VALS Survey Results

After taking the VALS survey, my results showed that I am categorized as an Innovator and an Experiencer. After taking the VALS survey, my results showed that I am categorized as an Innovator and an Experiencer. First I will discuss being an Innovator. I feel that this can accurately depict my life as a consumer because as a young 21 year old, I am always looking for the newest technologies and newest products on the market. I can also say that I feel that I am a change leader with regards to some things. For example, my parents would have no idea about the newest cell phones out, however, with my help they are able to see the new phones and perhaps even buy one of their own. I feel as though my age is what mostly qualifies me for the category of Innovator, because I am young I am able to connect with new technologies and be able to act as a change leader.
As far as being categorized as an Experiencer, I could not agree with it more. It clearly summarizes me as a young consumer, that will buy things on impulse and reaction. As much as I hate to admit it, I do spend alot of my money on clothing, my hair and nails, and other items that are obviously not necessary to survive (haha). However, it is nice to be able to have the newest shoes or the newest hair style. Being categorized as an Experiencer hit the nail right on the head, and should probably have been my primary categorization. However, both categories definitely summarize me as a consumer.

My Claddagh Ring

Growing up, I was lucky enough to have my great-grandparents around until I was 15 years old. My great-grandparents took care of me my whole life while my parents were at work, they would take my sister and I to school and then out to lunch, and of course of the occasional shopping adventure at the mall. My great-grandparents were the same age as most of my friend's grandparents, so they were still very active and able to keep up with their great-granddaughters. Every weekend I would sit with my great-grandma and look through all of her old jewelery, and she would tell me..."now Jenni, when I'm not here anymore all of this will be yours". I would smile and say "you're not going anywhere!". When I was 14 my world came crashing down, my great-grandma had passed away unexpectedly. Out of all of her precious jewelry, the only item I truly wanted was her Claddagh ring. She had worn it on her right pinky finger for as long as I could remember. I asked my great-grandfather if I would wear her ring, and he gave it to me with love. To this day, I have my great-grandma's Claddagh ring and I can honestly say that without it I would not be complete. Not only is it a beautiful piece of jewelry, but it makes me who I am.