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Birth Date
I was born January 3, 2004 in Newmarket, Ontario. This was one of the most important rites of passage for my mother and father as I was their first and only child together. In addition, this life event became a rite of passage for me because I celebrate my birthday annually. -
Moved to Bancroft
When my family decided to move to Bancroft from Newmarket, it was a drastic transition for all members, including myself. I had to leave behind my previous urban lifestyle and adapt to a rural community. This life event also resulted in attending new social institutions, such as a new school, and I had to make new relationships and form new cohorts. -
Father Passed Away
The unfortunate life event of my father passing away caused a role strain on my mother. Due to the fact she was a new single parent and I was only ten years old, she experienced stress while having to manage and take care of our family on her own. Although my mother and I are still heartbroken, our relationship has grown even stronger as we now depend on each other much more. -
Started High School
As I transitioned into a new social institution my status changed. I went from being one of the oldest, to the youngest kids at school. I began a new role set because I had to interact with new teachers and classmates throughout my year. In addition, I had to learn how to meet the demands of my new status as a freshman. As I began to make new relationships, my values changed. I realized that I should value strong relationships and my academics more than being “popular”. -
Driver's License
Having a driver's license is considered a social norm in my society. This life event was a rite of passage for me because it was an extremely important goal and value for me to obtain during my time as an adolescent. I now have more freedom and can assume more responsibilities. -
Graduate High School
When I graduate high school, I will enter the next stage of my life as a young adult. With the role as an adult I will have more responsibilities and need to make decisions on my own. My graduation will take place in June 2022, and will lead into me attending post-secondary the following September. As I transition into a new social institution, I will make new relationships and cohorts outside of people from my high school. -
Attend Post-secondary
It is a social norm for young adults to attend post-secondary directly following high school graduation. Taking on the role as a new student without the help from my mother will be a major life event. I will most likely experience role conflict between work versus education. Post-secondary is expensive, therefore having a job is essential, but I must be dedicated to my school work. Managing my time spent working, my schooling and taking care of myself is going to be a struggle. -
Start a Successful Career
When I transition from post-secondary into the workforce it will be a major life event. As I enter into this new social institution, I will make new relationships with coworkers to form cohorts. Starting a successful career will be essential for me to support myself and my future family. -
Marriage
When my status becomes married it will be one of the most important rites of passage I will experience. This life event is so important because I will be spending the rest of my life with someone who shares the values as me. As my significant other and I transition into life as a married couple, our relationship will change and grow. In addition, I will also obtain the role as a wife and learn new obligations and responsibilities. -
Having Children
When I have my first child with my partner, we will both experience a significant rite of passage. I specifically will take on the role of a mother. As a mother I may experience role strain as being a wife to my husband and a mother to my child could cause me to become exhausted resulting in stress. I could also experience role conflict because I may feel pulled between familial and professional obligations.