Getting to Know Me
Choosing my domain felt pretty straightforward for me. I knew that I wanted to attach my own name to anything that I would be publishing online, because controlling your online presence is another way to exercise autonomy. My original idea of “alexandramiller.com” was already taken (whoever you are…), but I realized that attaching my middle initial to make it “alexandrammiller.com” made it even more of my own. Despite all of my nicknames I am known as, sticking to the full “Alexandra” also felt right. Ally and Alex are all just pieces of that, anyways.
It’s Me!
Obviously… that’s my name. The very name that I attach to work that I submit, writing that I do, and the signature I write out when I am asked. Before this domain project, I had not really considered what my online presence is looking like, but I knew it would be spread across the different names I go by and the different places I have published. Having a center point seems productive, so I plan to fully embody that advice.
Online Presence
The main reason that I have probably shied away from tailoring an online presence online is because writing about myself is something I am not confident it. I can conduct written narratives about experiences I’ve had, sure. As far as introductory blurbs for work emails, or things like bios for my PostCrossing account, I overthink it entirely. As much as the idea of control feels ideal, I am a little intimidated about the endless ways to go about that.
The Pros Deem it Important!
This article, that appears to be dedicated to promoting this idea, outlines the importance of putting yourself out there online while in college. Not only does it highlight the benefits of it as a student, but also walks through how it follows you through careers. Being intentional is something that they emphasize, because this is not taking control of a reputation, rather your own ability to present yourself effectively. It reminds me of building credibility in research, and how it comes by putting in the intentional work to become more well versed in a subject. Obviously, I am not researching myself, but I can certainly present the things I have done and my goals in one place so you can see what I am capable of.
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