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Out of the Darkness
We all have journey in life that leads us to where we are. My journey, as difficult as it was, has given me the passion to help others. -
Removed
At 6 years old I was placed in to the foster care system. My 2 sisters went to one home and my brother and me went to another home. I was in the beginning of the middle childhood stage or the Erikson's stage industry vs inferiority. Because of this and other events I do not think I mastered this stage until later in life. Systems affected were family (microsystems), CPS and judicial (exosystems), school changed (mesosystems), and cultural change (macrosystems) -
Perplexed
I was 9 years old when my brother went back to his dad and my 2 sisters went back to our mom and I was left in foster care These events impacted me in ways that I would not comprehend until later in life. I did not understand why I was being left behind. I was still in Erikson's of industry vs inferiority which I did not master until later in life. Systems involved was microsystem I was separated from my brother, exosystems gave custody of my siblings back to my mother and stepfather. -
Stop
From the age of 6-12 I was abused by my foster parents. At the age of 12 I said no more and ran away 3x before CPS took me to another home. It felt good to stand up for myself and there was also uncertainty of my next placement. Still in the Erikson's stage of industrious vs inferiority. I believe I mastered this stage at a later time in my life. Systems involved was microsystem due to the change in homes, exosystem (CPS) who had to move me to another home, and mesosytem I changed schools. -
Own My Own
From the age of 12 I was told that I would have to move out when I was 18. 3 days after I turned 18 I had my own place, a job and dropped of school. I was not prepared, I had no support, I was confused and lost. I started doing drugs and alcohol when I was 12. At 18 my use increased and I would continue until I was 42. Developmental stage was adolescent or Erikson's Identity vs identity confusion. I was not able to master stage at that time. Systems involved were micro, meso, and exosystems. -
Reunited
At the age of 21, I found my mother, sisters, and brother. After 14 years of no contact with my mother and sisters and 6 years since I had seen my brother. Finding them gave a sense of belonging and family. I was in the adolescent stage of growth and Erikson's identity or identity confusion. I did not master this stage of development until later in life. Which could have been due not mastering industrious vs inferiority. The system involved was microsystem. -
The Light
When I was 42, I surrendered my life to God and I got sober from drugs and alcohol. This event in my life is when I began to have an identity, believe in myself and is why I am in college today. This is midlife stage or Erikson's generativity vs stagnation. This is when I began to master this all of the previous stages. Systems involved were micro,exo, meso and macrosystems. I had new support system, probation was involved, new peers, and I had a new culture. -
Started ASU MSW Program
The last leg in my educational journey. I am the only person in my family with a college degree. I almost cried when I found out that I was accepted. The impact that this has had on my life I will use to help others overcome barriers in their life. Currently the systems involved are micro, meso and exosystems. My wife is a big support, ASU is obviously involved, and my employer who is helping me pay for classes.
