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Stage one of Erikson's theory of development is Trust Vs Mistrust. This stage is between 0 to 1 years old and is a time when infants seek stability and consistent care. Infants will feel trust if their caregivers are loving, dependable, and stable. This gives the infant a belief that people are caring and trustful. If this type of care is not given, the child will learn to distrust people. I was well taken care of with babysitters and by my parents during this time. I was attended to on a consistent basis.

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In this stage of Erikson's theory, children learn to be independent, and make their own life decisions. If they fail, they have learn their boundaries and how to handle failure.

My brother and I played on a lifeguard chair and he did not want me playing with him on the high lifeguard chair so, he knocked me down and I broke my collar bone on the cement floor.

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During this third stage of Erikson's theory, children try more things independently and more frequently. They learn to direct their play and other social activities. They will start to think for themselves by making plans and following through with them which gives them a sense of purpose. If they are discouraged, they may feel guilty about their actions.

On my first day of preschool my mom had dropped me off, and I sat on the time out bench, and cried for half of the day then recognized the class was playing so I decided to rise above, and stop crying to go play with the other kids

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In the fourth stage of Erikson's theory, children start to judge their abilities and sense of self by comparing themselves to their peers. Children need to be encouraged to develop their skills. If they do not get support, they might develop a sense of inferiority. During this time, I was failing in school with grades and this was a tough time for me because I was diagnosed with ADHD along with a Learning Disability at the age of 10 yrs old. I was superior in swimming and I was a very competitive swimmer. I thrived in this. I also started to do better with my education as I developed.

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Stage five of Erikson's theory is, Identify vs Confusion. During this time in a child's life, teens search for a sense of self and for their personal identity. They do this through exploring personal values, goals, and beliefs. If teens are supported in this stage, they are likely to end up with a good sense of self by feeling independent and in control. If they do not receive the support they need, they tend to feel unsure about their place in the world and their values. They question the future direction in their life and they will struggle with a lack of direction during adulthood.

I was doing very well in High School but also having mental health issues. I was also confused about my place in the world and future. I changed my hair color in high school and I went through different clothing styles but, I also respected my parents and did not act out by wearing inappropriate outfits in school. I was very quiet in high school and I did not talk much.

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The sixth stage of Erikson's theory of Development covers forming intimate, loving relationships with others. They can share themselves with others and commit to others by making self-sacrifices for the relationships. If this stage is difficult for a person, they may isolate themselves which leads to feelings of loneliness, alienation, and exclusion.

During this time after high school, I was confused about college and I also had depression/ anxiety. I had to take a break on college. I was confused about my life and work life. I went on to better jobs but also never did anything to help my mental health. Later on, I got help in seeking my identity with my therapist and psychiatrist. After I proceeded with these things, my mental health and work life got healthier.

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In the seventh stage of Erikson's theory, adults focus more on the living and building their lives through their jobs, families, and charitable contributions to society. If an adult feels they are making good contributions to the world, they will feel a sense of generativity. If an adult doesn't feel like they are contributing, they may feel unproductive and uninvolved which leads to being self absorbed and feelings of meaninglessness.

After I went through the tough situations, decisions, and mental health issues, my hope is that I become a caring teacher to my future students. I want to leave them with the feeling of being heard and knowing they have the ability to do anything if they work hard enough and seek the right kind of help.

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Finally, Stage 8-the last stage of Erikson's theory development is that adults think about their accomplishments and can see successes of their lives. This develops a sense of honor. If an adult feels that their life was meaningful and satisfying, they develop a sense of wisdom and satisfaction. If they do not develop during this stage, they may develop feelings of regret and disappointment. Looking back on my life, I hope that I gave myself closure. I hope that I am thankful for the accomplishments as a teacher.