birth order blog post

Think about the person you are today: your personality, your strengths and weaknesses, your attitudes, etc. In what ways has your birth order position shaped you? In what ways have your relationships with your siblings helped make you the person you are today? To what extent does the research about birth order that you read about last night reflect your experience? Be specific and make connections.

My birth position has shaped who I am today in many ways. Since I am the first-born child in my family I fit the stereotype of being a very high achiever and having few academic problems throughout my life so far. But, since my sister and I are 7 years apart, I do consider myself to be somewhat of an only child. I was extremely accustomed to having a lot of attention on me and I did not want to have a younger sibling when I was younger. In addition, based on the research I did about birth order, I feel as though my parents do pamper me and that I have gained an intellectual boost from mentoring my younger sister. I also am very responsible and take life very seriously, and also see myself pursuing a conventional career such as a psychologist or a lawyer. My sister on the other hand is the last-born child, and somewhat fits into that stereotype as well. Her future aspirations consist of being a cook or an artist, but she is just as smart as I am. She also does more chores around the house than I even do. Being the older sister to my sister has made me a very conscientious person that always thinks through my actions. I try to always make the right decisions because I know that my sister is closely watching every move I make and is ready to imitate it. Also, since we are 7 years apart, I feel as though my parents treat us as if we are both only children since they tend to spoil us.

nature vs. nurture

Examine yourself in the context of the nature vs. nurture debate. Think about your personality characteristics, your likes and dislikes, your strengths and weaknesses. Are you the way you are because of nature (heredity) or nurture (environment, parenting, education, etc.)? If you were to pick a side, which one would win out in your development as a person?

I believe that the way I am is because of the environment I have been raised in. My family is extremely involved in my life and has instilled many morals in me that make up who I am today. I feel as though the parenting that my mom and dad have conducted over the past 18 years has made me a stable and confident person that is finally ready to be an adult and enter college/live on my own. Also, my education has developed the way I think and execute myself when finishing assignments because the schools I have attended are highly ranked. The teachers I have had so far have shaped me to become a good student and have offered me numerous opportunities in order to broaden my horizons. I am very lucky to be surrounded by a healthy environment at home and at school, and it has influenced my personality as well as my ambitions to really make something out of myself. The constant encouragement from my parents have inspired me to always follow my dreams and make sure that I push myself to be the best that I can be.