My Influences

Influences derive from all around. People, events, passions, and movements shaped the person I am today. My family set my beliefs and values, but I have grown and developed my thoughts based on experience and research. Medical problems which lead to surgery increased my maturity and everyday thankfulness. I am passionate about many subjects, including art in multiple forms. Many issues are important to me, including feminism in today’s society. Because of feminism, I perceive ideas and cultural norms differently, and I focus on bettering myself and others. It is vital to know where I stand on subjects, and how I live according to that stance. The first influence in my life originated from family. My parents divorced and my mom gained sole

I was born with a heart defect and underwent open heart surgery at the age of 12. I had never been in a hospital before, or in that much pain. This experience made me grow up and think differently about things. I matured because I had to be strong in that position since my family was upset and crying. When I interact with nurses and doctors I have to be grown up in the way I talk and act. I have more responsibilities now since I have to take medicine and relay any problems to my doctors. The surgery also made me a more serious person. I do not act juvenile because a requirement in life is to grow up and become responsible for all actions. I learned to deal with what comes my way. Any medical experience I go through is just a necessity that I must face. There is no complaining because there is no point to it. When I feel sorry for myself I think of others and the problems they deal with. This way of thinking reminds me that my life could be a lot worse, then I am thankful. Heart surgery has made me more aware of myself and others, and helped me mature much faster than the average

Family presented me with a foundation for beliefs and values that have developed over time. Open heart surgery matured and humbled me at an early age, which largely contributes to my current personality. I enjoy art in all forms, but photography and drawing affect me the most. I view the beauty of the world in every aspect, and relieve stress while producing a wonderful work of art. I am an active feminist. This movement is necessary in today’s society since equality is important and a basic human right. Feminism raises my awareness to current issues in the world, and has made me more mindful to what I say and think. My personality and views have been shaped all my life to make me who I am and affect how I respond to the