Illustrations by Jing Li

Publications from the Being Asian in America project

• Read the data essay: What It Means to Be Asian in America
• Watch the documentary: Being Asian in America
• Explore the interactive: In Their Own Words: The Diverse Perspectives of Being Asian in America
• View expanded interviews: Extended Interviews: Being Asian in America
• About this research project: More on the Being Asian in America project
• Q&A: Why and how Pew Research Center conducted 66 focus groups with Asian Americans

One of the topics covered in each focus group was how participants viewed their own racial or ethnic identity. Moderators asked them how they viewed themselves, and what experiences informed their views about their identity. These discussions not only highlighted differences in how participants thought about their own racial or ethnic background, but they also revealed how different settings can influence how they would choose to identify themselves. Across all focus groups, the general theme emerged that being Asian was only one part of how participants viewed themselves.

The pan-ethnic label ‘Asian’ is often used more in formal settings

“I think when I think of the Asian Americans, I think that we’re all unique and different. We come from different cultures and backgrounds. We come from unique stories, not just as a group, but just as individual humans.” Mali , documentary participant

Many participants described a complicated relationship with the pan-ethnic labels “Asian” or “Asian American.” For some, using the term was less of an active choice and more of an imposed one, with participants discussing the disconnect between how they would like to identify themselves and the available choices often found in formal settings. For example, an immigrant Pakistani woman remarked how she typically sees “Asian American” on forms, but not more specific options. Similarly, an immigrant Burmese woman described her experience of applying for jobs and having to identify as “Asian,” as opposed to identifying by her ethnic background, because no other options were available. These experiences highlight the challenges organizations like government agencies and employers have in developing surveys or forms that ask respondents about their identity. A common sentiment is one like this:

“I guess … I feel like I just kind of check off ‘Asian’ [for] an application or the test forms. That’s the only time I would identify as Asian. But Asian is too broad. Asia is a big continent. Yeah, I feel like it’s just too broad. To specify things, you’re Taiwanese American, that’s exactly where you came from.”

–U.S.-born woman of Taiwanese origin in early 20s

Smaller ethnic groups default to ‘Asian’ since their groups are less recognizable

Other participants shared how their experiences in explaining the geographic location and culture of their origin country led them to prefer “Asian” when talking about themselves with others. This theme was especially prominent among those belonging to smaller origin groups such as Bangladeshis and Bhutanese. A Lao participant remarked she would initially say “Asian American” because people might not be familiar with “Lao.”

“​​[When I fill out] forms, I select ‘Asian American,’ and that’s why I consider myself as an Asian American. [It is difficult to identify as] Nepali American [since] there are no such options in forms. That’s why, Asian American is fine to me.”

–Immigrant woman of Nepalese origin in late 20s

“Coming to a big country like [the United States], when people ask where we are from … there are some people who have no idea about Bhutan, so we end up introducing ourselves as being Asian.”

–Immigrant woman of Bhutanese origin in late 40s

But for many, ‘Asian’ as a label or identity just doesn’t fit

Many participants felt that neither “Asian” nor “Asian American” truly captures how they view themselves and their identity. They argue that these labels are too broad or too ambiguous, as there are so many different groups included within these labels. For example, a U.S.-born Pakistani man remarked on how “Asian” lumps many groups together – that the term is not limited to South Asian groups such as Indian and Pakistani, but also includes East Asian groups. Similarly, an immigrant Nepalese man described how “Asian” often means Chinese for many Americans. A Filipino woman summed it up this way:

“Now I consider myself to be both Filipino and Asian American, but growing up in [Southern California] … I didn’t start to identify as Asian American until college because in [the Los Angeles suburb where I lived], it’s a big mix of everything – Black, Latino, Pacific Islander and Asian … when I would go into spaces where there were a lot of other Asians, especially East Asians, I didn’t feel like I belonged. … In media, right, like people still associate Asian with being East Asian.”

–U.S.-born woman of Filipino origin in mid-20s

Participants also noted they have encountered confusion or the tendency for others to view Asian Americans as people from mostly East Asian countries, such as China, Japan and Korea. For some, this confusion even extends to interactions with other Asian American groups. A Pakistani man remarked on how he rarely finds Pakistani or Indian brands when he visits Asian stores. Instead, he recalled mostly finding Vietnamese, Korean and Chinese items.

Among participants of South Asian descent, some identified with the label “South Asian” more than just “Asian.” There were other nuances, too, when it comes to the labels people choose. Some Indian participants, for example, said people sometimes group them with Native Americans who are also referred to as Indians in the United States. This Indian woman shared her experience at school:

“I love South Asian or ‘Desi’ only because up until recently … it’s fairly new to say South Asian. I’ve always said ‘Desi’ because growing up … I’ve had to say I’m the red dot Indian, not the feather Indian. So annoying, you know? … Always a distinction that I’ve had to make.”

