Agent of Socialization Timeline by Haley Carter

Key

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:30:59 UTC

Green= Age

Orange= Major Personal Event

Blue= Major World/National Events

0 Years Old

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:31:57 UTC

5 years Old

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:32:11 UTC

10 Years old

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:32:20 UTC

16 Years old

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:32:28 UTC

Birth of my Sister Lydia

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:33:46 UTC

The birth of my first younger sister Lydia definitely changed my life in a major way. Becoming an older sister has taught me so many life lessons, like how to treat people, how to understand people, and how to be more responsible. I stepped up in raising my little sisters, and Lydia was always a handful for she has some mental issues. She was always a difficult person who constantly threw tantrums no matter what age she was. Dealing with her taught me patience. I knew the only way to calm her down was to silently sit with her, and not scream like everyone else in my family did. Lydia made me feel like a better and more responsible, respectful, and grown/mature.

Birth of my Sister Maggie

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:34:10 UTC

The birth of my second little sister Maggie also had a significant impact on my life. By the time Maggie was born I was a pro at being an older sister, so I thought this would be a breeze. However, I was wrong, for Maggie was something I never expected. She was the youngest and constantly looking for attention, even if it was negative, which it was most of the time. She was very aggressive and none of my tricks that I used on Lydia worked on her. Maggie made my life way harder, she was always there arguing, or hitting, or making messes that got me in trouble. She passed much of her anger onto me, and I still hold it to this day. Maggie taught me how to keep myself calm in situations that stressed me out, and angered me. I love her with my whole heart, but her attitude has taken a lot out of me. To this day she still is a very hard person to deal with, but I know she just wants to feel loved, so I make sure to show her it any chance I get. She taught me how to deal with the difficulty, and understand someone else's perspective on life.

Joining Gymnastics

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:34:42 UTC

My mom worked at a gym so at a very young age she signed me up to take gymnastics classes while she worked. I believe I inherited her love for gymnastics, for she was a gymnast and then decided to teach it. Joining gymnastics had an impact on me because it gave me a love for adrenaline, fear, and fun. I always felt, and still do feel, accomplished when I complete a skill. Whenever I flip I feel a rush of fear because I know I could fall. However that fear is overpowered by a sense of bliss at the feeling of being able to do such complex and dangerous things with my body. Ever since I did my first gymnastics class I instantly fell in love, and still try to fit in some tumbling whenever I can. Over the years I lost many skills, for I quit and no longer have time to visit the gym. However I will never forget the appreciation I held for the sport, and I still jump around in the gym while my mom teaches.

Joining Soccer

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:34:59 UTC

Joining soccer was one of the best decisions of my life. I never knew I could love a sport as much as I loved soccer. I remember getting so excited when it was time for practice, or those little weekend games. I made so many friends throughout the years, and learned the value of teamwork. Soccer taught me very valuable lessons that I could apply to real life, and which I still use today. I used to wear my soccer uniform to school almost everyday, and would flaunt the fact I played. I felt complete as a person with soccer, and devoted all my time to it. When I would score on the field, and everyone would cheer, I would be so happy. I don't think I've felt that same feeling anytime else in my life. Soccer is such a huge part of my life, and I truly believed it played a part in shaping my personality and attitude.

Starting Pre-school

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:36:04 UTC

The start of Pre-school was a big step in my life, for it was the first time I was away from my entire family. I was very attached to my sisters when I was younger, so being away from them was very hard. However, I also loved the sense of independence I got when my mom would drop me off at the school. Pre-school was very easy and fun, so it didn't even feel like school. I remember wishing to go to school full day so that I could mess around with my friends, and learn how to spell my name. I was never a shy person in school when I was younger, which I miss greatly. Pre-school was a great time for me, and it gave me lifelong friends that I am still able to grow with.

Middle School

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:37:49 UTC

Middle school was a big wake up call for me. School started to actually become challenging, and I realized I was no longer some little kid. There was so much drama I was involved in, making me lose friends who grew up with me. I started worrying more about my looks, and what others thought of me. I became very self-conscious and started getting piles of homework that took up my free time. I started becoming more shy and closed off. I remember feeling helpless as I watched my friends and I drift apart because we were placed on different teams. I was not classified as "popular" like I was in elementary school, I felt shunned by those around me. Middle school gave me more of a bad attitude, and I feel this era of my life was one of the worst.

Elementary School

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:38:13 UTC

Starting elementary school was a big turning point in my life, because it was when I realized I have a love for academic success. In my early years of elementary, grades were nothing to me, all I wanted was to go to recess with my friends. I was such an outgoing person, who never focused on grades because I was naturally good at school. As time went on I realized school would get harder as I grew. I started to focus less on my friends, and more on my grades. Now elementary grades didn't matter, but to me they did. Once I realized that good grades made me feel a sense of accomplishment/self-worth, I never stopped focusing on them.

