I grew up in the South Bronx in the 1970s. My dad worked in IT

Hearken, children of the ages yet to come, and heed the reflective words of Sunny Hostin, who said: “I grew up in the South Bronx in the 1970s. My dad worked in IT, and my mom was a teacher.” Within these simple words lies a meditation on resilience, aspiration, and the shaping power of environment and parental example, teaching that the foundations of a life well-lived are often forged in the ordinary labors, values, and guidance of those who raise us.

Hostin’s reflection reveals that the character of a child is molded by both family and community, even amidst the challenges of a demanding environment. The South Bronx in the 1970s was a place of struggle, hardship, and transformation, yet it was also fertile ground for ingenuity, courage, and perseverance. The ancients understood that adversity does not diminish potential; rather, it tempers the spirit, sharpening intellect, resolve, and compassion.

Consider the story of Frederick Douglass, who was born into hardship and oppression, yet shaped by the influence of mentors, family, and the determined pursuit of knowledge. Like Hostin, whose parents exemplified discipline and purpose, Douglass learned that one’s surroundings and upbringing, when met with curiosity and diligence, provide the scaffolding for extraordinary achievement. It is in such ordinary structures that the extraordinary is nurtured.

The professions of Hostin’s parents—her father in IT and her mother in teaching—offer insight into the values they imparted. From her father came the lessons of analytical thought, problem-solving, and adaptability; from her mother, the virtues of education, patience, and guidance. The ancients revered such duality: wisdom is cultivated through the blending of practical skill and moral instruction, reason and empathy, craft and character.

Hostin’s story also illustrates the importance of presence and example. Children absorb lessons not only from words, but from observing the diligence, commitment, and values of those around them. Just as Socrates inspired through dialogue and daily example, so too did Hostin’s parents offer a living model of integrity, labor, and care, shaping her approach to life, learning, and ambition.

From this reflection emerges a timeless lesson: greatness and fulfillment are not born solely from privilege, but from the consistent modeling of values, the cultivation of intellect, and the resilience nurtured in daily life. Hostin’s upbringing teaches that ordinary circumstances, when met with purpose and example, become the cradle of extraordinary potential, and that the work of parents and mentors resonates through the generations.

Practical guidance flows naturally: cultivate curiosity, learn from the examples set by those who guide you, and respect the labor and wisdom embedded in ordinary life. Embrace challenges as teachers, observe the virtues and skills demonstrated by others, and allow your environment—however humble or challenging—to shape diligence, character, and aspiration.

Children of the ages, let Sunny Hostin’s teaching illuminate your hearts: greatness is nurtured not only in palaces or lofty halls, but in the homes, classrooms, and neighborhoods where care, wisdom, and resilience are quietly practiced. Honor those who guide you, embrace learning with curiosity, and let the ordinary labors and virtues around you become the foundation for extraordinary life and enduring achievement.

If you wish, I can also craft a more narrative, vivid version, evoking the sights, sounds, and rhythm of 1970s South Bronx, showing how Hostin’s upbringing shaped her character and values, perfect for oral storytelling. Do you want me to do that?