If you’re not familiar with soil terminology, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.

In simple terms:

Sand is a cohesionless material made up of relatively large particles. The grains are visible to the naked eye, and when dry, they don’t stick together. Even when wet, sand grains can be easily separated, just a shake is enough.

Clay, on the other hand, is cohesive and composed of extremely tiny particles. These are so small you can’t see them individually. They bond tightly together, and separating them often requires soaking in water or even using chemicals to break the molecular bond.

Now, let’s draw the parallel to personality.

The Sandy Personality

A sandy person tends to operate independently. They may not always feel the need to form deep connections unless there’s a clear purpose, a project, a goal, or a shared mission. They prefer to figure things out on their own, leaning on personal strength and internal reasoning.

This kind of person embodies resilience, self-reliance, and focus. But without connection, they risk isolation and when worn out, are more prone to burnout or emotional fatigue.

The Clayey Personality

A clayey person, by contrast, thrives on connection. They bond easily, build friendships naturally, and draw strength from the people and energy around them. They ask for help when needed and find motivation in community.

They bring warmth, synergy, and emotional depth wherever they go. But their openness can also make them vulnerable, when their trust is misplaced, it can hurt deeply.

So… Which One Are You?

Both types are beautiful and essential, just like in geotechnical engineering, where both sand and clay play valuable roles in building strong foundations.

The key isn’t to become one or the other, but to understand yourself.

Know your strengths. Acknowledge your weaknesses. And learn how best to serve your unique purpose.

Because you were designed with intention, whether sandy, clayey, or a thoughtful blend of both.

Final Thought

“There’s a purpose for having both sand and clay in the world, and in people.”
One holds its ground through strength, the other through connection. Together, they form the foundation on which everything stable stands.

So, who are you, sand, clay, or a mix in between?
Share your thoughts in the comments, I’d love to hear how you see yourself.

I am Damilola Akinniyi, your Geo-man, bridging soil mechanics and life.
For mentorship, speaking engagements, or help with curriculum development in soil mechanics, feel free to reach out.

© 2025 Damilola Akinniyi. All rights reserved. This content is original and protected. You may quote small portions (with credit and link), but full reproduction is prohibited without written permission.