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Birth
My mother gives birth to me at the hospital around 7 am. Using Erikson's Theory of Psychological Development, this would be Stage 1: Trust vs. Mistrust. This occurs at birth to 12 months, and in this stage I would be completely dependent on my parents for everything. I had to learn to trust my parents early on so I could grow up feeling safe and secure. -
First Word
My first word was "cat", likely because I had a pet cat who I was very close to as a baby. At this age I was beginning to be independent and explore the world. This would be Erikson's Stage 2: Autonomy vs Shame/Doubt. This is important because it is the first time I am not completely dependent on my parents and I can now do some things for myself. -
Start Kindergarten
I went to Kindergarten at a private catholic school, and stayed there through 8th grade. Most of my time there was spent in Erikson's 4th Stage, Industry vs. Inferiority. This was the age where I was starting to compare myself with my peers and feel pride in my work. I learned to get along with others which is a skill that lasts a lifetime. -
Start High school
I went to high school at a large public school, which is very different from my small private middle and elementary school. I didn't know many people so I had to step out of my comfort zone and put myself out there. This would be Erikson's Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion. I didn't know who I was as a person, and throughout high school I had to find out who I was and what I wanted to do with my life. -
High School Graduation
I will graduate high school in 2020, and I will be 18. I will be leaving behind everything I know to go out and start my future. This is the very end of Erikson's Stage 5: Identity vs. Role Confusion because I have a developed sense of self and I am becoming an adult. -
College Graduation
In 2024 I will hopefully be finishing my 4 year degree and going on to higher education. I will be completely independent by living my myself and having to manage my time and school work wisely. This is Erikson's Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation. I will be starting to develop intimate relationships with others and starting friendships with people I will be close with throughout my life. -
Get Married
This is one of the biggest events of my life, and I will be choosing to spend the rest of my life with the person I love. This is still Erikson's Stage 6: Intimacy vs. Isolation because I am developing important relationships and becoming intimate in a level I never had before. -
Have a Kid
I plan on having 1 or 2 kids after I have finished school and am well into my career. This will be a very important event in my life because I will be starting a family of my own. This is Erikson's Stage 7: Generativity vs. Stagnation. I will be finding my life's work and contributing to the development of others. -
Retire
I believe retirement will be a happy but bittersweet time in my life. I will be done working after many years and will be able to do whatever I want. I will have saved up a lot of money for my retirement and should be able to travel and relax. This is Erikson's Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair because I will be slowing down productivity and realizing I am in the last part of my life. -
Death
I will hopefully die peacefully and of natural causes, and I would like to be cremated instead of buried. This is the very end of my life, and it is Erikson's Stage 8: Integrity vs. Despair. I will be looking back on my life and feeling happy and accomplished with how I have lived it.