-
My Beginning- Trust vs. Mistrust
On July 25th, 1994 in San Francisco, California, I was born to Elizabeth and Matthew King. Their consistent, caring presense during my early years established a sense of trust between myself and them. Their unwavering compassion set a foundation, allowing me to form trust-based relationships in subsequent years. -
Period: to
A Timline of My Life
A timeline outlining the events that took place throughout the various decades of my life -
Ages 1 to 3- Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt
As I gradually matured, I began to learn the importance of independence, and the value of not being reliant on the help of others. Wanting to perpetuate this mindset, my parents enrolled me at the San Franciso Day School. Here, my teachers encouraged a self-assertive approach to problem solving. It was within these years that I began to grow confident in my abilities as an individual. -
Harry's Birth
On August 7th, 1997 my brother, Harrison L'Hommedieu King, was welcomed into the family. At three years old, competing for attention was a concept that was unfamiliar to me. However, the trust that I had established with my parents allowed me to assimilate to the situation with ease and form a cohesive relationship with my little brother. -
Move to Bethesda, Maryland
In 1999, my dad's work required us to package our belongings and move to Bethesda, Maryland. Although I initially resented this much of a change so early in my life, the moving process allowed me to become more open-minded and independent. -
Ages 3 to 6- Initiative vs. Guilt
Upon moving to Bethesda, my parents enrolled me at Wood Acres Elementary School where I remained until January of my third grade year. Because the majority of my neighborhood friends also attended Wood Acres, an easy transition was made. It was with these friends that I learned the importance of being a leader, and asserting myself. This newfound realization allowed me to take full advantage of my imagination without feelings of shame or guilt. -
Will's Birth
On March 24th, 2001, William Henry L'Hommedieu King was welcomed as the newest addition to the King family. Although the addition created an element of chaos to the family, Will's birth strengthened my role as the oldest sibling. It was in this year that I learned the importance of being a role model for my brothers. -
Move to Singapore
Half way through my third grade year, My dad's job took us 9,000 miles away from the comfort zone of our Bethesda, Maryland home and to the tropics of Singapore. This experiece gave me a new appreciation for the world around me and a passion for travel. -
First Decade- 0 to 10 years
July 25th, 2004 marked the first decade of my life complete. It was within these 10 years that I learned the value of trust-based relationships, independence, confidence, and curiosity. The lessons instilled in me over these 10 years set the foundation for my growth as an individual in future years. -
Early Singapore Years- Industry vs. Inferiority
The Singapore American School gave me a thirst for knowledge. As a lower schooler, I experimented with a variety of instruments such as the recorder and the double base. In addition, I dabbled in soccer, basketball, and softball. These years allowed me to see the importance of perseverance and completeing activities to the best of my ability. -
Move back to Bethesda, Maryland
After 8th grade, my family packed up our belongings and new memories and moved back to our home in Bethesda. My overseas experience shaped me as a human being, and although I resented my years in Singapore coming to an end, I looked forward to facing highschool with my newly acquired sense of self. -
Highschool Years- Identity vs. Role Confusion
In highschool, I established a tight-knit group of friends and joined lacrosse teams both inside and out of school. Whether I was with my friends in an academic or athletic environment, the individuals I grew close with allowed me to identify with a group of people and develop a strong sense of self. -
College Acceptance
On December 13th, 2012, I was accepted Early Decision to Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. This date marked the transition from adolsence to early adulthood. It was within my college years that I developed a passion for both psychology and communications. Wesleyan encouraged me to think beyond the classroom and evaluate how I wanted to employ the lessons I had learned within school. -
Second Decade- 10-20 years
July 25th 2014 marked the second decade of my life complete. It was within this time frame that I began identifying with a group of people. My love for the outdoors, academics, and adventure fueled my motivation throughout my middle school, highschool, and early college years. These years allowed me to develop a strong sense of self. -
Move to New York City
After graduating from Wesleyan University in 2016 I moved to New York City with my two cousins, Margaret Sanderson and Virginia Mittnacht. We purchased a small appartment in SoHo and split the rent three ways. After experimenting with a multitude of short-lived jobs, I chose to pursue a job at an advirtising firm for Pantene hair products. It was within my years in New York that I invested a considerable amount of time in both my career and expanding my social network. -
Early 20s- Intimacy vs. Isolation
Throughout my early twenties, I experimented with dating several people. However, the relationships were short term. After finding a consistent, well-paying job, I had a desire to end my sporadic dating habits and find a long-term boyfriend. In November of 2018, I met Jake Gyllenhaal, an intern at the advirtising firm. Our relationship assured me that I would never feel alone in his presence. In December of 2019, I moved out of my apartment and in with Jake. -
Move to San Francisco
In March of 2023, I was offered a job at an advirtising firm for Tiffany and Co products in San Francisco, California. Eager for a change of pace, I exitedly accepted the new position. Although Jake was reluctant to accept my departure, he was able to find an advirtising job with State Farm in San Francisco as well. The move strengthed our relationship and allowed us to consider our future together. -
Jake Proposes
On September 5th, 2023, Jake asked for my hand in marriage. Ecstatic to plan my future with him by my side, I said yes and we set the wedding date for September 19th, 2024. With a wedding just one year away, I began to consider how I would shape the years to come and how I would lead the rest of my life. -
Third Decade- 20 to 30 years
July 25th, 2024 marked the third decade of my life complete. In moving from New York to San Francisco and becoming engaged to Jake, I learned the value of maintaing stable relationships with my loved ones and cultivating a career that I genuinely enjoy. -