Getting my first phone

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:38:26 UTC

Getting my first phone had a huge impact on my life because it changed my behavior/attitude, and my perspective on the world. Before having a phone/social media I was very naive and innocent. After getting a phone I saw many parts of the real world, that shocked me, while sheltering me. Social media made me scared of the world around me, making me become more closed off then I already was. However, having a phone also connected me to the world and the friends around me. I was able to use social media to talk with people I recently fell off with, and having a phone pulled me out of my social shell. On the other hand social media made me way more self-conscious and worried about my body. I used social media to base my looks and personality. I felt like I had to keep up with the media to stay relevant. I was constantly stressed/depressed when I would see how the people around me were having fun while I was at home. Having a phone was a big change that had both positive and negative effects.

Quiting Soccer

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:38:38 UTC

Overtime I lost my passion for soccer because of my coach. He would put in no effort for my team, and would usually show up 30 minutes late to practice. He would sit on his phone while we had games, and just make us pass around while he talked to the soccer moms. He angered me so much, and made me lose a lot of my love for the sport. I eventually had enough and decided I should quit. After my last game I balled my eyes out the entire way home because I was so heartbroken over the fact I was leaving such a huge part of my life behind. I still sit and wonder if I made the right choice. Part of me wants to go back, parts of me don't. Soccer holds such a big spot in my life, I will always have an immense love for it.

Meeting Sherrell

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:38:49 UTC

Sherrell is my best friend, and my platonic soulmate, meeting her changed my entire life. We met in middle school through a mutual friend, and we instantly clicked. She loved the same things as me, and we always had something to relate/talk about. She showed me what true friendship looked like, she treated me as her sister, and made me feel like family. There was a time when we stopped being friends, which was one of the worst times of my life. We reconnected a few months later in the beginning of sophomore year. Our bond grew right back, it was like time never passed. We spend every single day together (no joke we were once together everyday for 2.5 months). Sherrell has always made me feel appreciated, funny, loved, etc. Sherrell changed the course of my life for the better, I am so grateful for her.

My childhood best friend moving to Kentucky

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:39:09 UTC

Recently my best friend since pre-school moved 9 hours away to Kentucky. This hit me very hard because we were an inseparable pair, and now we see each other maybe once every 4 months. It has been very difficult without her because we have completely different lives that no longer involve each other daily. She has new friends, I have new friends, and now we rarely speak. I miss her so much, she was like my other half. I wish she never moved in the first place. I wish I had my best friend back home to share my life with.

High School

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:39:46 UTC

Starting high school was a big change in my life. I remember being so scared of getting lost, being bullied, falling behind in school, etc. My hands were literally shaking on the first day because I was so anxious, but also excited. I really wanted to see who all was in my class, and if the teachers were nice or not. Overtime I easily adapted to my schedule, and found that though the classes are hard, they are still manageable. I gained new friends with people I previously grew up with. I began loving the content I learned in the classes, and I always felt so accomplished with my grades. While high school is a lot of work, and very tiring, I really love this era.

Covid

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:40:06 UTC

Covid majorly effected me and my life. During Covid I would stay up till 9am, then sleep till 8pm. I was very depressed because I was stuck alone/with my family for such a long period of time. I began wishing school would come back just so that I could get some social interaction. This was also the time I was the skinniest because I developed an eating disorder. This was one of the worst times of my life I felt so alone and like life wasn't worth it. Covid made me even more scared to go out, and it absolutely ruined my social skills. I became way more anxious and socially awkward, and I lost the last few remaining friends I had. Overall, Covid was a terrible experience, I wish I could go back to life before it.

Getting my Permit

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:41:12 UTC

I got my permit a few weeks after my 16th birthday. This impacted me because I finally felt like an adult who could do stuff for myself. I was finally on the track to becoming more independent/free in life. Getting my permit made me feel so accomplished and grown up. I drove around the next day and was so excited to be behind the wheel. I still get filled with adrenaline when I am allowed to drive. Driving also taught me some important lessons like always being safe, driving carefully, paying attention to my surroundings, etc. I rarely get the chance to drive for my parents work all day and are currently sharing one car, but I get so happy when I do finally get the chance. I was supposed to get my license a few months back but no one could take me. So I still have my permit, but it doesn't matter to me, I just want to be able to drive around.

