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.