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During my adolescent years, I grappled with self-consciousness about my body, concerns about others' perceptions of my appearance, and the desire to be considered "popular." However, as I progressed through high school, I came to understand that people's opinions are insignificant, and true friends are the ones who remain. Additionally, cognitive transitions involve adjusting to unfamiliar learning environments, honing critical thinking abilities, refining memory retention methods, and enhancing information processing skills. These transitions play a pivotal role in achieving academic excellence, fostering personal development, and effectively managing the challenges of everyday life.

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The different stages of puberty in Males and females.

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Biological transitions represent a diverse array of transformations, ranging from the initiation of puberty to the evolution of primary and secondary sexual traits, growth spurts, hormonal fluctuations, brain maturation, and physical development. Amid these changes, I encountered a period of stress as my classmates seemed to be progressing faster, entering puberty and experiencing growth spurts earlier than I did. It wasn't until my freshman year that I began my own journey. Within a year, I transitioned from being the smallest member of my basketball team to becoming the tallest. These transitions are integral facets of human growth and maturation, shaping not just our physical attributes but also impacting cognitive and emotional development across various life stages.

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This picture shows individuals evolving.

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School Orientation Day

Social transitions in adolescence are all about the changes and adjustments we go through as we grow up. It's like moving from being a kid to figuring out who we are as young adults. We make new friends, explore our identities, become more independent, and learn how to handle different social situations. It's a time when we're building our social skills, forming new relationships, and figuring out where we fit in as we transition into adulthood. Attending high school orientation day marked my transition from middle school to high school. The event introduced me to the new school environment, academic expectations, extracurricular activities, and social dynamics. It was a pivotal moment where I navigated the shift from being a middle school student to a high schooler, meeting new peers, teachers, and understanding the layout of the school. The experience helped me prepare for the social transitions and adjustments that would come with this new phase of my education.

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Family Movie Night Tradition

Our cherished Sunday movie nights have become a beloved tradition in our family, symbolizing the deep-rooted values of togetherness and bonding. As the weekend ends, we egather in the cozy living room, snacks in hand, to select a movie that will bring us closer together. This weekly ritual not only strengthens the bonds between us but also creates enduring memories and a platform for open communication and shared experiences. Cherishing the laughter, tears, and heartfelt conversations that fill our living room.

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Schools play a vital role in the lives of adolescents by providing essential education, social development opportunities, emotional support, and personal growth experiences. Through formal education, schools equip adolescents with knowledge and critical thinking skills while fostering social interactions and relationships. Additionally, schools serve as a safe and supportive environment where adolescents can seek guidance and emotional support from teachers and counselors. By offering extracurricular activities, schools encourage personal growth and exploration of talents and interests. Schools prepare adolescents for the future by imparting life skills, career guidance, and opportunities for higher education or vocational training.

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Peer groups are incredibly important for adolescents as they navigate the complexities of social interaction and self-discovery. These peer relationships provide a platform for adolescents to develop crucial social skills, such as communication, empathy, and cooperation, in a real-world context outside of their families. Having a solid group of friends is super important. Your peers are like your support system outside of your family. They help you figure out who you are and how you fit into the world. Hanging out with your friends is not just about having a good time; it's also where you learn how to talk to people, solve problems, and see things from different perspectives. When things get tough, your friends are there to listen, give advice, and make you feel like you belong. They can inspire you to do well in school, make smart choices, and be a better person. Having a great group of friends isn't just about having fun; it's about growing, learning, and supporting each other through the ups and downs in life.

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Work, leisure, and media are crucial for adolescents as they contribute to their overall development and well-being. Work teaches them responsibility, time management, and important skills for the future. Leisure activities provide relaxation, social connections, and opportunities for personal growth and creativity. Media exposure helps them stay informed, connected, and entertained, but also requires guidance to develop critical thinking skills and digital literacy. Balancing these aspects helps adolescents lead a well-rounded and fulfilling life while preparing them for adulthood in a rapidly changing world. For me as a pharmacy technician, my responsibilities may include assisting in dispensing medications, managing inventory, processing prescriptions, interacting with customers, and maintaining a clean and organized workspace. Working as a pharmacy technician offers me the opportunity to contribute to the healthcare system and make a positive impact on the well-being of individuals in my community.

