The words and actions of others can have a serious impact on us. Growing up in a predominantly white community (as a transracial adoptee) was not always a pleasant experience as a kid. I didn't see many other Asian faces around me, nor did my peers- sometimes that led to some hurtful and ignorant comments from those around me. Those negative experiences have taught me to value the way I see myself. If I let the taunts of other people form my self-image, then I've let them rob me of my self-worth.