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Morgan Williams
RWW9, Class 1
Ms. Bartz
April 18, 2016
Are Values Worth More Than We Think?
People throughout the world have someone they value in their lives. Without certain
influences everyone would be a different person; shaped another way from a different
experience. In todays society many have grown into well matured individuals. Regardless of
unique situations people have managed to establish an identity for themselves. That said, it is
often debated whether people would mature into the same person with different influencers. It is
commonly supported that everyone affects everybody. People tend to believe that if someone had
not crossed someone else's path, they would have developed into a different person. What they
do not understand is that it is not people that shape a person, but the persons values that form
their identity. Even without exposure to everything, people will develop identity based on who
they choose to guide them, not by what is around them.
A person's valued influences shape their identity because that is who they pay closest
attention too. For example, witnessing a robbery may impact a child, just as it would any other
individual. However, it wont necessarily influence them into committing a crime, rather than
listening to their parents lay down rules for safety. This would be the case because the childs
parents are who they value, not the robber. Therefore, the child is going to want to mimic a more
courteous behavior or lifestyle. North Dakota University confirmed this theory to be true by
conducting a study using child subjects. The results proved that the stereotype, peer pressure
causes behavioral issues was untrue. Those most important to people shape the person they

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become. Parental figures, close friends, and siblings are the most prominent influencers in
someones life, without them a new person would have been likely to develop. While not
crossing paths with a stranger, will not change a person. The negative actions of strangers will
affect personal outcomes much less than many realize. A foundation of love and support from
those valued in someone's life is very important. Secure Teen developers say, Positive peer
pressure can help you reflect on your actions and amend your ways to become a better
individual. Growing up around valued peers and watching them do the things they enjoy allows
them to shape a persons identity. People are as easily influenced into doing both positive and
negative things. Valued peers may encourage someone to go out for a sports team, or try
something new, all of which are major contributors to who they become. Without valued peers to
encourage these task the same person would be unlikely to evolve. The results of a persons
identity would not be close to the same.
However, people are not immune to poor influences and they do impact a person's
development. Although, even if someone were to value a poor influencer there are many others
in their lives to steer them the right way. People tend to believe bad people, or experiences, are
destined to change someone for the worst, while it could very well do the opposite. A rough
situation could end by guiding someone away from trouble causing them to better themselves.
Clinical psychologist have looked into this on a much smaller scale. They conducted a study
using emotions to gauge the positive results of negative experiences. In one exercise, they found
the feeling of guilt causes people to reflect on their actions and change what they have done. It
takes the impact of an individuals emotions and forces them to come to terms with their
mistakes. Another example they used was sadness. Studies have shown that people feeling sad
tend to notice others needs and emotions rather clearly, hence, giving them the ability to better

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comfort and help others. This experiment is on a smaller scale, but the ideas behind the two are
the same: negative actions can cause positive results. The experience is not what shapes people,
its what they choose to take from it that makes a difference. The results of these factors depend
on who someone is and who they want to become.
It is commonly supported that everyone influences everybody. People tend to think a
stranger smoking at the gas station or smiling at a small child shapes ones identity. The is reality
not seeing them will cause no change to who the people really are. In todays public, being
trusted or valued by someone is not something taken lightly. Strangers or insignificant peers can
not completely influence a person against their ways. People are most affected by who they
value. Someone may value that person because they are cool, or have lots of friends ,but its a
value just the same. Without values, people would feel no need to be their best or impress others.
By valuing love ones people become like them shaping themselves into unique individuals.
People who individuals value help them become who they are. Their methods and
practices influence them into doing the same, shaping them for the better. Valued peers are the
key aspects to someone's life, teaching them everything from right and wrong to love and
nourishment. Because of this everyone is able to develop into their own person, having their own
likes and dislikes. There would be nothing to shape people into themselves without valued peers.
People wouldnt have favorite colors or memories. There would be nothing to give joy and
inspiration. Values give people character, helping them develop along the way.

Works Cited
Entze, Cindy. "North Dakota State University." Who Is More Important to Teens-Parents
or Peers? N.p., 28 Mar. 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2016.

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LaFata, Alexia. "7 Negative Emotions That Actually Have Really Positive Effects On
Your Life." Elite Daily 7 Negative Emotions That Actually Have Really Positive Effects
On Your Life Comments. N.p., 18 Dec. 2014. Web. 10 Apr. 2016.
Offices, Secure Teen Parental. "How Positive Peer Pressure Works." Secureteen.com.
Secure Teen Publishers, 25 June 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2016.
Pickhardt, Carl E. "Adolescence and the Influence of Parents." Psychology Today. N.p.,
18 Oct. 2010. Web. 07 Apr. 2016.
Simon. "Why What We Value Defines Our Personal Identity - The Right Questions." The
Right Questions. N.p., 15 Apr. 2013. Web. 7 Apr. 2016.