-
My Conception
This is approximately the date of my conception. This was a very significant point in my development, because I would not exist otherwise. -
Developed Appropriate Nap Schedule, Prenatal
My mother regularly took naps in the afternoon. This affected my sleep schedule as an infant. -
I was born, 0
I was born a healthy, 8.5 pound baby girl. I was born to a 33 year-old mother (in the ideal range for childbirth) in a hospital setting. -
I Learned to Walk, 0
This is an approximate date. However, I did receive my first pair of shoes in my stocking this year. -
My Mom Went Back to Work, 1
This date is approximate. My mother stayed at home until I was 1 year old and my sister was 3 years old. This allowed for me to become securely attached to my mother as an infant. It was great bonding, even if she did eventually go back to work. -
My Parents got Divorced, 3
Although my parents got divorced, my dad was still a regular part of my life. Also, it is significant that they got divorced while I was so young, because I have no memory of the event. I am sure that was an unpleasant time, but I was not traumatized by the experience as older kids would have been. -
Started Preschool, 4
This was at a private pre-school. By starting my education early, I had a slight advantage in elementary school than those who did not begin formal education this early. At this point, my long-term memory is developing. I actually remember a few events, like singing and dancing for parents and playing with my best friend. -
Began ALERT at School, 7
ALERT stands for Active Learning Experiences in Resourceful Thinking. Essentially, it was my school's "talented and gifted. This class helped develop critical thinking skills of high-achieving individuals. -
My School Started Requiring Uniforms, 8
Although this does not seem significant, during this time period I demonstrated my development of individuality. At this point I developed a "style" where I defied gender stereotypes - I liked wearing a "suit" to school instead of cute skirts and things. I also had to develop self-regulation to offset some teasing that I received. -
Began Participating in Social Activities, 8
At this point I began particpating in social activities, beginning with Girl Scouts and dance. Although Girl Scouts lasted until I was in highschool, I changed my physical activities to include t-ball, tae kwon do, and basketball. This shows my development socially. Also, my mom's role in my life took on a more managerial aspect, keeping all of my activities in order. -
Beagan Middle School, 11
This transition in schools allowed for a different set of peers and increasing freedom of choice. Middle school is where you begin to take control of your education and you begin determining what your interests are. -
Began Menstruating, 12
This date is an approximation, but I did have my first period when I was 12. This is significant because it shows that I was average when it came to entering puberty. -
My Dad Left, 14
Although my parents had been divorced since I was 3, my dad was still a part of my life. When he left at the end of my 8th grade year, it was as if I had lost one of my parents. During this hormonal time, though, I did bounce back quickly, taking advantage of the free time to begin hanging out with friends. -
Started High School, 14
In highschool, I began connecting my interests to possible career choices. Although it was not as profoundly encouraged then as it is today, I focused primarily on math and JROTC hoping to become a civil engineer in the army. This was also a continuation of the physical and emotional changes that had begun occuring 2 years earlier. -
Smoked My First Cigarette, 15
Although I was technically 15, it was the day before my 16th birthday. This event shows that I valued what my peers thought of me, rather than focusing on my own or my parents values about my health. -
Got My First Job, 16
This is a great transitional period, where I wanted to be adult-like, with adult responsibilities, but I had no real responsibilities at this time. This job only last 3 months. -
First Sexual Experience, 16
Many teenagers are having sexual intercourse at constantly younger ages. I followed this trend. This can be a confusing time in your life, when you are sexually curious, but not mature enough to make smart choices. -
Suspended From 11th Grade, 16
My 16th year was one for experimentation and trying to find who I was. I made several bad choices that led to me being suspended from the 11th grade. This affected many choices later in my life, but, luckily, things done in adolescence can be overcome as you mature and become more responsible. -
Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School, 17
This showed my growing maturity as I realized the importance of structure and an education. -
First Full Time Job, 17
I began working full time at Amarada Hess. This was my first step into adult life, beginning to take on responsibility and pay my own way through life. I was still not very mature (and other things happened) so this job only lasted 8 months. -
Got Married, 18
At this stage, I wanted to pretend that I was capable of being an adult. I was trying to find my identity and tried on the label of "wife". It didn't work out so well. I left 3 months later. -
Rejected From the Army, 18
I attempted to join the Army, but they rejected me due to being overweight. I have struggled with my weight my entire life, and I continue to do so. This is becoming a trend in the United States, especially in early adulthood where individuals have free reign to do whatever they want. -
Moved in With 2 Roommates, 20
During this stage of my life, I was somewhere between an adolescent and an emerging adult. I took on more adult responsibilities, but I was also still trying to find out who I was. I enjoyed the freedom of independence. I was working full time, but my roommates and I had several parties. -
Started Dating and Moved in With Current Boyfriend, 21
Because of my high transition rate earlier in my emerging adulthood, I moved quickly into a new environment and relationship. This relationship has been beneficial as it has helped me to become more mature and responsible in relationships and in my life. It is interesting to note that I tend to have an anxious attachment syle and my boyfriend has an avoidant attachment style. Although the book says that this is generally not a good combination, it has worked for us as I work to improve myself -
Started at Columbia College, 23
This is an important not on how far I have come in maturity and acting as an adult. I am working to better my life and create a more stable home environment in which I can eventually raise kids. -
Began EDU 203, 25
This class has been a great learning experience in how I have developed over the years, along with how I will continue to develop in the coming years. Also, this has been informative as to how children typically develop and factors that influence development. This will be useful in my future career as I try to relate to and influence my students' development.