–U.S.-born woman of Indian origin in late 20s

Participants with multiethnic or multiracial backgrounds described their own unique experiences with their identity. Rather than choosing one racial or ethnic group over the other, some participants described identifying with both groups, since this more accurately describes how they see themselves. In some cases, this choice reflected the history of the Asian diaspora. For example, an immigrant Cambodian man described being both Khmer/Cambodian and Chinese, since his grandparents came from China. Some other participants recalled going through an “identity crisis” as they navigated between multiple identities. As one woman explained:

“I would say I went through an identity crisis. … It’s because of being multicultural. … There’s also French in the mix within my family, too. Because I don’t identify, speak or understand the language, I really can’t connect to the French roots … I’m in between like Cambodian and Thai, and then Chinese and then French … I finally lumped it up. I’m just an Asian American and proud of all my roots.”

–U.S.-born woman of Cambodian origin in mid-30s

In other cases, the choice reflected U.S. patterns of intermarriage. Asian newlyweds have the highest intermarriage rate of any racial or ethnic group in the country. One Japanese-origin man with Hispanic roots noted:

“So I would like to see myself as a Hispanic Asian American. I want to say Hispanic first because I have more of my mom’s culture in me than my dad’s culture. In fact, I actually have more American culture than my dad’s culture for what I do normally. So I guess, Hispanic American Asian.”

–U.S.-born man of Hispanic and Japanese origin in early 40s

Other identities beyond race or ethnicity are also important

Focus group participants also talked about their identity beyond the racial or ethnic dimension. For example, one Chinese woman noted that the best term to describe her would be “immigrant.” Faith and religious ties were also important to some. One immigrant participant talked about his love of Pakistani values and how religion is intermingled into Pakistani culture. Another woman explained:

“[Japanese language and culture] are very important to me and ingrained in me because they were always part of my life, and I felt them when I was growing up. Even the word itadakimasu reflects Japanese culture or the tradition. Shinto religion is a part of the culture. They are part of my identity, and they are very important to me.”

–Immigrant woman of Japanese origin in mid-30s

For some, gender is another important aspect of identity. One Korean participant emphasized that being a woman is an important part of her identity. For others, sexual orientation is an essential part of their overall identity. One U.S.-born Filipino participant described herself as “queer Asian American.” Another participant put it this way:

“I belong to the [LGBTQ] community … before, what we only know is gay and lesbian. We don’t know about being queer, nonbinary. [Here], my horizon of knowing what genders and gender roles is also expanded … in the Philippines, if you’ll be with same sex, you’re considered gay or lesbian. But here … what’s happening is so broad, on how you identify yourself.”

–Immigrant woman of Filipino origin in early 20s

Immigrant identity is tied to their ethnic heritage

Participants born outside the United States tended to link their identity with their ethnic heritage. Some felt strongly connected with their ethnic ties due to their citizenship status. For others, the lack of permanent residency or citizenship meant they have stronger ties to their ethnicity and birthplace. And in some cases, participants said they held on to their ethnic identity even after they became U.S. citizens. One woman emphasized that she will always be Taiwanese because she was born there, despite now living in the U.S.

For other participants, family origin played a central role in their identity, regardless of their status in the U.S. According to some of them, this attitude was heavily influenced by their memories and experiences in early childhood when they were still living in their countries of origin. These influences are so profound that even after decades of living in the U.S., some still feel the strong connection to their ethnic roots. And those with U.S.-born children talked about sending their kids to special educational programs in the U.S. to learn about their ethnic heritage.

“Yes, as for me, I hold that I am Khmer because our nationality cannot be deleted, our identity is Khmer as I hold that I am Khmer … so I try, even [with] my children today, I try to learn Khmer through Zoom through the so-called Khmer Parent Association.”

–Immigrant man of Cambodian origin in late 50s

Navigating life in America is an adjustment

Many participants pointed to cultural differences they have noticed between their ethnic culture and U.S. culture. One of the most distinct differences is in food. For some participants, their strong attachment to the unique dishes of their families and their countries of origin helps them maintain strong ties to their ethnic identity. One Sri Lankan participant shared that her roots are still in Sri Lanka, since she still follows Sri Lankan traditions in the U.S. such as preparing kiribath (rice with coconut milk) and celebrating Ramadan.

For other participants, interactions in social settings with those outside their own ethnic group circles highlighted cultural differences. One Bangladeshi woman talked about how Bengalis share personal stories and challenges with each other, while others in the U.S. like to have “small talk” about TV series or clothes.

