-
Born
I wsa born to Renee and Jeff Weyer in Kansas City, Missouri. -
Trust vs. Mistrust: Crying because of "Strange Men"
I was a very independent child, but when my mom handed me to one of her guy friends, or a male figure in my family, I would throw a fit. For some reason, I hated being held by "strange men". But, the anxiety was resolved when I was back in my mom's arms. For a little bit though, mistrust was a huge factor. -
Trust vs. Mistrust: Getting Dropped on a Fireplace
At eight months, I was dropped on a fireplace at my babysitter's house. I mean, I don't think it did any damage, but it inhibited my trust with my babysitter. -
Autonomy: Walking
I started walking at 10 months, getting around by myself and doing things for myself, not doubting my abilities. -
Autonomy: Potty Training
When I asked my mom about potty training, her response was "Training? No, you were the most independent toddler i've ever seen. You did it all by yourself." It didn't take long for me to figure out where to go and what to do when sitting on a toilet. -
Initiative: Performing Concerts
I would get all dressed up in my dance costumes and my mom's heels, and sing a bunch of songs for my family. Granted, I only knew about 2 lines that I would repeat throughout the given song, but I still thought i was a superstar. I created my own stage using lamps from around the house as my stage lights, and a red blanket as my "red carpet". I took the initiative on all of this, because I obviously thought I was a diva. -
Guilt: O.C.D.
I was a 5 year old living with profound OCD. Although I am 100% passed OCD, the lack of self-esteem rooting from that still haunts me today. The intrusive thoughts controlled everything I did. I couldn't live my life as a normal elementary school kid because if I didn't turn the light off a certain way, if I didn't erase my paper a certain way, or if I didn't take two steps between each crack in the sidewalk, etc, my parents would die, I was pregnant, etc. Ridiculous, I know. -
Competence: Nationwide Children Author Award
I have always loved writing and it has always been a huge part of my life. I've always written stories from as long as I can remember. In first grade, I entered a nationwide author contest by submitting one of my stories, and ended up winning. I applied myself to the task, and ended up being successful at it, leading to competence. -
Competence vs. Inferiority: Pageant Life Starts
Competed in my first scholarship pageant. My ongoing involvement with the Miss America Organization started here. By winning my first 3 pageants, I learned the pleasure of applying myself to tasks because of the 5 areas of competition: personal interview, talent (I sang), evening gown, on-stage question, and fitness wear. However, when I would lose a pageant, I would feel inferior because I realized that I had failed. Some of the inferiority from this stage still carries with me today. -
Competence: Winning- High on Life
I had just won a singing contest that conisted of 200 people with the age range of 4-27 year olds. I had also just won Young Miss Missouri, and felt on top of the world. I learned to apply myself to these tasks and came out successful, leading to competence. -
Inferiority & Role Confusion: Hello Anxiety Disorder
I was diagnosed with GAD and Mild Panic Disorder in 7th grade. I felt inferior because when trying to complete some tasks, my anxiety got the best of me and I couldn't complete them. Role Confusion plays a part in this because I have huge dreams and a lot of passions; I'm worried that I won't be able to live up to the expectations I have for my future because of my anxiety, limiting the roles I can actually live up to. It's gotten way better over the years, and I feel fine now. -
Identiy vs. Role Confusion: Softball Player or Pageant Girl?
It was as if there were two sides to me: the varsity softball player who was on homecoming court and the pageant girl. Was i supposed to be athletic, or keep the face of the Miss America Organization? Why not both? I was at a very confused time in my life, with multiple people pulling me different directions. Due to an outbreak with my father, I ended up choosing the pageant girl life. -
Identity: "G.R.A.C.E." Advocate
I created an organization called "G.R.A.C.E." which is an acronym: Giving, Respect, Acceptance, Compassion, and Encouragment. I go around the state of Missouri speaking to schools about all of the prevalent issues teens are facing today: eating disorders, bullying, lack of good role models, etc. I felt a great sense of identity because I love being the face of "G.R.A.C.E." and I thought that spreading this message was one of the things I was set out to do. -
Identity: Children's Miracle Network Ambassador
Working with CMN my whole life, I was awarded CMN ambassador. I volunteer for this great organization that helps sick children by fundraising, organizing toy drives, visiting hospitals & reading to the sick children, singing to them, etc. I thought I had a pretty good sense of identity because helping people has always, and will always be one of my top priorities and passions. -
Identity & Competence: Aspiring Recording Artist
I have always loved singing and writing, and I know I always will. I felt a sense of identity and competence when writing songs, and having a recording studio actually work with me. This was a great time in my life, and is still a huge part of my life today. It has lead me to have succeeded and reach my own personal goals on NBC'S "The Voice." -
Identity vs. Role Confusion: Holy Daddy Issues
My parents aren't divorced, therefore I live with both of my parents. Living in the same house as my father, and not speaking to him for almost a year for personal reasons has definitely inhibited my sense of identity. Not having positive encourgment from both of my parents has left me confused on who I'm supposed to be. However, I choose every day to live my life without him, so It's my fault, and I can't complain, -
Role Confusion: Modeling
This was a very difficult time in my life and rock bottom for me. Being in the modeling industry for many years finally got the best of me; I didn't agree with the fact that being a certain size defines your beauty. I was tired of looking in the mirror every day & hating what I saw. I was confused on who I was supposed to be and was being defined by other peoples opinions of me. Today, this still haunts me but I've now developed a healthier approach to modeling. -
Identity: Graduating High School
A great sense of identity will carry with me when I graduate high school because it's the first step into the real word. -
Identity: College & New York City
New York has always been a dream of mine. I will attend college there, get my masters in psychology, then go on to get my MD to become an adolescent psychiatrist. However, there are parts of me that want to go down many different career paths. But, New York is 100% the location i'm set on for college. I can't wait to wake up every day in a city that never sleeps, constantly surrounded by people with just as big of dreams and passions as me. I know I will find myself in New York City. -
Intimacy vs. Isolation: Marriage...yay or nay?
I don't know if i want to get married yet. I've always been super independent; honestly, the thought of depending on someone else my whole life freaks me out. I will obviously have very close relationships with my friends, leading to intimacy, but I'm not so sure on the marriage part yet. But who knows? They say love conquers all. If i were to get married, I hope its on April 25th of some year- where it's not too hot, not too cold, all you need is a light jacket. (Cite: Miss Congeniality- hehe) -
Generativity vs. Stagnation: Marks on the World
I don't want my generativty to be confined with one specific date; my generativty will be displayed throughout my whole life. My dreams are huge, and I will do whatever I can in my power to make them come true. By this time, I hope my "G.R.A.C.E." program has flourished and changed the lives of many people, I hope my position has been promoted in Children's Miracle Network, to be helping struggling adolscents through my job, have published many books, traveled the world, and still be singing. -
Integirty: Passing on
I will have led a life worth living. I will have reached my goals, fulfilled my aspirations, lived out my passions, left a mark on this world, and changed the lives of many. When I stand before God at the end of my life, I will be able to say that I don't have a single bit of talent left, and say, "I used everything you gave me".
