"If I was working hard, she bled into my personality. I became more cynical"

This quote by Marg Helgenberger talks to the power of influence. It recommends that when somebody is striving, individuals around them can have an extensive impact on their personality. In this case, the individual striving was influenced by somebody else, and as a result, they ended up being more negative. This might be interpreted as an alerting to be mindful of the people we surround ourselves with, as their mindsets and beliefs can have a lasting impact on our own. It likewise speaks with the idea that we can be formed by our environment, which it is important to be aware of individuals and situations we are exposed to. Eventually, this quote acts as a reminder that we must bear in mind the people and circumstances we are exposed to, as they can have an enduring influence on our own beliefs and attitudes.