Adolescent Change Toward Success - Making the End of your Story Something to Be Proud Of!

Make Your Choices Count!

I always tell the teens I serve the following: "If you continue to do what you've always done, you'll continue to be who you've always been!" When I first used this quote, I immediately thought of a phrase my very strict, Cuban parents taught me when I was a teenager myself, "Dime con quién andas, y te diré quién eres!" "Tell me who you hang around with, and I'll tell you who you are!" The more I've dealt with teens (a population that I love) the more I've experienced this to be a fact. If you are a teen out there reading this, please know this: YOU are currently writing the book on your life. When you arrive at the last page, (before you read, "The End") you will see a success or a failure that only you will be responsible for. Each and every choice you make in your life WILL award you a consequence. My goal for you is that your choices will always lead to a positive consequence that you can be proud of.

There is a great debate out there regarding the factors that shape human behavior and personality: Are we influenced more by our genetic predisposition, often referred to as nature, or are we more significantly shaped by our environment, commonly known as nurture? This question has long fascinated psychologists, sociologists, and biologists alike, as it delves into the core of what it means to be human. To truly grasp the intricacies of this debate, let’s take a closer look at the remarkable and tragic life of Oxana Malaya, a girl born in Ukraine, whose story provides a poignant case study in the nature versus nurture discussion.

Oxana Malaya was born in 1983 in a small village in Ukraine. From a very young age, her life was marked by neglect and abandonment. Her parents struggled with alcoholism, which severely impacted their ability to care for her. Consequently, at the tender age of three, Oxana was left to fend for herself, ultimately finding refuge among a pack of stray dogs. This unusual circumstance led her to live in the wild, adopting the behaviors and mannerisms of the animals that became her companions. She learned to communicate in barks and growls, and her physical development was influenced by her time spent in the company of these dogs.

The environment in which Oxana was raised played a critical role in shaping her identity and behavior. Living in the wild, she developed survival skills that were essential for her to navigate the harsh realities of her early life. Her experiences highlight the profound impact of environmental factors on human development. The absence of nurturing parental figures, coupled with the influence of animal behavior, raises questions about the extent to which our surroundings can shape our identity and capabilities. This case illustrates how extreme environmental conditions can lead to the development of unique behaviors that may diverge significantly from societal norms.

However, it is also essential to consider the genetic aspect of this debate. While Oxana's environment played a pivotal role in her development, one cannot ignore the potential influence of her genetic makeup. Genetics can predispose individuals to certain behaviors, cognitive abilities, and emotional responses. The interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental factors is complex, suggesting that neither nature nor nurture operates in isolation. Instead, they interact in dynamic ways that can lead to a variety of outcomes in human development.

In Oxana's case, her story serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, but it also emphasizes the critical importance of a nurturing environment for healthy development. After being discovered and rescued from her life with the dogs at the age of eight, Oxana was placed in a rehabilitation center where she received care and education. This transition marked a significant turning point in her life, as she began to learn social skills and human communication, albeit with considerable challenges due to her early experiences.

Ultimately, the case of Oxana Malaya invites us to reflect on the ongoing debate of nature versus nurture. It underscores the importance of both genetic factors and environmental influences in shaping who we are. Her life story is a powerful testament to the complexities of human development, illustrating how deeply intertwined our biological heritage and life experiences can be. As we continue to explore this debate, Oxana's journey reminds us of the profound impact that both nature and nurture have on the human experience.

I dislike when I hear young people told, "Learn from your own mistakes," which implies you've already messed up. Why not, "Learn from the mistakes of others!" If you do, I promise that you won't regret it.