3/24/2014 Nature versus Nurture | [Type the author name] |

| Understanding self |

UNDERSTANDING SELF

Born and raised on the small Caribbean Island of Jamaica. I was born to a wonderful, loving caring mother who sacrificed so much for me. She made me who I am to say the least. She provided more than just a home to live in and food on the table. She instilled a work ethic and a goal oriented mentality that has stuck with me this far. In order to understand me, I wanted to just give a brief review of my upbringing, and then tie it into the person I am today. A young man growing up in urban areas is faced with life’s challenges at rather young ages. Poverty, violence, education, was the three options that seemed to be all I had. My mom along with the help of my family (grandmother, aunts, and uncles) made sure the first two played no part in my upbringing. Growing up in a single parent home as I did, I had to make more of an effort to stay focus than most kids in my neighborhood. It was every evident from an early age that the chances to make it out were limited. One option was education and the other was crime. My choice of path was laid out in front of me by mother. She spent her nights trying to keep my nose in a book as she had hers. The demands she placed on me and the rewards on which I enjoyed even though they were not lavish. Hearing my friends call my name to come outside to play only rivaled my mother’s voice in the back of my head from saying I need you to do better son which is a “ decisive demonstration that is associated between a stimulus and a response that’s governs learning” ( Watson & Raynor 1920). I was invited to forgo my 6th grade year and enter straight into the 7th as my grades and work ethic made me visible for all to see. I had neither hesitations, nor a choice in the matter, of not accepting this new challenge. I started to realize that I was capable of handling the new work load on offer. The culmination of our combine effort helped me coped, excelled and pass the 7th grade with the second highest grade point average. Our efforts set me up for the next few years as I grew in confidence. I was never left wanting because we were such a closely knitted group who relied on each other because it was the right thing. My social life began with having cousins of similar age an interest that kept me from roaming the streets. Naturally I would occasionally find myself in the odd misbehaving situations but with the family structure has it was, discipline was quick to follow. First borns are always held to a higher standard and I was no exception. Being one of the oldest children in the family, I had to play a mentors role as early as the age of 11 for my younger brother and cousins. Learning to be a man from the ones I had in my life was basically a trial by fire, which I had to in turn adjust and pass on to my brother. Nothing was giving; everything thing was earned from the smallest compliment, to monetary rewards. The girls in the family all had their versions of coming of age to which I commend them for. When it came time to grasp my own identity, I took the path of engaging in sports. The athlete role seemed to suit me. Having spent most of my childhood with a single mom but being a part of a big family, I felt the need to do something that would have the entire family more social. I took up soccer which is very big in Jamaica and had the support of my mother who spent her last to make sure I had what I needed and my family would all help me practice. This time in my life set the stage for how I am today. I know the people who supported me, I feel their ups and downs, I make a conscious effort to hold the standards they have set high and am willing to give me all to repay them.

When it comes to Nature versus Nurture, the influences of all these aspects on individuals are all required to make that person who they are. Many of the people behind nature takes the stand that this is the primary source for how we are throughout our lives. Specifically they say “nature relates to the way we are born, our genetic endowment and biological capabilities” (McCrae et al., 1999; Steinberg & Scott, 2003). To them, all our attributes come from our parents, from the way we write to the way we socialize. This aspect of one’s life is a major factor and as important as it is, it’s not the only one.
As good as the nature theory is the contrast to their belief is Nurture. The people that follow the Nurture theory take, to me, a more logical aspect of being an individual. “Nurture refers to how we are raise, what we are exposed to and how we learn”, (McCrae et al., 1999; Steinberg & Scott, 2003). It has a more physical aspect to it, a side that is more relatable in my opinion.
After reading the required material I notice that I am more on the side of nurture. I can see both side of the argument with a clear understanding. My genetic makeup like everyone on earth comes from our family. My mom is a very intelligent woman but was never an active member of any team oriented sports, while my dad was more of the teaching and leading by example type. My physical influence such as eyes and hair color are split between both and that to me is the only real connection I have with the nature side of the argument. Nurture applies to me because of how I was brought up. My mom made sure I was enrolled in any if not all activities offered. I was taking to church every Sunday and I played sports because I love competing. To have respect for others as well as their person space is something socializing with my peers taught me. To adhere to rules and laws of the land are traits that society instilled on me. Even with both aspects being necessary, nurture has a more influential mark in personal development.

Reference
(Watson & Raynor 1920)
“Decisive demonstration that is associated between a stimulus and a response that’s governs learning”
(McCrae et al., 1999; Steinberg & Scott, 2003)
“Nature relates to the way we are born, our genetic endowment and biological capabilities”
“Nurture refers to how we are raise, what we are exposed to and how we learn”