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Meredith learns that she is good at math: Industry versus inferiority.
Meredith is 10 years old when she learns that she has a gift for math. She is in the 4th stage of Erikson's Stages of Development. Her teacher and her parents encourage and praise her. She is excited by the positive reinforcement and she works even harder in school. Her enthusiasm trickles over into her other classes as well. She is confident in her abilities and her support system and becomes a mini-entrepreneur, opening a lemonade stand in her neighborhood on hot days. -
Meredith sends her daughter to dance camp: Generativity versus stagnation
Now in her 40s, Meredith's daughter is in middle school and interested in going to a prestigious dance camp. Meredith is in the 7th stage of Erikson's Developmental timeline. Meredith has been carefully saving her family's money for her daughter's education and so she encourages her daughter to attend. She thinks this will help her achieve her dreams to go to college and major in dance. This might mean some sacrifices to Meredith but she is more than happy to make them. -
Meredith reflects on her life: Integrity vs. Despair
Now in her 60s and living alone, Meredith is in the 8th stage of Erikson's developmental timeline and reflects on her life's choices. She is healthy and has a close relationship with her daughter who has a dance career and is now happily married, with a daughter of her own. They visit often. Meredith is happy that she used her gifts in a way that made her daughter's life secure and happy. She feels she is reaping the rewards of a well-spent life.