How Our Experiences Shape Us: Lessons from The Other Wes Moore and Trauma-Informed Care

In the 2011 nonfiction book The Other Wes Moore, two men share the same name and similar beginnings, yet their lives take vastly different paths—one becomes a Rhodes Scholar and successful banker (and later, governor of Maryland), while the other goes to prison for murder. It’s a powerful reminder of how much our experiences shape who we become.

In trauma-informed care, we shift the question from, “What’s wrong with you?” to, “What happened to you?”—a small but profound change that fosters understanding, empathy, and support. Instead of focusing on faults or shortcomings, we recognize the impact of past experiences on behavior and development.

The story of the two Wes Moores highlights a truth we see in therapy every day: our environments and experiences matter. They influence the opportunities we see, the choices we make, and the way we navigate the world.

At Ever Human Therapy, we believe that with the right support, healing is possible. When we approach ourselves and others with curiosity instead of judgment, we create space for growth, resilience, and new possibilities.

How have your experiences shaped you? Let’s continue the conversation.

Post Written by Lynn Coleman