Many immigrants in the focus groups have found it is easier to socialize when they are around others belonging to their ethnicity. When interacting with others who don’t share the same ethnicity, participants noted they must be more self-aware about cultural differences to avoid making mistakes in social interactions. Here, participants described the importance of learning to “fit in,” to avoid feeling left out or excluded. One Korean woman said:

“Every time I go to a party, I feel unwelcome. … In Korea, when I invite guests to my house and one person sits without talking, I come over and talk and treat them as a host. But in the United States, I have to go and mingle. I hate mingling so much. I have to talk and keep going through unimportant stories. In Korea, I am assigned to a dinner or gathering. I have a party with a sense of security. In America, I have nowhere to sit, and I don’t know where to go and who to talk to.”

–Immigrant woman of Korean origin in mid-40s

And a Bhutanese immigrant explained:

“In my case, I am not an American. I consider myself a Bhutanese. … I am a Bhutanese because I do not know American culture to consider myself as an American. It is very difficult to understand the sense of humor in America. So, we are pure Bhutanese in America.”

–Immigrant man of Bhutanese origin in early 40s

Language was also a key aspect of identity for the participants. Many immigrants in the focus groups said they speak a language other than English at home and in their daily lives. One Vietnamese man considered himself Vietnamese since his Vietnamese is better than his English. Others emphasized their English skills. A Bangladeshi participant felt that she was more accepted in the workplace when she does more “American” things and speaks fluent English, rather than sharing things from Bangladeshi culture. She felt that others in her workplace correlate her English fluency with her ability to do her job. For others born in the U.S., the language they speak at home influences their connection to their ethnic roots.

“Now if I go to my work and do show my Bengali culture and Asian culture, they are not going to take anything out of it. So, basically, I have to show something that they are interested in. I have to show that I am American, [that] I can speak English fluently. I can do whatever you give me as a responsibility. So, in those cases I can’t show anything about my culture.”

–Immigrant woman of Bangladeshi origin in late 20s

“Being bi-ethnic and tri-cultural creates so many unique dynamics, and … one of the dynamics has to do with … what it is to be Americanized. … One of the things that played a role into how I associate the identity is language. Now, my father never spoke Spanish to me … because he wanted me to develop a fluency in English, because for him, he struggled with English. What happened was three out of the four people that raised me were Khmer … they spoke to me in Khmer. We’d eat breakfast, lunch and dinner speaking Khmer. We’d go to the temple in Khmer with the language and we’d also watch videos and movies in Khmer. … Looking into why I strongly identify with the heritage, one of the reasons is [that] speaking that language connects to the home I used to have [as my families have passed away].”

–U.S.-born man of Cambodian origin in early 30s

Balancing between individualistic and collective thinking

For some immigrant participants, the main differences between themselves and others who are seen as “truly American” were less about cultural differences, or how people behave, and more about differences in “mindset,” or how people think . Those who identified strongly with their ethnicity discussed how their way of thinking is different from a “typical American.” To some, the “American mentality” is more individualistic, with less judgment on what one should do or how they should act . One immigrant Japanese man, for example, talked about how other Japanese-origin co-workers in the U.S. would work without taking breaks because it’s culturally inconsiderate to take a break while others continued working. However, he would speak up for himself and other workers when they are not taking any work breaks. He attributed this to his “American” way of thinking, which encourages people to stand up for themselves.

Some U.S.-born participants who grew up in an immigrant family described the cultural clashes that happened between themselves and their immigrant parents. Participants talked about how the second generation (children of immigrant parents) struggles to pursue their own dreams while still living up to the traditional expectations of their immigrant parents.

“I feel like one of the biggest things I’ve seen, just like [my] Asian American friends overall, is the kind of family-individualistic clash … like wanting to do your own thing is like, is kind of instilled in you as an American, like go and … follow your dream. But then you just grow up with such a sense of like also wanting to be there for your family and to live up to those expectations, and I feel like that’s something that’s very pronounced in Asian cultures.”

–U.S.-born man of Indian origin in mid-20s

Discussions also highlighted differences about gender roles between growing up in America compared with elsewhere.

“As a woman or being a girl, because of your gender, you have to keep your mouth shut [and] wait so that they call on you for you to speak up. … I do respect our elders and I do respect hearing their guidance but I also want them to learn to hear from the younger person … because we have things to share that they might not know and that [are] important … so I like to challenge gender roles or traditional roles because it is something that [because] I was born and raised here [in America], I learn that we all have the equal rights to be able to speak and share our thoughts and ideas.”

