[Dionysus]

The good:

My mother-for always encouraging me, being understanding, and teaching me empathy (which I didn't have a lot when i was younger)

My 8th grade teacher-first teacher to had that really encouraged me in my acedemics. if i didn't have her or another teacher just like her eventually...i probably would've never made it to college or even past 10th grade.

My ex-sorority sisters-for giving me a different perspective how I viewed myself and others...that I'd rather not get too specific here.

On the flipside...the bad:

All the extreme prejudice I experienced, in my first 9 years of life in particular, I've grown a thicker skin. Also, I learned to accept people's differences, more than the average person would (IMO), because I know what it's like to a victim of it.

Two loser ex-friends of mine-one i had in 8th grade (the one who plotted to drown me) and one i had in freshman year in college. I learned from them that not everyone is out for my best interest and that I can't trust everyone-even those who appear to like me. I'm definately more cautious who I let close to me.



Good topic Tom!!!!