For as long as I can remember, influence has played a significant role in my life. I’d even go as far as saying that a lot of my opinion today has been shaped by the influence of grown-ups, teachers, and even artists: mentors who have taught me the importance of strength.
Some core concepts were instilled in me from a very young age, including the belief that weakness and failure were catastrophic. So much so that it took me a long time to actually accept that those were actually normal and human things in my life today. Nonetheless, good, and sometimes bad, influences turned me into the person I am today. How I see things, treat people, and analyse situations. Thus I thank my community and peers, though I do not turn a blind eye to the very dark and twisted side of strength and influence. Some people almost worship these traits. They are very important to possess, even vital, to truly make a name and legacy for yourself, especially politically and socially.
I do not think someone can truly evolve without being influenced by people, places, and experiences. The truth is we all have things and someone we look up to, and have things we aspire to do. I’ve certainly learned to doubt and rethink the appropriateness of the views of strength and influence in my community.
Koralie Pharel is a 17-year-old student at Quisqueya Christian School in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She likes to read and discover new things.
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