U.S. born have mixed ties to their family’s heritage

“I think being Hmong is somewhat of being free, but being free of others’ perceptions of you or of others’ attempts to assimilate you or attempts to put pressure on you. I feel like being Hmong is to resist, really.” Pa Houa , documentary participant

How U.S.-born participants identify themselves depends on their familiarity with their own heritage, whom they are talking with, where they are when asked about their identity and what the answer is used for. Some mentioned that they have stronger ethnic ties because they are very familiar with their family’s ethnic heritage. Others talked about how their eating habits and preferred dishes made them feel closer to their ethnic identity. For example, one Korean participant shared his journey of getting closer to his Korean heritage because of Korean food and customs. When some participants shared their reasons for feeling closer to their ethnic identity, they also expressed a strong sense of pride with their unique cultural and ethnic heritage.

“I definitely consider myself Japanese American. I mean I’m Japanese and American. Really, ever since I’ve grown up, I’ve really admired Japanese culture. I grew up watching a lot of anime and Japanese black and white films. Just learning about [it], I would hear about Japanese stuff from my grandparents … myself, and my family having blended Japanese culture and American culture together.”

–U.S.-born man of Japanese origin in late 20s

Meanwhile, participants who were not familiar with their family’s heritage showed less connection with their ethnic ties. One U.S.-born woman said she has a hard time calling herself Cambodian, as she is “not close to the Cambodian community.” Participants with stronger ethnic ties talked about relating to their specific ethnic group more than the broader Asian group. Another woman noted that being Vietnamese is “more specific and unique than just being Asian” and said that she didn’t feel she belonged with other Asians. Some participants also disliked being seen as or called “Asian,” in part because they want to distinguish themselves from other Asian groups. For example, one Taiwanese woman introduces herself as Taiwanese when she can, because she had frequently been seen as Chinese.

Some in the focus groups described how their views of their own identities shifted as they grew older. For example, some U.S.-born and immigrant participants who came to the U.S. at younger ages described how their experiences in high school and the need to “fit in” were important in shaping their own identities. A Chinese woman put it this way:

“So basically, all I know is that I was born in the United States. Again, when I came back, I didn’t feel any barrier with my other friends who are White or Black. … Then I got a little confused in high school when I had trouble self-identifying if I am Asian, Chinese American, like who am I. … Should I completely immerse myself in the American culture? Should I also keep my Chinese identity and stuff like that? So yeah, that was like the middle of that mist. Now, I’m pretty clear about myself. I think I am Chinese American, Asian American, whatever people want.”

–U.S.-born woman of Chinese origin in early 20s

Identity is influenced by birthplace

“I identified myself first and foremost as American. Even on the forms that you fill out that says, you know, ‘Asian’ or ‘Chinese’ or ‘other,’ I would check the ‘other’ box, and I would put ‘American Chinese’ instead of ‘Chinese American.’” Brent , documentary participant

When talking about what it means to be “American,” participants offered their own definitions. For some, “American” is associated with acquiring a distinct identity alongside their ethnic or racial backgrounds, rather than replacing them. One Indian participant put it this way:

“I would also say [that I am] Indian American just because I find myself always bouncing between the two … it’s not even like dual identity, it just is one whole identity for me, like there’s not this separation. … I’m doing [both] Indian things [and] American things. … They use that term like ABCD … ‘American Born Confused Desi’ … I don’t feel that way anymore, although there are those moments … but I would say [that I am] Indian American for sure.”

–U.S.-born woman of Indian origin in early 30s

Meanwhile, some U.S.-born participants view being American as central to their identity while also valuing the culture of their family’s heritage.

Many immigrant participants associated the term “American” with immigration status or citizenship. One Taiwanese woman said she can’t call herself American since she doesn’t have a U.S. passport. Notably, U.S. citizenship is an important milestone for many immigrant participants, giving them a stronger sense of belonging and ultimately calling themselves American. A Bangladeshi participant shared that she hasn’t received U.S. citizenship yet, and she would call herself American after she receives her U.S. passport.

Other participants gave an even narrower definition, saying only those born and raised in the United States are truly American. One Taiwanese woman mentioned that her son would be American since he was born, raised and educated in the U.S. She added that while she has U.S. citizenship, she didn’t consider herself American since she didn’t grow up in the U.S. This narrower definition has implications for belonging. Some immigrants in the groups said they could never become truly American since the way they express themselves is so different from those who were born and raised in the U.S. A Japanese woman pointed out that Japanese people “are still very intimidated by authorities,” while those born and raised in America give their opinions without hesitation.

“As soon as I arrived, I called myself a Burmese immigrant. I had a green card, but I still wasn’t an American citizen. … Now I have become a U.S. citizen, so now I am a Burmese American.”

–Immigrant man of Burmese origin in mid-30s

“Since I was born … and raised here, I kind of always view myself as American first who just happened to be Asian or Chinese. So I actually don’t like the term Chinese American or Asian American. I’m American Asian or American Chinese. I view myself as American first.”

