Just because someone is biologically your parent does not mean that they are the only people that get to fall under that term. I think that “parent” is an umbrella term -- it is a category that consists of more than just the two people who “made” you.

Yes, parents are the ones that teach you right from wrong, manners, and are there to support you. But sometimes they aren’t. Sometimes they make promises that they cannot keep, or don’t fulfill their role as a parent. You do not have to be a clone of them; you are not merely shaped from these two people, but from so many more.

I am molded from my parents, yes. From their actions, what they taught me, how I was raised. Don’t get me wrong, I have learned many valuable things from my parents, and I love them dearly. But I am also fashioned from all of the other people in my life.

My best friends’ parents, who watched over me whenever we had playdates with our friends. During those times, it was their turn to share their wisdom and knowledge of the world. They are my “second set of parents,” I know that I can always go to them, no matter what, and they will be there.

My grandparents. They are your parent’s parents -- they already have some influence over how you were raised, seeing as they raised your parents, but I think that grandchildren see a different side of their grandparents. We see what they have grown into, after having their own children and learning from those experiences. They teach us lessons that no one can -- they have incredible life experience and have wisdom from the course of their lives.

My coaches. For whatever sport I was doing, my coaches have had a large impact on my life, whether I want to acknowledge it or not. They help you learn how to be a team player, how to work well with others and how to focus your energy and shape the skills you have into something extraordinary.

My teachers. We all have our favorite, and least favorite, teachers. The ones that stick with us the longest are those that had such a positive impact on our lives. I remember so much from the teachers that inspired me, and hope to be a role model like that to someone else someday. Teachers deal with so many different children over the course of their careers, and have learned how to handle so many situations. The great ones always make time for you, and are willing to help where you are struggling. They are a helping hand that truly wants to see you succeed with your academics.

My friends. These we choose, and by surrounding yourself with good people, that type of behavior rubs off. It is up to you to tell your friend that something is a bad idea, to be there for them always, and to love them unconditionally. Surround yourself with people that would do the same for you, because when your actual parents cannot be there, they are what you have.

The people that are no longer in my life. When people leave, it is devastating. You are heartbroken, lonely, and deserve better. But, if they left, they do not deserve you. I have learned that people leave, drift apart, and just don’t speak like they used to, but it is up to you to make the best of the situation. Don’t live every moment wondering what happened or what you could have changed. What’s done is done, and you grew stronger from it.

We do not have to be shaped by the actions of two people, but are formed by all of those who touch us in our lives. Everyone that we meet, see, and experience has an affect on us, and we have an affect on them. Whether we know it or not, we cannot be who we are today without the people we have encountered throughout the course of our lives. It is up to you to take those experiences and form them into the person you want to be, and to influence others in positive ways.

The person that I am today is because of everyone I have ever met, the experiences I have had, and the choices I have made. Who that is is whatever I make of it -- I hope it’s a good one.