Early 30s- Generativity vs. Stagnation
While Jake's career flourished, I decided to quit my job at Tiffany and Co and pursue something that I believed could have an impact on the world around me. Using the lessons I was taught throughout college and my advirtising career, I became an advocate for Caring for Cambodia, a non-profit organization that supports the education of thousands of Cambodian children. This experience allowed me to maintain my ambition and progressive outlook towards life. -
The Birth of Bennet and Matthew
On December 10th, 2027, Jake and I welcomed Bennet and Matthew into the world. The sheer joy that comes with being a mother also brought me to the realization that I had to provide my two sons with the care and nourishment that my parents gave to me when I was born. In offering them an unwavering sense of compassion, I wanted them to be assured that Jake and I would always love and protect them. -
Move to Sydney, Australia
After being offered a promotion, Jake informed the family that we would need to move to Sydney, Australia. Although I was hesitant to disrupt the cohesive environment we had grown accoustomed to in San Francisco, I new that this experience would help to maintain my passion for travel and adventure. In raising the boys overseas, I hoped that they would develop a sense of open-mindedness that they could carry with them throughout their life. -
The Birth of Grace
On May 8th, 2030, we welcomed Grace as the newest member of the Gyllenhaal clan. With three young children to look after, I decided to put my work with Caring for Cambodia on hold and direct all of my attention on raising Bennet, Matthew, and Grace. -
Fourth Decade- 30 to 40 years
July 25th, 2034 marked the fourth decade of my life complete. During these ten years I learned the importance of pursuing a job based on interest as opposed to money, and the necessity of rasing children with an enduring sense of love and care. -
Early 40s- Generativity vs. Stagnation
With all three of the children enrolled in school during the day, I decided to go back to work. After contacting the Sydney branch of Caring for Cambodia, I started to advirtise for the company. Although going back to work made my schedule chaotic, balancing my career with my children was a challenge that was welcomed. -
Fifth Decade- 40 to 50 years
July 25th, 2044 marked the fifth decade of my life complete. With Bennet and Matthew turning almost 18 and Grace turning 16, This decade served as a crucial time to watch my children grow and mature. Because of Australia's proximity to exotic countries, we used these years to travel and familiarize ourselves with the world around us. It was in these years that I learned the importance of balancing my family with my career. -
Early 50s- Generativity vs. Stagnation
With Bennet and Matthew off at college, Jake and I not only helped to lead Grace through her hectic highschool years, but we also focused on building our careers. With help from the Caring for Cambodia offices throughout the world, we were able to raise enough awareness to have a documentary created about the organization. Although time consuming, the ability to manifest my energy into my work allowed my ambition and motivation to persist. -
Grandchild is born
On April 5th, 2053 Bennet and his wife welcomed Ellie into the world. Upon hearing the news, Jake and I flew to Boston to meet our first grandchild. Seeing Bennet's apparent adoration of his daughter reminded me of the sense of elation I felt when I gave birth to my children and the importance of offering a consistent sense of love and protection. -
Sixth Decade- 50 to 60 years
July 25th, 2054 brought closure to the sixth decade of my life. After sending Grace off to college, Jake and I used the extra time to travel and learn more about the city we had been living in for over 20 years. We enrolled ourselves in a surf school that met every saturday and also visited Bhutan, and Thailand. -
Early 60s- Generativity vs Stagnation/ Integrity vs. Despair
Although our overseas experience was unforgettable, Jake and I wanted to be close to our children as they raised families of their own. On September 1st, 2056, Jake and I moved from Sydney back to San Francisco. Here, Jake was able to continue his work with State Farm and I was able to grow more involved with not only Caring for Cambodia, but also inner city schools in the San Francisco area. Moving back to America allowed us to reflect on our invaluable years in Australia. -
Seventh Decade- 60 to 70 years
July 25th, 2064 marked the end of the seventh decade of my life. As empty nesters, Jake and I used the time to not only strengthen our relationship, but also focus on activities that we took a genuine interest in. During the year, we made regular visits to the East coast to visit Bennet, Matthew, Grace and their growing families. In addition, I enrolled myself in a cooking class. With lenient schedules, Jake and I were able to engage in exhilerating activites and reflect on our parenting. -
Early 70s- Integrity vs. Despair
In February of 2067, I retired from my work with Caring for Cambodia. With both Jake and I retired, we were able to direct our attention on our children and their expanding families. We moved to Denver, Colorado for two months to assist Grace while she raised her third child. With time on our hands, Jake and I were able to reflect on our lives thus far while also engaging in exhilerating activites such as salsa dancing classes. -
Eighth decade- 70 to 80 years
On July 25th, 2074, I turned 80, thus marking the end of the eigth decade of my life. To make use of the time on our hands, Jake and I embarked on a Carribean cruise to celebrate. The serene environment allowed us both to recognize how truly lucky we have been to have raised three healthy children and live a life riddled with adventure. -
Early 80s- Integrity vs. Despair
Throughout our 80s, Jake and I surrounded ourselves with family as much as possible. Although long flights were becoming an exhausting process, Bennet, Matthew, and Grace made frequent visits to San Francisco with their children. Despite our impeccable healh, Jake and I made sure to relish every moment and take nothing for granted. -
Ninth Decade- 80 to 90 years
On July 25th, 2084, Bennet, I celebrated my 90th birthday with my family. As we all sat around the table, I recognized how truly lucky I was to have raised three healthy children, have a caring husband by my side, and live a life infused with compassion, and adventure. Although I did encounter patches of turbulence throughout my nine decades, I truly wouldn't have lived my life any differently. Life is short and unpredictable, but every moment that one is presented with should be fully embraced.