–U.S.-born man of Chinese origin in early 60s

“[I used to think of myself as] Filipino, but recently I started saying ‘Filipino American’ because I got [U.S.] citizenship. And it just sounds weird to say Filipino American, but I’m trying to … I want to accept it. I feel like it’s now marry-able to my identity.”

–Immigrant woman of Filipino origin in early 30s

For others, American identity is about the process of ‘becoming’ culturally American

Immigrant participants also emphasized how their experiences and time living in America inform their views of being an “American.” As a result, some started to see themselves as Americans after spending more than a decade in the U.S. One Taiwanese man considered himself an American since he knows more about the U.S. than Taiwan after living in the U.S. for over 52 years.

But for other immigrant participants, the process of “becoming” American is not about how long they have lived in the U.S., but rather how familiar they are with American culture and their ability to speak English with little to no accent. This is especially true for those whose first language is not English, as learning and speaking it without an accent can be a big challenge for some. One Bangladeshi participant shared that his pronunciation of “hot water” was very different from American English, resulting in confusions in communication. By contrast, those who were more confident in their English skills felt they can better understand American culture and values as a result, leading them to a stronger connection with an American identity.

“[My friends and family tease me for being Americanized when I go back to Japan.] I think I seem a little different to people who live in Japan. I don’t think they mean anything bad, and they [were] just joking, because I already know that I seem a little different to people who live in Japan.”

–Immigrant man of Japanese origin in mid-40s

“I value my Hmong culture, and language, and ethnicity, but I also do acknowledge, again, that I was born here in America and I’m grateful that I was born here, and I was given opportunities that my parents weren’t given opportunities for.”

–U.S.-born woman of Hmong origin in early 30s

During the focus group discussions about identity, a recurring theme emerged about the difference between how participants saw themselves and how others see them. When asked to elaborate on their experiences and their points of view, some participants shared experiences they had with people misidentifying their race or ethnicity. Others talked about their frustration with being labeled the “model minority.” In all these discussions, participants shed light on the negative impacts that mistaken assumptions and labels had on their lives.

All people see is ‘Asian’

For many, interactions with others (non-Asians and Asians alike) often required explaining their backgrounds, reacting to stereotypes, and for those from smaller origin groups in particular, correcting the misconception that being “Asian” means you come from one of the larger Asian ethnic groups. Several participants remarked that in their own experiences, when others think about Asians, they tend to think of someone who is Chinese. As one immigrant Filipino woman put it, “Interacting with [non-Asians in the U.S.], it’s hard. … Well, first, I look Spanish. I mean, I don’t look Asian, so would you guess – it’s like they have a vision of what an Asian [should] look like.” Similarly, an immigrant Indonesian man remarked how Americans tended to see Asians primarily through their physical features, which not all Asian groups share.

Several participants also described how the tendency to view Asians as a monolithic group can be even more common in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The first [thing people think of me as] is just Chinese. ‘You guys are just Chinese.’ I’m not the only one who felt [this] after the COVID-19 outbreak. ‘Whether you’re Japanese, Korean, or Southeast Asian, you’re just Chinese [to Americans]. I should avoid you.’ I’ve felt this way before, but I think I’ve felt it a bit more after the COVID-19 outbreak.”

–Immigrant woman of Korean origin in early 30s

At the same time, other participants described their own experiences trying to convince others that they are Asian or Asian American. This was a common experience among Southeast Asian participants.

“I have to convince people I’m Asian, not Middle Eastern. … If you type in Asian or you say Asian, most people associate it with Chinese food, Japanese food, karate, and like all these things but then they don’t associate it with you.”

–U.S.-born man of Pakistani origin in early 30s

The model minority myth and its impact

“I’ve never really done the best academically, compared to all my other Asian peers too. I never really excelled. I wasn’t in honors. … Those stereotypes, I think really [have] taken a toll on my self-esteem.” Diane , documentary participant

Across focus groups, immigrant and U.S.-born participants described the challenges of the seemingly positive stereotypes of Asians as intelligent, gifted in technical roles and hardworking. Participants often referred to this as the “model minority myth.”

The label “model minority” was coined in the 1960s and has been used to characterize Asian Americans as financially and educationally successful and hardworking when compared with other groups. However, for many Asians living in the United States, these characterizations do not align with their lived experiences or reflect their socioeconomic backgrounds. Indeed, among Asian origin groups in the U.S., there are wide differences in economic and social experiences. 

Academic research on the model minority myth has pointed to its impact beyond Asian Americans and towards other racial and ethnic groups, especially Black Americans, in the U.S. Some argue that the model minority myth has been used to justify policies that overlook the historical circumstances and impacts of colonialism, slavery, discrimination and segregation on other non-White racial and ethnic groups.

