What event or person has most changed your life to help you become who you are today?

The event that has probably changed my life, or at least redirected and redefined it, happened in 5th grade. At that point, I was still largely 'innocent', whatever that means. Anyway, I tried to be nice to everybody and I didn't hate anybody. Then, I heard from 'someone who heard from someone else' that another girl who I had always admired for her athletic skills and spirit, thought that I was a 'snob.' To the 5th grade me, that was an incredible blow to my confidence and shook my little world. I guess that I had thought that if I was nice to everybody, then everybody would accept me and like me. If only it was that easy, right? For awhile, what this girl had said really bothered me. But then I had a realization that I think had a definite impact on my life. I decided that althought I could control myself and my actions, I couldn't control other people's opinions of me, and that I shouldn't be disappointed when I didn't live up to someone else's ideals or standards. This might sound really basic to some of you, but think about how many people, teenagers and adults, still strive to please others and satisfy them before themselves.... when you consider that, I don't think that it's such a minor or obvious point. Now, I haven't completely succeeded in this new lifestyle, I admit. I've struggled with trying to be perfect and to please everyone. But as a very insightful person once told me, "People who always do everything for everyone else only get tired. " So like I started off to say, is that this event, a seemingly meaningless and casual remark, had a definite impact on my life. It may not have changed me yet, but I'm working to become strong enough to idealize its full meaning and potential.
Megara

My older sister. I want to be like her in certain ways, is one thing, but the other is that I watch her mistakes and learn from them. Having her as a sister has taught me that when you really love someone it's unconditional, despite their flaws and mistakes. My mother, too. She's been through so much, but still smiles and tries to cheer me up. She's strong, and she keeps faith in God even when it seems He's letting her down. Certain teachers have given me confidence adn helped me believe in myself, and other certain teachers who I couldn't stand yet turned out to be a lot like have taught me that I'm not perfect, either. They're people, too, not just teachers who like to gripe at me.

The person(s) that have mostly helped me become who I am today are my friends. Sure, my parents "raised" me, but my friends influence me the most and have really made me who I am. The other "Person" who has most influened me is God and my religion.
Sandy

my teachers--you know who you are.
ĺ¤lli

The people that have most changed my life would have to be my mom and my best friends. They have all been there for me over the years of my life. They've always been there to give me great advice and help me through the tough times and even the happy times too. I love them all so much. =o)
Jen-E

my mom, as a child she was extra tough on my to teach me what's wrong or right. i remember thinking gosh mom lay off, but now as i am in my teen years and see girls and guys who their parents didn't take the time out to teach them and their pregant or druggies, i see and thank my mom for taking the time out to teach me.
jackie

I have so many role models in my life! I put them all in different catagories. I have celeb,real life and event. My celeb role model would probably be Kai, this azn group. I met them and talked to them and they told me to never give up on anything and to persue my dreams. They also showed me the true meaning in being a good sameritin. They have a cd and fame but they don't like to show it. They love doing charity shows and love giving back to their fans. So I really admire them a lot for that. Real life would be everyone that surrounds and challenges me.Teachers have been such a help. They always congradulate me on everything and are always so supportive as well as my friends! And events are all so different.Colombines shooting gave me such a wake up call so i think that would be the major event that changed my life!
Sharlene

This girl I know named Nicole has really changed my life and made me become who I am. I have known her for about 9 years and she used to bully me and push me around. She helped me learn to stick up for myself and not let others rule my life. I know we don't get along much because I learned how to say no to her, but I guess I would really like to say thanks for being a bitch to me...weird hu?
Joe Boxers

Carol. Carol's my counselor, I've seen her for over a year and love her, she's terrific. I'd be dead without her for sure, I owe her my life. Laura, Bryan, Trude, Carrie-instructors at sailing. I've been abused so I always seem to hiddenly attach myself to people-them included. Nessa, she comes to Diaryproject. She's also depressed, etc. and she's helped me so much. I have to get hold of her. and so many people. Life shapes you, I guess, and there are too many events to name. Mainly my great summers at SHYC sailing and then everything else-which is nearly completely hell! Take care, -Caitlin
Heavenly Thoughts

my friends have definatley had a big impact on my life. they have always been there for me through everything. even though a lot of people look down on them they are the best. my best friend helped me get through my suicidal phase. my boyfriend helped me quit cutting myself and made me realize that the things that go on at my home are not my fault. everybody i have ever met has influenced my life in some way. even my dad's drinking and violence has helped me to make me look to see what makes people act the way they do, and be able to understand it.
angel whispers

My significant event is probably a year of events w/my friend Ginger. Ginger is, what many people would have called, insane, but I latched onto her because she let me. In 5th grade, having made my first major move, I became deeply depressed and suicidal. At the time, so was Ginger. I had one serious attempt and several, several thoughts....Ginger, however, had a longer struggle---razor blade marks, threats, a counselor, etc. One event stands out most in my mind---when Ginger called me one day post-school. She told me that she had a knife to her chest and would kill herself but that she wanted to call me because she knew she needed help. I then told her not to do it because she was so loved, and as i gave her advice, the words rang through my ears and i thought, "What kind of a hypocrite am I to want my best friend to live but yet I want to kill myself?" In a sick, twisted way, being with her through hard times kept me alive. I saw a mirror image of myself and what I was doing and how stupid I was to give up on life.
Alice 'N Wonder

My best friend Jackie has definately changed my life more than any other person I know, or perhaps she has helped it to become stable, take your pick. When I moved across the country, away from our group of friends, I felt alone, bitter, and dysfunctional. But with alot of prayer, poetry, and encouragement, Jackie taught me survival. She continues to encourage me. Just yesterday she gave me a CD she made with a poem on it by Jewel, encouraging me to stand strong through hard times. I love her more than the world itself.
Alice 'N Wonder