A woman I admire was interviewed for an essay about her life, which is far from over; but more of if is her past, since she has seen more than 90 summers.

She said three events influenced who she is. Her events were one speech she heard, one major news event and one unexpected change at work.

Previously I thought that relationships, birth order, culture, personality, economic status, education, appearance, and randomness impacted the person each one becomes.

Now I suspect those are less important than experiences we have.

I suspect many many people already understand this; but it is new learning to me.

I wonder WHEN someone understands that an event has influenced who they are. I don’t know the answer but I plan to pay more attention.

What events have influenced you?