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Brother is born
When I was 3, my brother Jack was born. I was an only child prior, so it was a big change. This influenced me because it taught me to be more loving, caring and selfless, and it also helped me learn how to interact with other kids around my age. The agent of socialization was family. -
First day of school
When I was 5, I started my first day of school. I had never gone to school or been under the care of a stranger or socialized with so many kids prior. This influenced me because it taught me how to act outside of the home, as well as instilled traits of determination, intellect, and perseverance in me. The agent of socialization was school. -
Mom leaves
When I was 6, my mom broke up with my dad and completely cut us off and never spoke to any of us again. This was incredibly confusing for me, since I went from seeing my mom all the time to never. This influenced me because it taught me how to adapt to painful and confusing situations, as well as life without major, key figures. It also helped me learn that family does not always mean they're blood connected; rather, they're the people who care and love you, and blood can be present or absent. -
Dad marries Stepmom
When I was 7, my dad married my stepmom. It felt like my dad was replacing my mom and my stepmom and I didn't really get along, so this choice felt betraying. This influenced me because it taught me that you can remake family and reinforced the idea that family can be anyone. However, my stepmom herself influenced me in negative ways, like instilling self-doubt and worthlessness. The agent of socialization was family. -
Grandma dies
When I was 7, my grandma died. This was devastating for me because my grandma was my main caretaker throughout my life and I had never experienced a loss before. This influenced me because it was such a monumental loss and it taught me that nobody stays around forever and to cherish those who are still alive. It also taught me how to persevere through massive, incomprehensible challenges. The agent of socialization was family. -
Move to Romeo
When I was 9, I moved for the third and final time. This move was more important and more major than the other two because I was older and I had more connections to the place I was leaving. This influenced me because it taught me how to be flexible and accept change and roll with the punches. It also taught me how to remake friends and rebuild my life. The agents of socialization were family, school, and peers. -
First day of highschool
When I was 14, I started highschool. It was a pretty big change since it was much different than middle school and most of my middle school friendships dissolved over the summer leading up to it. This influenced me because it taught me (and is still teaching me) how to be an adult and have responsibilities, as well as giving me a taste for how jobs will be in the future. It also taught me how to be more sociable and outgoing and friendly. The agent of socialization was school.