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The Beginning of my Love/Hate Relationship with School: Industry VS. Inferiority
I (age 10) started take my school seriously and realized that I was really good at math, but not so good at writing. When I was doing math, I felt smart, confident, and like I could do anything. However, when I would try to write an essay I would get easily frustrated, feeling as though I was stupid and become discouraged. This is Eriksons fourth stage of development, Industry vs. Inferiority. When I did math, I would feel smart (Industry). However, when I was writing I felt dumb (Inferiority). -
My First Job: Identity VS. Role Confusion
I, Piper (age 14), started working my first job. I was uncertain about what kind of work I wanted to do, this led to me being uncertain about my identity in the job. Eventually I became comfortable in the job. It was during this first job that I found my confidence and had a much clearer understanding of my role in the workforce, and in my personal life. This is Eriksons 5th stage of ego, Identity versus Role Confusion. -
My First Failed Relationship: Intimacy VS. Isolation
I, Piper (age 19), just got out of my first serious relationship. Having a failed intimate relationship took a turn for the worse for me sending me into a depression that caused me to feel isolated and lonely. This is Erikson's sixth stage of development, Intimacy vs. Isolation. During the relationship I had intimacy with a person that made me more confident and have a meaningful connection (Intimacy). However, in those months after the relationship ended, I felt alone (Isolation).