Environment vs. Choices – How Where You Grow Up Shapes You

Growing up isn’t just about who you are—it’s also shaped by the environment you come from.

In The Other Wes Moore, one theme that stood out to me is how a person’s surroundings can influence their life choices, whether they realize it or not. Wes had to grow up in different neighborhoods, learning how to survive in each one. Some places were filled with poverty, crime, and danger, while others offered safer environments and more opportunities. Even when he moved to better areas, the influence of where he came from and the people he was around didn’t fully go away. That made me realize how much environment can affect the way we think and see the world.

Where you grow up can shape what you consider normal. In Wes’s life, hustling, fighting, and making quick money didn’t always seem wrong—they were just ways to get through each day. When that’s all you see, it doesn’t feel like a bad decision at first. It feels necessary. If everyone around you is doing the same thing, it becomes easier to fall into it because it feels like the standard way to live.

One moment that really stood out to me was when Wes wore the headset and convinced himself he wasn’t doing anything wrong. He told himself he wasn’t selling drugs—he was “just talking.” That shows how people can justify their actions, even when they know they’re getting involved in something dangerous. I’ve seen that mindset before, where people say “it’s not that serious” or “everyone is doing it,” even though deep down they know it’s not right.

Another important part of this theme is the influence of family. Wes had two strong influences—his mother and his brother Tony. His mother wanted him to stay focused on school and build a better future, even moving him to different places to keep him away from negative influences. Tony, on the other hand, taught him how to survive in the streets and stand up for himself, even if it meant responding to violence with violence. That’s something I can relate to because growing up, you often hear different perspectives from people you look up to, and it’s up to you to decide which path to follow.

Environment doesn’t just affect your actions—it also affects your mindset. Wes started to lose interest in school because he felt bored and disconnected. At the same time, making money in the streets seemed exciting and immediate, even though it didn’t lead to a positive future. This shows that when someone doesn’t see a clear path to success, they might choose a faster, riskier option that can eventually lead to negative consequences.

However, one of the most important ideas is that your environment doesn’t fully control your future—your choices still matter. Wes had moments where he could have gone in different directions. He had people warning him, like Woody and even Tony at times. This shows that even in difficult situations, there are still opportunities to make better decisions.

This theme made me reflect on my own life and how important it is to be aware of your surroundings and the people you allow into your life. Not everything around you is meant for you, even if it feels normal or comfortable. Sometimes you have to step back and think about where your decisions are leading you.

In the end, The Other Wes Moore shows that while your environment can influence you, it doesn’t completely define you. Your decisions play a major role in shaping your future, and realizing that early can make a big difference.