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Birth
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Trust
I am welcomed into my family with opened arms. Since my brother and sister were ages 5 and 7, they were extremely excited to have a new baby sister (well, maybe not my brother in this picture). Because my needs were met by both my parents and siblings, I was ready and willing to trust others. -
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Trust vs. Mistrust
Erikson's first stage. If a baby's needs aren't met, they will grow up unwilling or unable to trust others. -
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Autonomy vs. Shame
Erikson's second stage. If a toddler doesn't learn to act by themselves, they will feel shame in their abilities or lack there of. -
Autonomy
When I was two, we were forced to replace our dangerously agressive dog with a sweet, loving border terrier named Pucky. In order to prove I was responsible, I always wanted to be ther one to feed Pucky or hold her leash on walks. Although this bothered my mother to no end (because I ended up making it harder for her to feed her correctly), it helped me establish my own autonomy. -
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Initiative vs. Guilt
Erikson's third stage. If a kid does not learn how to be a leader, they will feel guilty. -
Initiative
Since my neighbor, KC, was adopted from Russia, we were best friends. KC was a crazy little kid--sometimes she would be extremely quiet and other times be hyperactive. Her mood swings put me into the position of the leader between the two. My friendship with KC allowed me to create my own initiative and aviod any feelings of guilt. -
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Industry vs. Inferiority
Erikson's fourth stage. If a kid does not develop pride in their abilities, they will feel inferior. -
First day of elementary school
I start at Woodlin elementary! I made friends here that I kept for life. Woodlin contributed to my feelings of accomplishment through my connections with dedicated and loving teachers. -
Industry
My dad and I would play baseball all the time in our backyard. For hours and hours, I would bat while my dad pitched to me. Everytime I went up to bat, I would hit a homerun (my dad claimes to have "let" me). I developed such pride in my abilities that I was on multiple sports teams as a kid. On most of the teams, I was the only girl--and I held my own. -
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Identity vs. Role confusion
Erikson's fifth stage. If a teen does not develop their own identity, they will be confused on who they are and how to proceed in life. -
Red Sox WIN!!
The curse lifted! This strengthened my development by bringing me even closer to the greatest baseball team in MLB, a dedication that will last me throughout my life. -
Role Confusion
Through high school, I felt confused on who I was and what I want to do with my life. I couldn't find my identity. I felt lost and had a nagging feeling that I was living with an unresolved conflict. -
College acceptance
I got into Haverford College early decision! Many tears were shed. Knowing that I was accepted to my favorite college was a confirmation of all my hard work and dedication to school. However, I had the feeling of nervousness about my inability to imagine myself in any career. -
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Intimacy vs. Isolation
Erikson's sixth stage. If a young adult does not develop strong, loving relationships, they will feel isolated. -
Gruaduate from Haverford!
Finally! I graduate from Haverford College. However, feeling my conflict of identity vs. role confusion still unresolved, I was constantly changing my major and still couldn't imagine myself in any career. I eventually double majored in Psychology and English with a minor in Musical theater. -
Met love?
Feeling unsatisfied with my love life, I went on eHarmony to try and find someone. For months, I talk with a man named Jack everyday. However, I am cautious of online dating. We both decide to test out our bond by not speaking for one year and meet at Union station on my birthday, May 20th. -
Isolation
Being separate from Jack, I felt alone and isolated. Also, with my feelings of role confusion unresolved, I jumped from job to job, unable to imagine myself in any career, mostly because I still didn't know who I was. -
Met Love!
As I sat waiting at Union Station, wondering if Jack would show up (dramatically), I suddenly see a man walking towards me. He was wearing the yellow sweater that we agreed upon as our signal. It was love at first sight!! Just kidding. We went to get coffee and got to know each other better. However, I did get a feeling that Jack was a keeper. -
Jack pops the question!
