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Unlike my childhood, during adolescence, I found myself becoming very passionate in school, musical arts, and was very driven. I began my endeavors in putting myself out there, so that I was able to start the foundation for my future. I also found myself during this time, becoming more extroverted and seeking my friends' approval. I wanted to ensure that I was continuously doing well in school while creating new friendships that changed my point of view significantly. it is interesting how puberty is such a life-changing/altering event in our lives.

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For a young child, there is always something being thrown in their way. Even more so, puberty brings about a lot of bodily changes that make it overly overwhelming to grasp "why they feel this way." Likewise, this stage in life causes a lot of insecurities about one's self such as weight, image, etc.

For me, one thing I noticed to be significant during this time was, I started puberty at a young age. I felt slightly outcasted from my friends and battled self-esteem.

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A period of significant change and development in an individual's social life. During this time, adolescents undergo a shift in their social circles, moving from family-oriented relationships to peer-focused interactions. They may experience peer pressure and the need to conform to social norms, which can influence their behavior and identity formation. Social transitions also involve exploring different roles and identities, such as those related to gender, ethnicity, and sexuality, as adolescents strive to establish their sense of self. This period is characterized by heightened sensitivity to social evaluation and the desire for peer acceptance, which can impact self-esteem and emotional well-being. Adolescents may also experience conflicts with authority figures, such as parents and teachers, as they assert their independence and autonomy. Overall, social transitions in adolescence psychology play a crucial role in shaping individuals' social competence, relationships, and overall adjustment to adulthood.

For me, a big social transition in my life was graduating a very small high school, and going to college. I remember when I first came to Lourdes, I felt overwhelmed. it was a whole new reality for me and a new responsibility. And, I remember feeling excited, but very nervous about this new reality. Since I graduated from such a small high school, I wasn't used to large crowds of people and new social dynamics, so it was the birth of a whole new beginning for me.

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There are four main parenting types:

Authoritative, authoritarian, neglectful, and indulgent.

For me growing up, I think I lived in a mix of all of these things. While I was in middle and high school, there were some rules on what time we needed to at least be upstairs and in our rooms for bed, however, it was not reinforced. My parents weren't very strict, but when they were, they were very demanding and unwilling to compromise. from time to time, they would make us turn our phones in at 9:30, so that we would go to bed on time but it only lasted for two weeks.

However, I have always been very open with my parents and have felt that I could come to them with pretty much anything.

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During adolescence, peer groups play a crucial role in social development. They provide a sense of belonging, support, and validation, while also influencing attitudes, behaviors, and identity formation. Peer groups serve as a platform for learning social skills, exploring interests, and developing relationships outside the family unit. These relationships can have both positive and negative effects, impacting various aspects of adolescent life, including academic performance, self-esteem, and risk-taking behaviors. Additionally, peer groups can help adolescents navigate the challenges of adolescence, such as peer pressure, conflict resolution, and identity exploration.

When reflecting on my adolescent years, I remember having a wide range of friends. I really never had a set friend group because I was always involving myself with other people. However, I did find myself for the majority of my time hanging out with the same small handful of people that I would always fall back on and was the closest with. In grade school, I had a huge group of friends from all over the school and would socialize with almost anyone. However, once I got into middle and high school, my friend group started to dramatically shorten and I did not talk to a lot of people. I think this happens because as you age, I think you start to pick up on who truly are your friends and who you really care about having in your life versus several people. Your adolescence is a time period of growth and change, so you tend to grow out of older friend groups and mentalities.

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Schools provide formal education, shaping adolescents' knowledge, skills, and intellectual abilities. The academic environment influences their academic performance, interests, and future opportunities. Schools are important social environments where adolescents interact with peers, teachers, and other adults. These interactions contribute to their social development, including learning social norms, forming friendships, and developing interpersonal skills. Identity Formation adolescents spend a considerable amount of time in school, where they navigate various roles and identities. Interactions with peers and participation in extracurricular activities contribute to identity exploration and formation.