Many participants noted ways in which the model minority myth has been harmful. For some, expectations based on the myth didn’t match their own experiences of coming from impoverished communities. Some also recalled experiences at school when they struggled to meet their teachers’ expectations in math and science.

“As an Asian person, I feel like there’s that stereotype that Asian students are high achievers academically. They’re good at math and science. … I was a pretty mediocre student, and math and science were actually my weakest subjects, so I feel like it’s either way you lose. Teachers expect you to fit a certain stereotype and if you’re not, then you’re a disappointment, but at the same time, even if you are good at math and science, that just means that you’re fitting a stereotype. It’s [actually] your own achievement, but your teachers might think, ‘Oh, it’s because they’re Asian,’ and that diminishes your achievement.”

–U.S.-born woman of Korean origin in late 20s

Some participants felt that even when being Asian worked in their favor in the job market, they encountered stereotypes that “Asians can do quality work with less compensation” or that “Asians would not complain about anything at work.”

“There is a joke from foreigners and even Asian Americans that says, ‘No matter what you do, Asians always do the best.’ You need to get A, not just B-plus. Otherwise, you’ll be a disgrace to the family. … Even Silicon Valley hires Asian because [an] Asian’s wage is cheaper but [they] can work better. When [work] visa overflow happens, they hire Asians like Chinese and Indian to work in IT fields because we are good at this and do not complain about anything.”

–Immigrant man of Thai origin in early 40s

Others expressed frustration that people were placing them in the model minority box. One Indian woman put it this way:

“Indian people and Asian people, like … our parents or grandparents are the ones who immigrated here … against all odds. … A lot of Indian and Asian people have succeeded and have done really well for themselves because they’ve worked themselves to the bone. So now the expectations [of] the newer generations who were born here are incredibly unrealistic and high. And you get that not only from your family and the Indian community, but you’re also getting it from all of the American people around you, expecting you to be … insanely good at math, play an instrument, you know how to do this, you know how to do that, but it’s not true. And it’s just living with those expectations, it’s difficult.”

–U.S.-born woman of Indian origin in early 20s

Whether U.S. born or immigrants, Asians are often seen by others as foreigners

“Being only not quite 10 years old, it was kind of exciting to ride on a bus to go someplace. But when we went to Pomona, the assembly center, we were stuck in one of the stalls they used for the animals.” Tokiko , documentary participant

Across all focus groups, participants highlighted a common question they are asked in America when meeting people for the first time: “Where are you really from?” For participants, this question implied that people think they are “foreigners,” even though they may be longtime residents or citizens of the United States or were born in the country. One man of Vietnamese origin shared his experience with strangers who assumed that he and his friends are North Korean. Perhaps even more hurtful, participants mentioned that this meant people had a preconceived notion of what an “American” is supposed to look like, sound like or act like. One Chinese woman said that White Americans treated people like herself as outsiders based on her skin color and appearance, even though she was raised in the U.S.

Many focus group participants also acknowledged the common stereotype of treating Asians as “forever foreigners.” Some immigrant participants said they felt exhausted from constantly being asked this question by people even when they speak perfect English with no accent. During the discussion, a Korean immigrant man recalled that someone had said to him, “You speak English well, but where are you from?” One Filipino participant shared her experience during the first six months in the U.S.:

“You know, I spoke English fine. But there were certain things that, you know, people constantly questioning you like, oh, where are you from? When did you come here? You know, just asking about your experience to the point where … you become fed up with it after a while.”

–Immigrant woman of Filipino origin in mid-30s

U.S.-born participants also talked about experiences when others asked where they are from. Many shared that they would not talk about their ethnic origin right away when answering such a question because it often led to misunderstandings and assumptions that they are immigrants.

“I always get that question of, you know, ‘Where are you from?’ and I’m like, ‘I’m from America.’ And then they’re like, ‘No. Where are you from-from ?’ and I’m like, ‘Yeah, my family is from Pakistan,’ so it’s like I always had like that dual identity even though it’s never attached to me because I am like, of Pakistani descent.”

–U.S.-born man of Pakistani origin in early 20s

One Korean woman born in the U.S. said that once people know she is Korean, they ask even more offensive questions such as “Are you from North or South Korea?” or “Do you still eat dogs?”

In a similar situation, this U.S.-born Indian woman shared her responses:

“I find that there’s a, ‘So but where are you from?’ Like even in professional settings when they feel comfortable enough to ask you. ‘So – so where are you from?’ ‘Oh, I was born in [names city], Colorado. Like at [the hospital], down the street.’ ‘No, but like where are you from?’ ‘My mother’s womb?’”

