17 1 What’s your story? an ongoing debate about the impact our surroundings have on us as human beings. This debate is often referred to as “nature vs nurture”. For certain aspects of your personality, it is harder to say if they are a result of your genes or your upbringing. However, whilst it’s safe to say that genes and environment work together, many people would say that their personal experiences do more to help mould them as an individual. Friends Do you remember the first friend you made and how you became friends? When you are small, adults often pair you with suitable playmates. As you grow older, your world expands and you choose you own friends. People who have similar interests often become friends. Some researchers have found that two friends have more genes in common than two strangers do. So maybe it is not a coincidence that you are friends with the people you are? However, whilst your friends may be similar to you in some ways, they may also challenge you. You will come to realise that what is important and true for you may not be for others. Spending time with people who have other experiences and different backgrounds might make you understand more about who you are as a person. Your stories Throughout life, your experiences will shape you into who you are. Reading a book or watching a film can change the way you see things. Even a single meeting with a particular person might influence the direction you take. This is what makes it so interesting to be human, you do not know what awaits you around the next corner. We cannot choose our genes. However, we make choices on a daily basis, choices that again shape our lives. Who would you have been today if you had chosen differently, or if your life had been filled with other experiences and other stories? And what experiences will influence and shape you in the future? ongoing – í gangi an impact – áhrif surroundings – umhverfi aspects – hér: hliðar whilst – þrátt fyrir to mould – móta suitable – viðeigandi to expand – hér: opna sig a researcher – vísindamaður a coincidence – tilviljun to realise – átta sig á particular – sérstakur to influence – hafa áhrif á on a daily basis – daglega
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