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Erikson's first stage of development is one of the most crucial stages. In this stage, a child will decide and learn whether or not they can trust their caregiver. This stage lasts from birth until the child is about 18 months. According to the textbook, "babies need to develop a balance between trust, which lets them form intimate relationships, and mistrust, which enables them to protect themselves". When I was a baby, I would cry when I woke up in the morning. Once my mom or dad came to get me, I would stop. In this scenario, I demonstrated trust rather than mistrust.

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This stage demonstrates a child's ability to follow directions and make their own choices. According to the textbook, "children achieve a balance between self-determination and control by others".
When I was about three years old, I decided to cut my own hair. My grandmother was babysitting me, and I will never forget her face of horror as I walked downstairs with my new (and atrociously horrible) haircut. After I made this decision, I felt horrible. This was a demonstration of shame and doubt, I felt shameful of my decision. I doubted that my grandmother would approve of this idea, so I refrained from asking.

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Erikson's third stage demonstrates a child's ability to learn to meet, or not to meet, social approval. The book states "children balance the urge to pursue goals with reservations about doing so". I remember being in kindergarten and playing superheroes with my best friend every day at recess. I believed that I truly was a superhero, and I never had any reservations about playing. I never thought that we should be playing something more "realistic". This demonstrates initiative. I never felt embarrassed for playing this silly game, I just enjoyed it with my friend.

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This stage explains a child's need to learn how to be productive in their culture, less they feel feelings of inadequacy. The textbook reads, "children must learn the productive skills their culture requires or else face feelings of inferiority". As a child in grade school, I was taught the things I needed to be successful in the future. I was one who worked extremely hard on my schoolwork to learn the things I needed to know. I demonstrated initiative, especially in my schooling. I remember struggling with my math, and I approached my teacher for help so I could understand what was being taught in order to do well on my assessments and in the future.

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Erikson's fifth stage, lasting from ages 12 to 18, demonstrates the struggle one has to find their own identity and sense of self. According to the textbook, "an adolescent seeks to develop a coherent sense of self, including the role she or he is to play in society." When I transitioned from middle to high school, I remember seeing a big difference in people. There were fewer cliques and fewer and fewer people conformed to this "idea" people had. There was more individuality and unique personalities began to shine through. I made a decision to stop following trends that I didn't like, and start being myself and enjoying the things that I enjoyed. I demonstrated identity. I knew who I was, and I wasn't going to let anyone make me feel bad about it, or make me want to change myself to fit a certain description.

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Erikson's sixth stage demonstrates the conflict adults have between forming intimate and loving relationships with others and remaining alone. "Successful completion of this stage can result in happy relationships and a sense of commitment, safety, and care within a relationship." I hope to get married one day. Both of my parents have been divorced several times, so relationships, commitment, and intimacy are things that I struggle with. But I hope to find the right person and overcome my struggles and fears. I hope to demonstrate intimacy. I want to get married and have a family when I am older.

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During this stage, adults struggle with idea that they need to create something that will outlast them. Failure at doing so will make them feel unproductive or stagnated. "We give back to society through raising our children, being productive at work, and becoming involved in community activities and organizations." I have never felt like I want to go out and change the world. Rather, I want to help and encourage others to do so. This is one reason why I want to become a teacher. I want to support my students and help them make the world a better place. I hope that I will feel productive in my efforts to make the world a better place. By teaching others, I should feel generative.

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Erikson's eighth and final stage demonstrates the time when we reflect on our lives and all that we have, or have not, accomplished. "Individuals who reflect on their life and regret not achieving their goals will experience feelings of bitterness and despair." When I retire and begin to look back on my life as it may be coming to a close, I want to feel content. I hope to be able to sit with my family and reminisce about all of the good times and memories I have made. This demonstrates ego integrity. I will, hopefully, feel content and satisfied with my life and accomplishments.