Finding My Roots: How iGENEA DNA Test Influenced My Perception of Personal Identity and Heritage
Family name Major
The journey of self-discovery enabled by my iGENEA DNA test has supplied a robust, invaluable understanding of my personal identity and heritage, highlighting the depth of significance, my surname, "Major," carries.
My iGENEA DNA test results have sparked a deep exploration into my understanding of personal identity, heritage, and the significance of my surname, Major. Before conducting the test, I operated on assumptions and family stories. The DNA results have added concrete value, leading to self-discovery and a richer understanding of who I am, where I come from, and the lineage that my surname carries.
I have come to appreciate the depth and significance attached to my surname "Major". “Major” seemed just like any other surname before the test. But now, it unfolds stories of my ancestors, their accomplishments, and their journeys. Each time someone mentions my surname, it resonates meaningfully within me- a sense of pride, endearment, and a deep sense of belonging that extends beyond my immediate family.
Before undertaking the DNA test, I viewed personal identity mainly as a product of personal experiences. The knowledge from my DNA test, however, has shown me that personal identity also ties to heritage, lineage, ancestors, and even the meaning of a surname. The fact that each person's DNA carries an inheritance of the past, both biologically and culturally, adds layers to my understanding of personal identity.
Heritage, as I now understand, is not just what is passed down in the family orally, through customs, traditions, or in written artifacts. It is also coded in our genes, dictating physical attributes, health predispositions, and possibly even traits and tendencies. My heritage does not merely rest on artefacts and traditional family customs. It is a living, breathing part of me existing in my DNA.
This journey of self-discovery through DNA testing has been enlightening, enigmatic, and above all, empowering. With a newfound appreciation for my surname Major, an enriched comprehension of my heritage, and a deep understanding of personal identity, I feel more connected to my lineage, inherently driven to pass it on to future generations. This is the beginning of a lifetime process of understanding and appreciating my roots – roots that have subtlety, strength, and an intricate tale of human life.
I. Major