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My friends surprised my at one of my away basketball games. 

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Identity development is crucial for adolescents as it helps them form a sense of self and establish a coherent understanding of who they are. During this stage, adolescents explore various roles, values, beliefs, and interests to create a unique identity that aligns with their evolving sense of self. A strong and positive identity can lead to increased self-esteem, confidence, and a sense of purpose. It also helps adolescents navigate social relationships, make informed choices, and cope with challenges more effectively. For me when it comes to identity, I had a pretty hard time understanding myself. Throughout high school I always tried fitting in with everyone doing what everyone else is doing and then I soon realize that I am my own person. I make my own decisions and I started closing my circle off to certain people and i knew i wanted people i could trust, and that was gonna help me throughout my life instead of just bring me down or not do what’s best for me.

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My three best friend and I at my graduation party two days before I left for college. 

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Autonomy is really crucial because it's all about having the freedom to make your own choices based on what you believe in and value, without anyone pressuring you. It's a big deal because it helps you feel in control and true to yourself. Autonomy is key in many areas of life like relationships, work, and healthcare, where it's important for others to respect your ability to make decisions that are right for you. Autonomy holds great significance for me. It granted me the freedom to select both the college I desired to attend and the field I wished to pursue. Immediately after graduation, I made a conscious decision to immerse myself in a summer program, acquainting myself with college life and adapting to being three hours away from my family. After a year and a half, I decided to transfer out and pursue basketball at Lourdes University.

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Me and my friends attending my first lacrosse game. 

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Intimacy during adolescence is a big deal as it helps us develop socially and emotionally. Building close relationships with friends, family, or partners allows us to understand our feelings better, practice important social skills, and boost our self-esteem and identity. These connections also teach us empathy, communication, and how to handle conflicts, which are super important for future relationships. It also helps having a support system through these intimate relationships helps us get through tough times. Learning about boundaries, trust, and respect in these relationships guides us in setting healthy boundaries and figuring out what we value in relationships. During my adolescence, my focus was primarily on sports and academics. It wasn't until the end of my senior year and the beginning of college that I began to socialize more, spend time with friends, and explore intimate relationships.

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My girlfriend and I at a pumpkin  patch.

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Sexuality in adolescents refers to the exploration and development of sexual feelings, behaviors, and identity during the adolescent years, typically between the ages of 10 to 19. This period is characterized by significant physical, emotional, and social changes, including the onset of puberty, heightened curiosity about relationships and intimacy, and the formation of personal values and beliefs regarding sexuality. Adolescents often grapple with questions related to sexual orientation, gender identity, consent, sexual health, and relationships. They may navigate societal expectations, peer influences, media portrayals, and cultural beliefs that shape their understanding of sexuality. Education plays a vital role in supporting adolescents as they navigate their sexuality, providing accurate information about sexual health, consent, safe practices, and the diversity of sexual orientations and gender identities. Understanding of their sexuality, fostering healthy relationships and informed decision-making. For me I started getting into relationships my senior year of high school and college but I really didn’t care during high school, I focused more on sports and my education. It wasn’t until college that I got into a 3 year relationship.

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My family and I after I Graduated High School. 

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Achievements in adolescents can encompass a wide range of accomplishments and milestones that contribute to their personal growth and development during the teenage years. These achievements can include academic successes such as receiving awards, earning high grades, or completing challenging projects. In addition to academics, achievements for adolescents may involve excelling in extracurricular activities like sports, music, art, or leadership roles. Personal achievements such as overcoming obstacles, demonstrating resilience in the face of adversity, or making positive changes in their communities also play a significant role in shaping their character and self-esteem during adolescence. For me achievements were like goals for me. Every sense I was little I dreamed of getting a full ride and playing college basketball and becoming a teacher. In 19 days I can finally say I accomplished my goal and achieved what I needed to become successful.