Likewise, throughout my education, I had an IEP since 4th or 5th grade. I was always a "slow processor" and could not keep up with my comprehension of the materials, like my peers. I was always pulled from class and taken to the "little rooms" where I did most of my school work and tests with only 5 other students. While it was for my benefit and helped me with my education tremendously, there was always a reputation around the little room, and that is when I started to notice more bullying.

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Work during adolescence is incredibly important. It can contribute to personal growth, skill development, and preparation for adulthood and the workforce.

1. Adolescents often seek part-time jobs to earn their own money. This helps them learn financial responsibility and independence, as well as the value of money.

1. Skill Development: Working during adolescence allows individuals to gain valuable skills such as time management, communication, problem-solving, and teamwork, which are essential for future career success.

2. Career Exploration: Part-time jobs or internships provide adolescents with the opportunity to explore different career paths and industries, helping them make more informed decisions about their future careers.

3. Sense of Responsibility: Having a job instills a sense of responsibility and accountability in adolescents, as they learn to meet work expectations, manage their time effectively, and fulfill their duties.

4. Socialization: Workplaces provide adolescents with opportunities to interact with people of different ages, backgrounds, and perspectives, helping them develop social skills and expand their networks.

I began my work history around the age of 12. I began babysitting and pretty much babysat most of my middle and high school career. I also did a cleaning company job with one of my friends towards the end of high school. Because I was constantly moving around and doing something, I was able to socialize with others and become more extroverted. I did not normally talk to a lot of people; however, the more I started to babysit and clean houses, the more acclimated I became.

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During adolescence, teens often go through a process of identity formation, which involves exploring and understanding who they are as individuals. Throughout middle and high school, I started to explore and consider my options. I changed friend groups frequently and started to dress, think, and act differently. Likewise, my friends had such a great impact on me, and who I was. I battled with self-esteem issues, and was very unsure of myself; however, once I really became involved with choir, I felt more socialized and more comfortable around others.

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Adolescence is a crucial stage for the development of autonomy, as teenagers strive to assert their independence from their parents and establish their own identity. During this period, teenagers often seek opportunities to explore their individuality and make decisions independently, including choices related to friendships, hobbies, and personal beliefs. Autonomy in adolescence involves the ability to make decisions based on personal values and desires, rather than solely conforming to parental expectations or peer pressure.

The pursuit of autonomy may lead teenagers to engage in activities such as spending time with friends, pursuing personal interests, and making decisions about their education and future goals. Intimacy, on the other hand, involves the ability to form close, meaningful connections with others, including friends, family members, and romantic partners. Adolescents often experience a strong desire for intimacy as they seek emotional support, validation, and understanding from their peers and romantic interests.

Developing intimacy requires teenagers to navigate complex emotions, communicate effectively, and establish trust and mutual respect in their relationships. Balancing autonomy and intimacy in adolescence can be challenging, as teenagers strive to assert their independence while also seeking close connections with others. Healthy relationships during adolescence foster both autonomy and intimacy, allowing teenagers to maintain their individuality while also experiencing the emotional fulfillment that comes from close, supportive connections.

Ultimately, the development of autonomy and intimacy during adolescence lays the foundation for healthy adult relationships and emotional well-being.

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Adolescent achievement refers to the successes or milestones that individuals reach during their teenage years, which can vary greatly from person to person. These achievements can include academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, personal development, and social relationships. They play a significant role in shaping a teenager's self-esteem, identity, and future prospects. For me, graduating high school, getting accepted into Lourdes, and getting scholarships were very important to me. After I was able to successful accomplish these goals, I felt a large amount of self esteem and had a boast of confidence.

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Sexuality in adolescence is a complex and multifaceted aspect of development. It involves the exploration of one's own identity, desires, and relationships. During this period, individuals may experience a wide range of emotions and attractions as they navigate their sexual orientation and preferences. It's also a time when peer influence and societal norms play significant roles in shaping attitudes towards sexuality. Understanding and accepting one's sexuality is an important part of adolescent development, and supportive environments are crucial for healthy exploration. However, it's essential to provide accurate information and education to empower adolescents to make informed decisions about their sexual health and well-being.