Do people shape me? Yes, but not always the way they may have hoped, many people will shape us all during the course of our life, some for good and some for bad, I think a tree is a good analogy for a life, trees are shaped by their enviroment in every way possible, being strongly rooted is as important to us as it is a tree, with strong roots, the storms may scar you but they won't knock you down........

Also, Plywood is stronger than solid wood...