–U.S.-born woman of Indian origin in early 40s

Ignorance and misinformation about Asian identity can lead to contentious encounters

“I have dealt with kids who just gave up on their Sikh identity, cut their hair and groomed their beard and everything. They just wanted to fit in and not have to deal with it, especially [those] who are victim or bullied in any incident.” Surinder , documentary participant

In some cases, ignorance and misinformation about Asians in the U.S. lead to inappropriate comments or questions and uncomfortable or dangerous situations. Participants shared their frustration when others asked about their country of origin, and they then had to explain their identity or correct misunderstandings or stereotypes about their background. At other times, some participants faced ignorant comments about their ethnicity, which sometimes led to more contentious encounters. For example, some Indian or Pakistani participants talked about the attacks or verbal abuse they experienced from others blaming them for the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Others discussed the racial slurs directed toward them since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Some Japanese participants recalled their families losing everything and being incarcerated during World War II and the long-term effect it had on their lives.

“I think like right now with the coronavirus, I think we’re just Chinese, Chinese American, well, just Asian American or Asians in general, you’re just going through the same struggles right now. Like everyone is just blaming whoever looks Asian about the virus. You don’t feel safe.”

–U.S.-born man of Chinese origin in early 30s

“At the beginning of the pandemic, a friend and I went to celebrate her birthday at a club and like these guys just kept calling us COVID.”

–U.S.-born woman of Korean origin in early 20s

“There [were] a lot of instances after 9/11. One day, somebody put a poster about 9/11 [in front of] my business. He was wearing a gun. … On the poster, it was written ‘you Arabs, go back to your country.’ And then someone came inside. He pointed his gun at me and said ‘Go back to your country.’”

–Immigrant man of Pakistani origin in mid-60s

“[My parents went through the] internment camps during World War II. And my dad, he was in high school, so he was – they were building the camps and then he was put into the Santa Anita horse track place, the stables there. And then they were sent – all the Japanese Americans were sent to different camps, right, during World War II and – in California. Yeah, and they lost everything, yeah.”

–U.S.-born woman of Japanese origin in mid-60s

As focus group participants contemplated their identity during the discussions, many talked about their sense of belonging in America. Although some felt frustrated with people misunderstanding their ethnic heritage, they didn’t take a negative view of life in America. Instead, many participants – both immigrant and U.S. born – took pride in their unique cultural and ethnic backgrounds. In these discussions, people gave their own definitions of America as a place with a diverse set of cultures, with their ethnic heritage being a part of it.

Taking pride in their unique cultures

“Being a Pakistani American, I’m proud. … Because I work hard, and I make true my dreams from here.” Shahid , documentary participant

Despite the challenges of adapting to life in America for immigrant participants or of navigating their dual cultural identity for U.S.-born ones, focus group participants called America their home. And while participants talked about their identities in different ways – ethnic identity, racial (Asian) identity, and being American – they take pride in their unique cultures. Many also expressed a strong sense of responsibility to give back or support their community, sharing their cultural heritage with others on their own terms.

“Right now it has been a little difficult. I think it has been for all Asians because of the COVID issue … but I’m glad that we’re all here [in America]. I think we should be proud to be here. I’m glad that our families have traveled here, and we can help make life better for communities, our families and ourselves. I think that’s really a wonderful thing. We can be those role models for a lot of the future, the younger folks. I hope that something I did in the last years will have impacted either my family, friends or students that I taught in other community things that I’ve done. So you hope that it helps someplace along the line.”

“I am very proud of my culture. … There is not a single Bengali at my workplace, but people know the name of my country. Maybe many years [later] – educated people know all about the country. So, I don’t have to explain that there is a small country next to India and Nepal. It’s beyond saying. People after all know Bangladesh. And there are so many Bengali present here as well. So, I am very proud to be a Bangladeshi.”

Where home is

When asked about the definition of home, some immigrant participants said home is where their families are located. Immigrants in the focus groups came to the United States by various paths, whether through work opportunities, reuniting with family or seeking a safe haven as refugees. Along their journey, some received support from family members, their local community or other individuals, while others overcame challenges by themselves. Either way, they take pride in establishing their home in America and can feel hurt when someone tells them to “go back to your country.” In response, one Laotian woman in her mid-40s said, “This is my home. My country. Go away.”

“If you ask me personally, I view my home as my house … then I would say my house is with my family because wherever I go, I cannot marry if I do not have my family so that is how I would answer.”

–Immigrant man of Hmong origin in late 30s

“[If somebody yelled at me ‘go back to your country’] I’d feel angry because this is my country! I live here. America is my country. I grew up here and worked here … I’d say, ‘This is my country! You go back to your country! … I will not go anywhere. This is my home. I will live here.’ That’s what I’d say.”

