Personal Narrative: Nature Vs. Nurture

Although there are many debatable topics psychologists tend to discuss, the Nature versus Nurture deliberation is, among society, one of the most widely known of them all. Many people have their own view on the subject however, I personally believe nature versus nurture is the question of whether human thought and behavior is influenced by environmental factors or genetic factors.
The main factors that have greatly influenced my life would be my culture, my family, and the way I was raised. I was born into a Hispanic household in Puerto Rico on July 15th, 1998 however, I was practically raised in Florida. Although I was raised in the United States, my father’s family was not. My father’s parents were both born and raised in Cuba until they

fled, when given the opportunity by Fidel Castro, to America in order to provide a better life for my father and his siblings. Whereas my mother’s side of the family’s birth locations were scattered among New York and Puerto Rico. Nonetheless, I was brought up to celebrate the Hispanic holidays that my family grew up celebrating. However, the most infamous holiday of them all would be El Día De Los Reyes which is most popularly referred to as Three Kings Day. Traditionally, the entire population of Hispanic Christians living in any Latin country receive presents on January 6th as opposed to December 25th considering our holiday season doesn’t end until twelve days after Christmas. However, Hispanic children living in America today (like my family) typically receive their main presents on December 25th and a small special gift on January 6th. Nonetheless, the celebration of Three Kings Day includes the biblical representation of the birth of Jesus Christ which portrays a more accurate and spiritual version of the most commonly known holiday with the mythical figure who is said to bring gifts to all the good children of the world.
Other than my family and my culture my life was mainly shaped by the way my parents had raised me. I was raised at a young age to work hard considering after completing fifth grade I went straight to eighth. Although many people believe the process of skipping grades is incredibly complicated it’s actually as simple as getting tested, being put into higher leveled classes, and doubling up in certain math and science courses. However, although the procedure to enter eighth grade as well as the completion of eighth grade was fairly easy, the work grew slightly yet progressively more difficult during my high school years. However, the persistent and diligent attitude my parents had established in me at an early age allowed me to work hard and graduate from Monarch High School at fifteen years old.
Although my parents have implanted the attitude of persistence into my life there is something even greater than persistence that they had taught me- and that is the love of God. I was brought up in a Christian home practically straight from the womb. With my parents being members of the congregation, church was a natural part of my life so I placed my faith in Christ at the very early age of about seven. Nonetheless, I’m incredibly thankful for the way my parents chose to raise me because if it weren’t for them I would not have the determination as well as faith that I continuously live by today.
The secondary factors in my life are the portions of who I am and who I would be regardless of the influence of others.

The main secondary factors consist of how I act, how I dress, and how I as well as others would describe myself. My style includes an array of ranges from semi punk to somewhat hipster to quite grunge. Which ironically is fairly similar to how my mother dressed since she was a teenager during the 80’s when the grunge style was just newly arising to the fashion industry. Nonetheless, my wardrobe mainly consists of worn down combat boots, charmed chokers, light as well as dark washed flannels, and ripped tights. Although many people would argue that an individual’s style is majorly influenced by societal standards and expectations of what is appropriate, I can firmly say that my style is solely based upon my liking and not those of others. In certain cases I will have to purchase clothing from online retails because the clothing the majority of teenagers wear don’t appeal to my style preference. Consequently, my clothing choices can tend to spark debate between the more conservative elders of today’s society however, I adamantly believe that wearing what makes you feel confident within yourself is what should be deemed

appropriate.

The next important secondary factors would my behavior and how I as well as others would describe myself.

I believe that my behavior varies based upon the situation I am placed into. If I am without familiar people in an unfamiliar location or situation where I am forced to speak to others, I will become increasingly nervous or anxious. Therefore, before properly becoming friends with me others may view me as simply quiet or rude because of my lack of words in certain situations. However, when people are genuinely kind and make me feel comfortable around them I tend to somewhat open up. Excluding my introversion in instances where I do not know anyone, I can surprisingly be relaxed and outgoing. When I’m participating in group activates with my friends we all instantly forget I’m even referred to as “the shy one” of the

group.
After coming up with all the factors that have influence or played an important part in shaping who I am today I have come to the conclusion that I have attributed the overall person I am due to the “nurture” portion of nature versus nurture. All the environmental variables such as my family, my culture, how I was raised, as well as what I was taught to believe in have all been the major factors that have immensely, as well as positively, impacted my life.
In conclusion, the completion of this essay actually taught me a lot about myself that I had never even realized. Starting off with the realization of the importance of family and cultural background. Knowing about where my family originated from actually allowed me to appreciate where they are now in life as well as where I am today because of them. I realized that I might not have even been here of it weren’t for them making a sacrifice and leaving their homeland in hopes of the opportunity of a better life for their children. Lastly, I learned how strongly I weigh the importance of my faith and how grateful I am to be raised in God loving family.