I conducted an interview with Alexander in order to identify different developmental stages in his life. In this first stage, he learned basic trust as a baby by trusting his parents would be there to help him when he needed it. When learning to walk they would hold his hand so that he would not fall. By doing this, they gained his trust and he was more confident to walk on his own.

In early childhood, Alexander would insist on putting his own shoes on. Sometimes they would be on the wrong feet. His parents would let him know that they were proud of him for putting them on by himself. They would ask him to try to do it again in order to get them on the right feet. Through his achievements and mistakes, and through his parents guidance he achieved a balance between self-determination and control by others.

Around the age 3 or 4, Alexander wanted to listen to the radio in his dad's car. Since he has done this before he decided to go do it on his own. He turned the key to turn the radio on, however he did not know the car was left in gear. The car went through the wall of the garage and into their house. He was scared and felt guilty. His parents assured him that they were just happy he was safe and it wasn't his fault but to ask next time. After that, he never went to listen to the radio by himself in the car again.

In grade school Alexander started to struggle with math. In order to resolve this issue his mom would work with him every night and give him practice tests. He would also go to his teacher for extra help before school started, in order to help him understand what he was learning. After a while of this extra help and practice, he did understand the topic and felt that he had mastered it. In the US, the cultural "skills" include math, reading, writing, etc. He was able to master all of these cultural skills with some extra effort.

In puberty to young adulthood Alexander started to think about what occupation he might enjoy when he grows up. He was unsure of what he would like to do as a long term job. He started working when he was 14 at a pool store. He tried different types of jobs such as carpentry and roofing. In doing this, he decided that these jobs were not the right fit for him, but he also gained skills and realized he was a dedicated worker. He decided to take his knowledge and experiences, as well as his work ethic and look for a long term occupation/job. In doing this, he "confronted the crisis of identity versus identity confusion in order to become a unique adult with a coherent sense of self and a valued role in society."

When Alexander was a young adult, he made a commitment to the Air Force. He learned a lot of new skills, and also about life and respect. While fulfilling his contract to the military, he decided to settle down and get married. Although he made a commitment to an occupation first, he still was able to make a commitment to a loved one. Through his learning and adapting of the military culture, he was able to resolve this stage of intimacy versus isolation.

"The capacity for intimacy is related to psychological adjustment and social competence."

As a mature adult, Alexander constantly worries about setting a good example for his daughter. He ensures that he hold a good job with health benefits in order to provide for his family. He makes sure to focus on teaching his daughter, and future children right from wrong in order to prepare them for the world. Through doing this, he hopes that his children will grow up with a good head on their shoulders, and help to spread awareness/set an example for others in their generation.

When Alexander reaches late adulthood, he realizes that he has lived a full life. He is still happily married, he raised two children and is watching his grandchildren grow up. He has retired from the workforce and is starting to have some health problems. He realizes that he will not live forever, and ensures that everyone in his life knows that they are loved.