–Immigrant woman of Laotian origin in early 50s

‘American’ means to blend their unique cultural and ethnic heritage with that in the U.S.

“I want to teach my children two traditions – one American and one Vietnamese – so they can compare and choose for themselves the best route in life.” Helen , documentary participant (translated from Vietnamese)

Both U.S.-born and immigrant participants in the focus groups shared their experiences of navigating a dual cultural environment between their ethnic heritage and American culture. A common thread that emerged was that being Asian in America is a process of blending two or more identities as one.

“Yeah, I want to say that’s how I feel – because like thinking about it, I would call my dad Lao but I would call myself Laotian American because I think I’m a little more integrated in the American society and I’ve also been a little more Americanized, compared to my dad. So that’s how I would see it.”

–U.S.-born man of Laotian origin in late 20s

“I mean, Bangladeshi Americans who are here, we are carrying Bangladeshi culture, religion, food. I am also trying to be Americanized like the Americans. Regarding language, eating habits.”

–Immigrant man of Bangladeshi origin in mid-50s

“Just like there is Chinese American, Mexican American, Japanese American, Italian American, so there is Indian American. I don’t want to give up Indianness. I am American by nationality, but I am Indian by birth. So whenever I talk, I try to show both the flags as well, both Indian and American flags. Just because you make new relatives but don’t forget the old relatives.”

–Immigrant man of Indian origin in late 40s

Pew Research Center designed these focus groups to better understand how members of an ethnically diverse Asian population think about their place in America and life here. By including participants of different languages, immigration or refugee experiences, educational backgrounds, and income levels, this focus group study aimed to capture in people’s own words what it means to be Asian in America. The discussions in these groups may or may not resonate with all Asians living in the United States. Browse excerpts from our focus groups with the interactive quote sorter below, view a video documentary focused on the topics discussed in the focus groups, or tell us your story of belonging in America via social media. The focus group project is part of a broader research project studying the diverse experiences of Asians living in the U.S.

Read sortable quotes from our focus groups

Browse excerpts in the interactive quote sorter from focus group participants in response to the question “What does it mean to be [Vietnamese, Thai, Sri Lankan, Hmong, etc.] like yourself in America?” This interactive allows you to sort quotes from focus group participants by ethnic origin, nativity (U.S. born or born in another country), gender and age.

Video documentary

Videos throughout the data essay illustrate what focus group participants discussed. Those recorded in these videos did not participate in the focus groups but were sampled to have similar demographic characteristics and thematically relevant stories.

Watch the full video documentary and watch additional shorter video clips related to the themes of this data essay.

Share the story of your family and your identity

Did the voices in this data essay resonate? Share your story of what it means to be Asian in America with @pewresearch. Tell us your story by using the hashtag #BeingAsianInAmerica and @pewidentity on Twitter, as well as #BeingAsianInAmerica and @pewresearch on Instagram.

This cross-ethnic, comparative qualitative research project explores the identity, economic mobility, representation, and experiences of immigration and discrimination among the Asian population in the United States. The analysis is based on 66 focus groups we conducted virtually in the fall of 2021 and included 264 participants from across the U.S. More information about the groups and analysis can be found in this appendix .

Pew Research Center is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts, its primary funder. This data essay was funded by The Pew Charitable Trusts, with generous support from the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative DAF, an advised fund of the Silicon Valley Community Foundation; the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation; the Henry Luce Foundation; The Wallace H. Coulter Foundation; The Dirk and Charlene Kabcenell Foundation; The Long Family Foundation; Lu-Hebert Fund; Gee Family Foundation; Joseph Cotchett; the Julian Abdey and Sabrina Moyle Charitable Fund; and Nanci Nishimura.

The accompanying video clips and video documentary were made possible by The Pew Charitable Trusts, with generous support from The Sobrato Family Foundation and The Long Family Foundation.

We would also like to thank the Leaders Forum for its thought leadership and valuable assistance in helping make this study possible. This is a collaborative effort based on the input and analysis of a number of individuals and experts at Pew Research Center and outside experts.

1615 L St. NW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20036 USA (+1) 202-419-4300 | Main (+1) 202-857-8562 | Fax (+1) 202-419-4372 |  Media Inquiries

Research Topics

• Age & Generations
• Coronavirus (COVID-19)
• Economy & Work
• Family & Relationships
• Gender & LGBTQ
• Immigration & Migration
• International Affairs
• Internet & Technology
• Methodological Research
• News Habits & Media
• Non-U.S. Governments
• Other Topics
• Politics & Policy
• Race & Ethnicity
• Email Newsletters

ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER  Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of  The Pew Charitable Trusts .

Copyright 2024 Pew Research Center

Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Cookie Settings

Reprints, Permissions & Use Policy