From the moment we are born, our parents become the first example of how to live life. They shape how their kids speak, think and sometimes how they see the world. Whether people realize it or not, children often mirror their parents’ beliefs, habits and values. Picking up small things and carrying them into their own lives as they grow older. So even if it is unintentional, the influences parents have on their children last far beyond their childhood.
Many students can point to specific ways their parents have shaped who they are today. Sophomore Stella Hird shares that her parents have influenced her strong work ethic.
“My parents have always taught and pushed me to do my best,” she explains. “They’ve shown me that putting in effort really matters, and that’s something I try to carry into school every day, but also in everything else I do.”
For Hird, this influence shows up in her daily habits, from staying organized to pushing through any challenges that she faces.
In addition, for sophomore Zaria Bedard, her parents have shaped the way she views relationships with others. She explains that from watching how both of her parents interact with others over the years, it has really given her a guide to how to treat people.
“I’ve learned a lot just by watching them,” Bedard explains. “I think that over the years, seeing how my parents act has really influenced who I want to be. It’s really helped me stay aware of how I treat others, and I can identify what is right and wrong to say.”
For Bedard, it has been less of direct advice and more lessons given by her parents and picked up by her through everyday experiences.
Hird also explains how her parents continue to create an impact on her work ethic, but also just on her as a person. Whether it is through direct words or experiences, or if it is intentional or unintentional, Hird continues to learn more about herself and who she wants to be as she grows older by watching and listening to her parents and how they live their lives.
Bedard shares a similar experience as she explains that her parents have influenced her to work hard in school and during sports, because she sees how it can affect her future as well.
While each person’s experience is completely different, the fact remains the same that parents leave a long-lasting influence on their children. Whether through smaller or bigger values or habits, parents help us choose what paths we take. In the end, this influence is part of figuring out who we are and who we want to become.
