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Birth
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Ages 4-8 Initiative vs Guilt (4-5) & Industry vs Inferiority (6-8)
Kindergarten through third grade, I attended a different school every year. Because of this I found it hard to make friends and connect with my peers. I experienced bullying as the new kid who didn't fit in. I would withdraw from social interactions and tried to blend in and not draw attention to myself. This affected me on the micro and mezzo levels through my interactions with my peers and teachers and how I view public education and I developed avoidant social behaviors. -
Ages 14-17 Identity vs Identity Confusion
My older brother I was close with began using drugs and alcohol. He had a significant criminal justice history before dropping out of high school. His friends in my grade began harassing me while at school. I began skipping school to avoid this crowd and suffered with depression. This affected me on the micro and mezzo levels through the lack of help I received through the schools and encouraged me to not focus on myself but others creating unhealthy relationships and codependent behaviors. -
Age 23 Intimacy vs Isolation
I began working for Home and Community Options in a group home working with 4 men who had developmental disabilities. It is where I found my passion for helping people, was encouraged to pursue a degree in social work, and met my husband. I felt encouraged, capable, and strong. This affected me on all levels as I was able to make a difference in peoples lives and pursue an eduction that I wanted. -
Ages 26-28 Intimacy vs Isolation
I married my best friend and 9 months later we welcomed a little girl into our family. I finished my bachelors in social work and we moved our family to St Charles, MN onto the family farm. Throughout these life changes I felt empowered, beautiful, strong, sad, and worried. These life changes affected me on the micro and mezzo levels as I adjusted to life as a wife and mother while balancing work and school. When we moved it was another adjustment to a new town, house, and way of life. -
Age 28 Intimacy vs Isolation
I got accepted into the masters of social work program at Arizona State University. My husband and I found out we are expecting baby #2 in May. I have felt proud, excited, accomplished, stressed, and worried. This has affected me on the micro and mezzo levels as I work through a masters program, which is something I never thought would actually happen, and adjusting to a new life balance with a 1.5 years old at home, working on home work, and preparing for another baby.
