As I reflect back on the past 24 years of my life, I wonder what has influenced my life the most. That leads me to question some of the biggest factors in my life and determine whether they were factors of Nature or Nurture. The Nature vs. Nurture debate is on that dates back well beyond my 25 years of life, and in my opinion there is no true answer to this debate, but I am just curious how my life has been impacted by the two. Nature is defined as that which is inherited, genetics (McLeod 2002). Those would be characteristics that are inherited through the genes, for example; eye color, genetic disorders, and skin pigmentation. Other physical characteristics, if not determined, appear to be at least strongly influenced by the genetic make-up of our biological parents (McLeod 2002). Those who adopt an extreme heredity position are known as nativists.  Their basic assumption is that the characteristics of the human species as a whole are a product of evolution and that individual differences are due to each person’s unique genetic code. In general, the earlier a particular ability appears, the more likely it is to be under the influence of genetic factors (McLeod 2002). In relation to my life, factors that would be classified as nature are, being African American, and having a larger body frame (thick). Growing up in the Suburbs of St Louis, I have found myself surrounded by many different races, and the primary race being Caucasian. That has caused me to be stereotyped most of my life due to something that is completely out of my control. Both my parents are African American, so genetically my only option for race was African American. Knowing that as soon as someone sees me they would have formed an opinion of me makes me have to worry about my physical appearance more. Things such as piercings, tattoos, hairstyles, and clothing have to be thought over before any decisions are made because they will add to the stereotypes because of my race. If you follow the media, being a model size is pretty. Due to genetics, my frame is much larger than model