Nature AND Nurture

I don't think I am that similar to my family. My brother and I get similar grades in school and both are very into sports. My dad and I are probably the most alike. We both like the same sports, we think in similar ways, and we both like math a lot. My mom and I also think very similarly and both took or take dance classes. I am very much alike with my two longest friends. When I was younger, many people thought my best guy friend and I were twins. And, today some people still do. We think very alike, struggle and accelerate in the same areas, like the same sports, and do the same activities. My other best friend and I have a similar personality in the sense that we have a crazy side and a serious side. Also, we get similar grades in school. The first time my parents probably saw my "unique" personality was at about 6 months when I broke out of my crib and ran. Yes, I ran before I walked. That may be why I love to run now. Also, I would get more excited to see something sports related on the television than to see a kids/learning show. My parents like to talk a lot and be social. I am that way with my friends, but I am pretty shy around people I don't know. And, I am glad of that. I don't want to talk as much as they do. I like having a limit. Also, my dad isn't the most organized. I try to be, but I wish I was more. I don't want to have similar jobs as them. Working at a restaurant and interviewing medical workers. I would like to take myself in a different direction, hopefully law. I think most of these differences are nurture related and can be changed. My interests are different and the things I excel in are different than when they were in school. I find it easier to work against nurture, but it still has difficulty. Nature is something instilled in you and is hard to change. But, nurture can be altered with the right time and influences. Besides family, school and sports have most effected me. School has taught me lessons besides just working hard. Taught me to be organized, do my work, study, help others, and work with others. Also, I've learned how to respect others, especially teachers. And, sports have taught me leadership, how to follow rules/plays, working with others as a team, and having fun. Also, the commitment factor has affected me a lot and the idea of "never give up" has been instilled in me at a young age and continues to stay with me. Another one that has affected my beliefs greatly is religion. Attending temple, becoming a bat mitzvah, learning Hebrew, and being surrounded my Jewish values has molded me into who I am today. It has made me want to become closer with g-d and dig deeper to find out who I am. I've never realized how many different aspects affect my life in so many different ways.

Fish In Water

The whole concept of "water" was confusing at first, but I can see the different aspects of it. An example personally with my family and friends relates to sports. It has been known in my family to play a sport and do well in it. My grandpa played football, basketball, and baseball. My dad played baseball and basketball. My mom was a cheerleader and did volleyball. My brother played football, basketball, baseball, and ran track. And, I learned at a young age that I had to not only be involved in many activities, but persevere in them. I was the captain of my basketball team, I ran track, played softball, played volleyball, and took dance classes. My friends and family expect me to be athletic and be able to play all these sports. When my friends and I play for fun, I get competitive, because I was taught that at a young age. Usually it's pretty natural to adjust to the water around me. At school, especially Stevenson, people are competitive with their grades. So, I study harder, more often, and go to the teacher for more help. I never asked for help before Stevenson. It became necessary for me to take more initiative when it came to grades. With religion, naturally I act a certain way in a temple than at other places. I was usually just taught how to change my behavior in different environments. The two American values that apply to me a lot are probably education and democracy. I intend on trying hard through high school, attending college, and getting more years of education to become what I want to be. The occupation I am working towards is becoming a lawyer. That relates to democracy which I do follow closely. It relates to the law and I follow directions and rules. I fit in with the American Values by obeying people of higher power. Following these values make me happy and make me feel comfortable. I like the water I am in right now and a change may just complicate things or give me a new sense for different and interesting environments.

Different Meaning Towards Values

In class we talked about certain values that are the "right thing" or supposedly respected at Stevenson. A few were education, freedom, and bullying/violence. Just for the record, when I saw that the front of the assignment books says, "Success for every student" I sort of laughed. Of course schools want to encourage that idea that everyone does amazing in school and go on to bigger and better things. But, the fact is, even with a great school like Stevenson, not everyone will succeed. Not everyone attends college also. I have seen many kids who don't try, ditch class, and just don't care. However, others take advantage of the numerous opportunities at school and do well. Just because you attend a great school with great opportunities, does not mean that you will 100 percent succeed. Freedom is also another thing that isn't what it seems. You gain more freedom as you get older it seems. But, I have witnessed and experienced many lack of freedoms and meetings with deans. Once I was punished for freedom of speech. I thought I am allowed to say what is on my mind to a friend. But, I guess that isn't the case. They are trying to protect students, but not to a point where we seemed trapped and afraid when in or near the school campus. Lastly, the idea that no bullying or violence happens and that their will be consequences. Stevenson is such a large school with many more students than deans and faculty. Of course threats happen whether they are in a joking matter or serious. And, not all kids are caught and that can instill fear and students. Certain values are perceived in one way, but actually seen or experienced in others. And, changes in society will not be able to change that really.