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2.1 Typical Maturer
Looking back, I was a typical maturer. I started puberty when I was around 12. My experiences going through puberty was pretty much consistent with the text. My self esteem increased because I was excited to have hair on my chin, and to be taller and stockier. I felt “older.” The text mentions that early maturers might be more likely to engage in risky behaviors, especially for girls. I don’t feel this applied to me. Although I was a typical maturer, I didn’t engage in risky behaviors because of -
1.1 Entering Adolescence
think I became an adolescent when I was 12. There were many changes that occurred during the transition from childhood to adolescence which fit Santrock’s description: I started to prefer to interact with my peers, I had developed a more advanced logical ability, and I could also notice biological changes within me. I was moody, stayed up late, and started to get in conflicts with my parents. -
2.2 Niche-Picking
Adolescence is an awkward phase for many teenagers, including me. I was excited when I found my niche in a sport I loved. Soccer was a passion for me, and I used to play almost every day. When I got older and went through puberty, I became good at playing as a defender because I wasn’t too short and skinny, nor tall. Defenders are often of average height and of average build. Defenders don’t have to be fast, either, which was good because I wasn’t the fastest runner. -
3.3 -Self Protection
Self protection refers to the effort of protecting oneself from negative attitudes. I remember when I was 14, I had a more egotistical perspective of myself, and didn’t want to face the negative part of myself because I was afraid of hurting my self-esteem.I would have described myself as the following: I’m a nice young man who listens to his parents. I’m respectful to my elders and my peers. I like having fun, and play soccer with my friends.I’m also attractive, and I keep myself clean and neat -
7.3 Intrinsic motivation
Intrinsic motivation is based on internal factors such as self-determination, curiosity, and effort. When I was in middle school, I finally started enjoying story books and read them because i really wanted to improve my Arabic skills so that I could read more advanced books. My aunt recognized my passion, and bought me many books. I really enjoyed reading, and I still read because I enjoy it and want to continue on building my language skills. -
6.2 companionship
When I was 14, there was a group of familiar friends that I spent a lot of time with. We gathered together almost everyday and played soccer together. I had good relationships with them. -
3.1-Imaginary audience
When I was an adolescent, I went out to a wedding ceremony wearing my very white thobe (traditional Saudi dress). I spilled a bit of tea on my thobe, and I was very embarrassed by it because I believed that everyone at the ceremony noticed the tea stain and was staring at it. I couldn’t enjoy the ceremony because I was obsessed about the stain. In reality, the stain was very small, and everyone didn’t really care about it. -
4.2- Non-gender typed behavior
It is considered non masculine to cry in certain situations. I remember there was a friend in our group who was emotionally sensitive. He was very open with his emotions, and often told us that he would tell his father on us if we did or said something he didn’t like. We thought it was strange that he was still dependent on his father to take care of his situation for him. -
3.2- Social Comparison
Looking back when I was 14 years old, I would have described myself while comparing to others. Whenever I described myself as a soccer player, I would describe myself in relations to my peers, both good and bad players. I would have described myself as the following: I am a young man who really likes to play soccer. I’m not too tall or too short. I’m a fairly good at playing soccer, and am part of a team. -
Transition to High School 7.1
When I went through my transition to high school, I felt overwhelmed because it was a new place. This is what the text calls top dog phenomenon. I was comfortable with my old routine, friends, and teachers. I was part of a group that did homework together after school during middle school. I worked hard to get to the top at middle school, and lost that when I transited to high school. It was a difficult time for me, but I eventually worked my way up and felt more comfortable with my new status. -
4.1- Gender-typed behavior
The text points out that stereotypically, boys are more physically aggressive than girls. When I was an adolescent, I was often physically aggressive, especially when playing soccer with my peers. When we were physically aggressive, I don’t mean as in fighting, but as in bumping into others intentionally.There was a lot of emotions out on the field, and it was accepted and expected for boys to be emotionally and physically aggressive when they are upset up to a certain point. -
6.3. social comparison
When I was 16, I was doing things I saw my peers do that was fun.For example, if some of them went to watch a game in a stadium, my friends and I would do the same things. If my peers went on a picnic or go boating, my friends and I would do the same thing. It was like if my peers did a particular thing, then it was considered cool so we would do the same thing. -
6.1 Parent adolescent conflict
I challenged my father about certain rules he had, such as staying up late and hanging out with some of my friends. Dad told me that I had to be home at 10:00 pm every night. I didn’t agree to his demands, and couldn’t understand why he wanted me home at that time. I wanted him to explain to me why, and when he said it was to make sure I was safe and that I needed to sleep. I told him that I could take naps, and that I was hanging out with my friends, which kept me safe. -
8.1 - Rite of passage
In Saudi Arabian culture, the rites of passage differ from that described in the text. There is no such ceremonies for adolescents when they begin the transition to adulthood. However, in my adolescent period, I remember an event that could be considered a rite of passage. When I was 17 years old, I got my driver’s license. I remember feeling like a man. My father would use me to drive his car for many trips. My father trusted me to drive his car, and that made me feel older. -
1.2 Entering Adulthood
I probably entered the emerging adulthood period when I was 18 and became a college student. I also had my first car at the time. My transition experience was similar to the text description. There were more responsibilities on me, but I didn’t feel like a full adult. I also felt confused and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. -
Transition to College 7.2
when I graduated from high school and moved to college, I learned a lot about life. that time was the first time I owned a car, and I became more independent. My schedule was different than high school, I had a class at afternoon, and at evening. Teachers were much more hands off than they were in high school, and I felt much more responsible for myself and my work. It was stressful. According to the text, college students often feel the same way as I do because they are unprepared for the next