Jack proposes at Union Station! His proposal makes me feel even more secure in both my newly acquired identity and feelings of intimacy. Now that I am engaged, my previous period of isolation seems very far away. -
Isolation to Intimacy
The feelings of Isolation that I went through after college have completely gone away with the addition of my loving, deep relationship with Jack. I felt a weight lifted off of my shoulders with this conflict resolved. -
Role Confusion to Identity
Having newly aquired feelings of intimacy, I dedicate more time to inward reflection. Through Jack's help, I finally find my own identity, and feel relieved in my resolve of my role confusion. -
Get Married!
Jack and I get married! We shared our vows on yawkey way right next to the green monster. I felt completely secure in my relationships and extremely happy to be married to someone who let me find and keep my true identity. -
Have a Baby!
Jack and I give birth to a beautiful baby girl named Amanda! The success of my buisness and now the accomplishment of adding to the family has made me feel like my life is moving in the right direction. -
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Generativity vs. Stagnation
Erikson's seventh stage. If an adult does not feel like they’re succeeding, they feel like they’re unproductive and stuck. -
Start a Buisness!
Combining my favorite areas of study in college, I open up a photography studio for little kids. To keep them happy and smiling, I sing to them while taking their photos, exercising my knowledge in phsychology and musical theater. I feel happy and productive and I know that I am moving far in life and career. -
Buisness featured
My buisness was featured in Time Magazine! I feel sucessful and happy with my carreer. It also serves as a confirmation of all the work I had done and the direction my life is headed in. -
Go on the Daily Show with Ron Stewart
For my successful business plan, I am invited to the Daily Show, hosted by Jon Stewart's son, Ron Steward. Getting interviewed on national TV is another confirmation of my life's direction. -
Amanda off to College
I couldn't believe my little Amanda is off to college! Jack and I drove Amanda off to MIT, where she got in early decision with a full scholarship. I feel satisfied and proud of my only girl. -
Generativity
With my buisness booming and my family at a comfortable size of three, I feel successful and know that my life is going in the right direction. I'm feeling so positive that I give both my time and money to various charities, and nag my husband to do the same. -
Trip across Asia!
With our daughter Amanda moved out of the house, Jack and I decide to take time off from work and travel across Asia, making sure to visit places that are off the beaten path. This trip fills me with new energy that I focus back into my charity work when I return. -
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Integrity vs. Despair
Erikson's eighth stage. If an elderly doesn’t feel proud in reflecting upon their life, they will feel despair that their life was wasted. -
Amanda gets married!
Amanda got married to a wonderful and charming man named Luke at Fenway. I am filled with happiness and feel proud of my parenting in raising such a wonderful child. -
Retirement
After many years, I finally retire at the ripe age of 70. Although I hadn't done much work since I was 60, I held onto the ownership of the business. I am extremely proud of my career and accomplishments. -
RCFFE
Without my career taking up my time, I returned to an old love of mine: rock climbing. However, I felt unsatisfied with the rock climbing opportunities for older people. So, I started my own federation: Rock Climbing Federation For Elders. -
Jack Dies
One night Jack died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 85. Although I am shocked and grieving, my memories with Jack were filled with love, and I can cherish them even when Jack is gone. -
RCFFE gains public attention
The federation I started gained public attention after one of the members was nationally ranked in rock climbing. Although I have stopped rock climbing myslef, I am proud to be a part of the elderly rock climbing movement. -
Won Bingo!
To pass the time, I play bingo on the weekends. Finally, I won the jackpot! I went home with 100 dollars and a free trip to the Disney Hoverpark. -
Integrity
When gathered everyone at the Grand Canyon for a family reunion, I looked around and felt happy and satisfied with my life's decisions. Although Jack is no longer with us, everyone is happy and reflective upon the good memories they had with him. -
Death
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Farewell letter
To everyone I love-
First of all, I want to say that I have no regrets. I have lived every moment to the fullest and enioyed everything. You are the ones that have made my life so special. Jack and I had a wonderful marriage and we created the love of my life, Amanda. Amanda, you are the greatest joy, and I know you will go even farther than I could've dreamed. I'm happy to have lived this far, and am ready to meet Jack in heaven.
Love,
Abby Hester
