Sources of My Identity

    The three factors of my life that have most influenced the way I am are very similar to what most people would say, my family, my friends, and my school. Although my parents have always looked out for my best interests, I sometimes consider them more of friends than parents because I can tell them anything without being afraid of being judged or getting in trouble for my thoughts. They try to always support my decisions and are always open to many points of view. My brothers also have shaped my life because they constantly open me up to new perspectives. They're all different, and although we fight a lot, we learn from each other and always love each other.
     My friends play a huge role in my life. From grade school to high school, I have kept many close friends that are still my best friends today. Although I have made many new relationships with people I did not know before high school, I try to keep all of my old friendships as well. Everything my friends do have an influence on me somehow. I might not notice but their habits have definitely changed mine, and their opinions rub off on me as well.
     Finally, my Catholic education has made me more aware of my need to support others that are in need of my help, whether it be my best friend or a child in Africa. When I traveled to the Dominican Republic for vacation, we visited an orphanage. Although all of the kids were poor and had no family besides each other, they all seemed to be positive and full of life. Catholic school has also made me question my ideals more. Although I attend Catholic high school, I don't always agree with what the Church says on certain issues, so I think it's good that my education in a religious school helps me to actually reflect on my real views on real issues.
La Romana Orphanage-Orfanato Nino de Christo