My Identify. My Factors.

Three specific factors that have affected my identity are the first pair of earrings my mom trusted me with, my favorite radio station and my parents.

The first pair of earrings my mom ever gave me was such a huge moment for me because I was 11 at the time and always losing things, especially jewelry. I was so surprised that my mom trusted me enough and thought that I was "grown up" enough to hold on to my own pair of earrings. It meant so much to me since I didn't really trust myself with the earrings. At that age, I learned that if my mom could trust me with such a huge responsibility, I should be able to do the same. I learned to give myself some credit...that I was mature enough to handle such responsibilities. Every time I wear those earrings, I remember the time I learned to have more faith in myself.

I consider my (obsessive) routine of listening to the same station every morning for the past 3 years, to be a factor that has affected who I am. Every morning, without fail (it's even set as my alarm), I listen to Elvis Duran and the Morning Show on Q102. Even though the station has basically the same 10-12 songs on loop, I have to listen to it every morning. I feel like my routine of listening to Q102 every morning has brought out, even more so, my stubborn ways. Even when I'm doing carpool, I turn on iHeart Radio and listen to them on the way to school. From the past 3 years of listening to Q102 every morning, I've noticed that I'm not a big fan of change and that I'm pretty set in my ways.

Lastly, my parents have been a huge influence on my life. My parents have always been there for me, cheering and rooting me on whenever I've felt down or have faced a road block in life. My mom and dad have always been my rock in life.They've always given me the courage and support to reach for my dreams. I've learned from my parents that it's ok to be yourself and that I don't ever have to change for anyone. If they don't like me for me, then it's their loss, not mine.

All three of my factors have helped shape me into the person I am today. I.'m thankful for the day my  mom gave me my first pair of earrings, teaching me about trust. I'm thankful for Q102, for showing me how stubborn I can really be, and I'm especially thankful for my parents for teaching me that I shouldn't be afraid to be myself no matter what.