Dying my hair red for the first time

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:41:39 UTC

Dying my hair red for the first time kick started my obsession with my hair color/style. I remember feeling so confident after I dyed my hair. Everyone paid more attention to me, and gave me so many compliments. I felt so pretty and popular, which is something I've striven for my whole life. After this feeling I started dying/switching up my hair whenever I got the chance. I wanted to feel more unique/outgoing so I played with my hair as a way to try and change my personality/feelings. Dying my hair caused such a boost in my ego/confidence.

Trip to Italy

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:42:54 UTC

This was the first time I ever went somewhere outside of America. I was so excited to visit Italy, for it has always been a place to visit from my bucket list. I was also so nervous for the 10 hour plane ride for I've always had a fear of crashing. I was also scared something might happen to me in Italy because I am a young, naive, tourist. However, all my worries washed away when we reached Italy. I went with my uncle and his friend, and we had the best time. I felt so free and full when I walked down the streets. There was never a dull moment, I was always out having fun. This trip sparked my love for traveling, and made me want to travel the world when I get a little older. Italy was such an amazing experience that gave me so many adventures and stories to tell.

Trip to Poland/Prague

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:43:10 UTC

Last month I went on another out of country trip, but this time I went to both Poland and Prague. I was once again anxious because I was traveling for 10 hours on a plane while this whole Israel and Palestine conflict was happening. The news called it the worst time for American travel. I tried to ignore that fear and just focus on how ecstatic I was to reach my destination. The second we got to Poland I felt the familiar traveling bliss. I was so excited to be in a foreign place, there was never a moment where I wasn't smiling as I walked the streets. I had the best time in Poland/Prague. I met some amazing people, had outstanding food, saw the most beautiful sights, and overall had such a great experience. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and can't wait for my next trip.

Getting a Boyfriend

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:43:26 UTC

I just recently started dating this guy named Benny, who was the guy mentioned in my friend group/homecoming story. Having a boyfriend has impacted me because I feel he changes me for the better. Being with him takes away any negative feelings I bottle up. He relieves my stress, and makes my day better. He gets along with my family and I truly see myself being able to fall in love with him. He shows me love that I've never been shown before, he treats me with the most respect, and holds me in such high regards. Benny makes my life better the longer he's in it.

Meeting my current friend group

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:44:05 UTC

Around October Sherrell went to homecoming with her boyfriend, and they set me up with his cousin so that I wasn't third wheeling. After homecoming we went back to their house and all talked and laughed for hours. Ever since then we just all clicked as a group, and now we all hang out with each other in a big group. I am dating the guy I was set up with and Sherrell and his cousin are still together. Being a big friend group has made me so happy because I finally have a mixed group of people where I can be my true self without judgement. There is never a boring moment when we are together, which is something I've always wanted in a friend group. I'm so grateful that I met these people because they changed my life for the better.

Getting my first Husky named Shula

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:44:36 UTC

Getting Shula was one of the best things ever, because he became my best friend so fast. He is the cutest thing ever and having him made me so happy. I would spend my free time playing outside with him, and taking him on walks. I love him so much even though he is a lot to take care of. Getting him taught me even more responsibilities in life. I am so thankful that I got him, and having a husky is such a cool/unique experience.

Getting my second Husky named Ghost

25cartehr — 2023-12-04 18:44:54 UTC

I got my second husky Ghost around a year ago and it has been one hell of an experience. Ghost is the absolute cutest dog ever but having him caused so many problems. He and my other husky Shula didn't get along because they were both dominant males. They had death fights almost every week, and it took so much to get them to separate. One time my dad stepped in and got bit, so he had to go to the ER. That very night I was heartbroken because my parents decided we were gonna get rid of him because it was too much of a risk keeping him. My sisters and I sat on the floor for hours just crying while hugging Ghost because we grew attached to him so quickly. My mom had everything for him to get taken away planned out, but the person ended up being a no show. My mom couldn't find anyone else to take him, so he was stuck with us. Overtime Shula and him adapted to each other, they still fight sometimes but it's uncommon. I was so overjoyed to be able to keep him, It was one of the happiest moments of my life. We still have him to this day and he has also become my best friend. He is so loving and I just love him with my whole heart.

Hurricane Sandy

25cartehr — 2023-12-06 15:59:54 UTC

Hurricane Sandy was a hurricane that affected many areas, including Dewey Beach, which is where I was staying at the time. I remember my parents saying that the hurricane would just be some minor wind and maybe some flooding, but nothing big. That was not what happened, and we were forced to evacuate our vacation only a few days into it. I remember playing outside with my older sister Logan, and our neighbors who came along with us. Our parents pulled us inside, and started fiercely packing. We ended up taking over 10 hours to get home because of the traffic, winds, and flooding. This impacted me because I remember this being the first time I ever felt truly scared for my life. Now, I dramatized it when I was younger, but I remember thinking the hurricane was going to swoop us right up. Now every time I go to Dewey beach I remember this feeling.

