Some people think that the family is the most important influence on young adults. Other people think that friends are the most important influence on young adults. Which view do you agree with?

　　Use specific reasons and examples to support your position.

　　(Family> Friends)

　　Young adults are very impressionable and are easily influenced in numerous ways, such as by their friends. Nevertheless, I believe that families have the most important influences on young adults because they contribute to young people’s educational goals and give sound advice during good times and bad.

　　First of all, parents are the only ones who are able to contribute to a young person’s educational goals. Most young adults would not be able to attend university without their parents’ financial support. For instance, my cousin was accepted to a high-ranking university, so his parents took out some personal loans, which allowed him to attend the school. Also, due to their support, he did not have to work, so he could focus exclusively on his studies. Ultimately, he became the first person in his family ever to graduate from university. Parents can therefore enable their children, who are young adults, to go to college.

　　Additionally, families give sound advice during young adults’ good and bad times. The reason is that many times parents and other older family members have been through a certain situation and are able to offer expert counsel, unlike the young person’s friends, who are not as mature. For example, my older brother received a large sum of money from a science contest he entered and won in high school. Most of his friends told him to go out and buy a new cell phone and clothes. However, my mom and dad said that it might be better to save the money for college and put it in the bank. My dad pointed out that it will come in handy for him one day. My brother realized they were right. Nothing can replace the positive influence of the family on a young adult’s life.

　　In conclusion, there is no question that young adults are positively influenced the most by their families because their families support their future education after high school and often provide better advice than their more youthful friends can. Without their families, young adults would have much more difficult times navigating their ways through their live.