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The Spelling Bee: Industry vs. Inferiority
Grace Pratchett won the 5th grade spelling bee after studying with flash cards for weeks. After she wins, she begins to think that she would love to become an English teacher when she grows up. In Erickson's fourth stage, Industry vs. Inferiority, a child is in the stage of life where they begin to excel in skills or knowledge. If the child excels in something, it may stir up a desire to continue progressing in that skill; however if they do not excel, they will feel unsuccessful and inferior. -
The Lonely Christmas: Identity vs. Identity confusion
Grace, a sophomore in college, spent Christmas Eve feeling lonely when her roommate left for the holidays. Grace had been so dedicated to studies that she neglected making friends. Feeling sad, she resolves to join a band when college begins again. In Erickson's six stage, a person begins to find out who they are and seek to know their place in the world. Those who are successful find their identity and those who are unsuccessful experience identity confusion. -
The Wedding: Intimacy vs. Isolation
Grace and Rob Dodd are married after dating for 9 months. Grace, always an introvert, complimented Rob perfectly; he was always the "life of the party'. The two vowed to always put the other first, and to never let the other lose sight of their identity. In Erickson's sixth stage, young adults face sharing intimacy and the struggles that may arise. Those who are unable to open themselves up to intimacy will end up in isolation and the struggles that that brings.