Shaped by Strangers

The older I get, and the more stages of life I enter, the more I find myself wondering, "At what point will I have it all figured out?" In fact, I feel that the more time I invest in trying to learn who I am and what I want from life, the more questions seem to arise. I’m beginning to realize that as long as we remain curious, life will always have more questions than answers. And maybe that’s what makes it so beautiful.

Life is a journey of getting lost and, along the way, discovering ourselves again and again. It’s a winding path where every detour, every stop, every interaction leaves a mark on who we are. What’s beautiful is that, while this journey is uniquely ours, the person we become is a reflection of the countless people we’ve encountered. Every person who has touched our soul—whether briefly or profoundly—leaves an imprint that shapes us, often in ways we may not even realize.

Much has been said about genetics and upbringing in the classic nature versus nurture debate. On one side, there’s nature: “You have your dad’s eyes and your mom’s smile.” These are the traits passed down to us, the fingerprints of family that we carry. On the other side, nurture shapes us: the beliefs we form, the values we hold, and the behaviors we adopt from those who raised us and the environment we grew up in. It’s true that our early lives are heavily influenced by where we came from and who surrounded us during those early years.

But nurture doesn’t stop there. It doesn’t end when we leave home or outgrow our childhood bedrooms. For better or worse, we become a reflection of the people we surround ourselves with, the ones we choose to keep close, and even those we encounter fleetingly. The impact of others is far-reaching, woven into the fabric of our lives in ways we rarely acknowledge.

It’s not just our parents or childhood friends who mold us. We carry pieces of those who have touched our lives, even those who may no longer be part of our day-to-day existence. If you’re like me, your first crush taught you the feeling of butterflies—a sensation you now seek in every new relationship. Your middle school best friend, who never let distance sever your bond, taught you what true loyalty looks like. A college teammate introduced you to country music, and now Luke Combs is one of your top artists. An AAU coach who still calls every player on their birthday taught you selfless leadership, leaving you inspired to lead with the same generosity. The professor at Lehigh who saw potential in you and took extra time to guide you through an introductory course set you on your current career path.

These are just the big contributors—the ones whose influence we can easily trace and still think about today. But what we often overlook are the countless small encounters, those brief moments that subtly shape our worldview.

There’s a song on my playlist that I first heard from a guy I spoke with for only one day. He was so genuine, so open, that when he shared his favorite song, I had to give it a listen. Now, every time that song plays, I think of how extraordinary it is that someone who came from such a rough background could carry so much kindness and authenticity. We may never cross paths again, but that brief encounter left a lasting mark on me.

I get fudge added to my McDonald’s McFlurries because someone I no longer speak to once recommended it. I hang the toilet paper a certain way because a girl I met at a party started a heated debate over which way was “correct.” These tiny, seemingly inconsequential moments shape our habits and preferences, showing how deeply interconnected we are with those around us—even strangers.

It’s fascinating to think about how others have shaped us, and how much of the beauty in our lives is a result of someone else exposing us to it. But it’s equally important to recognize that we are also part of this cycle. Just as others influence us, we are constantly shaping those around us, often without even realizing it.

Every word we choose, every gesture of kindness or impatience, every shared insight or new perspective can leave an imprint on someone else’s life. It’s a powerful reminder that we have a responsibility to nurture the souls we encounter—whether they’re close friends, colleagues, or just someone we exchange a few words with in passing. Something we say or do might stick with them long after we’ve forgotten the interaction, influencing the way they approach their own journey.

This concept is both beautiful and dutiful. It’s a reminder that, just as we are shaped by others, we have the power to shape the world around us. Every day, we have the opportunity to influence others through our actions, to share our authentic selves, and to leave a positive mark on those we meet.

So, as we navigate the paths of our lives, let’s remember that we are all connected in this web of influence. Let’s honor this connectedness by choosing to be intentional with our words, generous with our kindness, and authentic in our actions. Because you never know how a simple gesture, a kind word, or even a song recommendation might become a thread in the tapestry of someone else’s life.

In the end, we are all a mosaic of every person we’ve ever met, every conversation we’ve had, and every moment we’ve shared. We are not just products of our nature or our upbringing, but of every soul we’ve encountered along the way. And isn’t that a beautiful thing?

GOOD VIBES ONLYYYYYY

Kenzie <3