The Israeli–Palestinian conflict

25cartehr — 2023-12-06 16:00:43 UTC

This recent conflict is another war that deeply upsets me. I once again feel helpless because I can't do anything besides give some spare money to Palestine charities. Very detailed stories/videos have been shared online which break my heart into pieces when I see them. Innocent children are being killed every second in Palestine, which hurts me so bad. I feel terrible for these people, and wished there was more I could do to help. I hope and pray this conflict soon ends, and the Palestinian people can find peace.

Donald Trump becoming President

25cartehr — 2023-12-06 16:02:16 UTC

Both of my parents are Trump supporters, but I was taught by my friends/media that Trump was a terrible person. I began believing the same, and arguing with my parents over liking him even though he would be out of office long before I could even vote. My parents tried to push Trump and his ideals onto my sisters and I. They tried putting up Trump signs, which embarrassed me, so my sisters and I threw a fit until they agreed to stop. My parents and I constantly got into arguments, which strained our relationship together. I remember feeling terrible after these arguments because deep down I really didn't care that they supported Trump, I was just trying to fit in with the view of my generation.

Joe Biden became President

25cartehr — 2023-12-06 16:03:29 UTC

As I said before, my parents are really big Trump supporters. So when Biden won it made them very upset, and all they talked about for weeks was the election. I refused to bring up anything close to politics around them because they would rant for hours if they got the chance. The election made me happy because social media made me believe Joe was the best choice for the presidency. I posted and acted like I was a big supporter of Biden, even though I still couldn't vote. My parents were very harsh for the first week or two after the election, and it made me stray away from talking to them. The elections really affect my parents for some reason, which in turn affects my sisters and I.

Black Lives Matter Movement

25cartehr — 2023-12-06 16:07:22 UTC

This entire movement came as a complete shock to the community around me. Everyone was affected, no matter their race, and I remember I wanted to show my support whenever I got the chance. I begged my parents to take me to the protests, but they said it was too dangerous. I posted any chance I got and donated spare money to the local charity group from the movement. I felt saddened by what was going on in the world, I never understood the hate for someone just because of their skin color. This movement was so powerful and I wished I could've done more.

Robb Elementary School Shooting

25cartehr — 2023-12-06 16:10:20 UTC

I saw the news of this shooting on social media and it filled me with both fear and sadness. I have always had a fear of school shootings, and seeing this happen in an elementary school broke my heart. I started seeing all these stories about the kids killed and it gave me a heavy heart. These were just little babies who had no protection, I felt so sorry for these innocent souls. I was also scared that the same thing would happen to my school, or my sister's school. For the next 2 weeks I was walking through the hallways/completing work while making up escape plans in my head. This shooting was such a tragedy that hit me hard, and made me scared of becoming someone's next victim.

Ukraine-Russia Conflict

25cartehr — 2023-12-06 16:13:12 UTC

This conflict hit me hard because I felt so bad for all the innocent people who were suffering in Ukraine. I remember seeing such gruesome videos of children being injured/killed as a result of the Russian attack. I remember one photo made me cry so hard because it showed a sweet little kid who was murdered while just riding her bike. I felt so helpless because there was nothing I could do, America just watched as the people in Ukraine were murdered day by day. This war was so tragic, and I still feel terrible to this day when I think of everything those Ukraine people went through/are still going through.

California Wildfires

25cartehr — 2023-12-06 16:16:54 UTC

A few years ago my dad took a DNA test that showed he had a sister he never knew about, that lived in California. My family made contact with her, and talked to her for a while, until she randomly went silent. This was around the same time the California wildfires were at their worst. We tried texting and calling, but she never answered. Now we don't know if she could've been hurt/effected by the wildfires, or if she just decided we were no longer worth the time.

Naya Rivera Died

25cartehr — 2023-12-06 16:19:34 UTC

Naya Rivera played in the TV show Glee, which I grew up watching. Her character was so funny, and one of my favorites on the screen. When she died I balled my eyes out, because her character was such a memorable part of my life. The story behind her death is even more tragic, making it such a heartbreaking story. Her death was a terrible thing that left me in pieces. Afterwards, I began re-watching Glee, which hurt even more. She deserved better than the fate she received.

MOST IMPORTANT: ages 1-3: Birth of my 2 little sisters

25cartehr — 2023-12-06 16:23:13 UTC

Lydia and Maggie have affected me the most as a person. They have influenced my behavior, personality, attitude, and socialization.