Personal Reflection on Growth, Influence, and Respect in Communication

As time passes, our age increases, but more importantly, our perspective of the world also expands. Life experiences gradually shape how we understand people, situations, and even ourselves. People naturally change depending on their environment and circumstances, yet I believe that as we grow—especially when we become more senior in a company or within our surroundings—we carry a greater responsibility in how we treat others. One of the most important responsibilities is to avoid bringing others down through negative or unnecessary comments.

Looking back, I remember moments that left a strong impression on me. Once, a girl commented on my appearance, saying my face was “too square,” along with other negative remarks. At that time, I felt confused and uncomfortable, but I did not fully understand the intention behind such words. Another experience happened in a workplace setting, where a manager advised me not to directly share my opinions or ideas with my Japanese boss, but instead to pass everything through him. When I was younger, I accepted this as normal and limited my voice, believing it was the correct way to behave professionally.

However, over time, I began to realize that not all guidance or comments are meant to help us grow. Some behaviors can be subtle forms of control or manipulation, intentionally or unintentionally limiting our confidence and development. I started to understand that staying silent or shrinking myself did not contribute to my growth. Instead, it kept me from expressing my ideas and learning through real communication.

With age and experience, I have come to believe that every stage of life teaches us something valuable. We begin to recognize both the positive and negative sides of our experiences. Some people help us grow by supporting and encouraging us, while others may unintentionally—or even intentionally—hold us back. The key is to learn how to differentiate between the two and to remain aware of how we are influenced.

Today, I value respectful communication and constructive feedback. I also believe that when we become more experienced or gain higher positions in life or work, we should use that influence to uplift others rather than diminish them. Growth should not come at the cost of someone else’s confidence. Instead, true maturity is reflected in how we support others while continuing to improve ourselves.

In the end, personal growth is not only about gaining knowledge or experience, but also about developing awareness, empathy, and integrity. As we grow older, our world indeed becomes bigger—but how we choose to treat others within that world defines the kind of person we become.