Introduction
The first three years are very important to the development of an individual. I am a first-born in a family of five. I had a very healthy childhood; there were no complications in the first 18 months of my life. I was brought up in a stable family with both parents; this is what made me develop confidence and optimism about a better tomorrow. When I was three years old, I joined the elementary school. This played a major role in my development.
The school environment helped me develop self-esteem as I learned new skills. I started developing friendships with other children and I was able to know what is wrong and what is right (Erikson, 3). The care and support that I received while in school made me be fond of education and that love for education has enabled me to accomplish what I have attained as far as education is concerned.
Main body
When a child is between the ages of 3 to 5, he or she faces a desire to do what the adults do; at this point, one wants to behave like an adult (Erikson, 7). When I was 4 years old, I forced my parents to buy me a bicycle. Most adults in my hometown rode bicycles; I wanted a bicycle so that I could ride like them. When I was five years old, I lost my pet friend, a cat and I was hurt by the demise of the Cat. At this level, I had started to develop emotional links with individuals and animals in my vicinity. I was in a position to show affection, and I had realized the importance of family love (Erikson, 10).
During a child’s development, the foundations of one’s competencies are laid at the ages between 6 and 12; the experiences that a child is exposed to at this stage will determine how competent the child will be as an adult (Erikson, 20). At the age of six, I had developed an interest in playing football, so I decided to join the school team. The football coach did not offer enough encouragement, and I lost interest.
This could have been a career but due to lack of support, I developed low esteem as far as football was concerned and I never attempted to play football again (Erikson, 18). At the age of ten, I had a serious fight with a friend over an argument we had started. I wanted to assert myself and proof a point physically. This led to my shoulder bone dislocation. I became very afraid of fighting and I have never indulged in fighting again. At the age of 12, my brother died and I was terrified of his death but it helped strengthen the family bond in me.
Between the ages of 13 to 18 an individual transits from childhood to adulthood, this stage is full of confusion and as one tries to identify him/her self (Erikson, 62). At the age of 15, I indulged in teenage smoking, although it did not last for long. I was influenced into smoking by the media my friends. My parents were supportive of me, they helped me learn the negative effects of smoking, I decided to quit before I became an addict (Erikson, 59).
I was also arrested for reckless driving, it was my first time to be arrested, and I learned that if one misbehaves in society there are forces that will impose a punishment. When I joined the university as a young adult, it helped my development as I was associating with successful people. I started visualizing myself as a successful person in the future (Erikson, 87).
The development of an individual as a young adult is marked with settlement in life and love (Erikson, 151). I want to get a nice job, buy a house, and develop a serious relationship leading to marriage before I attain 30 years. I want to self-actualize myself in the field of education in my twenties. I am also intending to get married and have children before I attain 45 years (Erikson, 151).
A middle-aged adult involves one having more responsibilities, other people depending on you, such as your children, if you are a boss your employees depend on your decisions (Erikson, 534). I want to have a family that depends on me at this stage. I also should be financially stable and indulge in so many projects that will make people around me to be proud of what I am. I want to offer my family the best environment for their development, and be supportive to any person who has a realistic dream (Erikson, 300). By the time I retire from active work, I should have investments that will build my legacy.
Conclusion
The last stage of human development is the late adult stage, at this point, an individual is above 65 years, and at this point, one reflects on his achievements, legacies, and failures (Erikson, 350). Every person believes in achievements. I want to have legacies all over when I am 65 years old. I want to see my children succeed in life; I want to see so many people dependent on my development. I want people to appreciate what I have done with my life. If I will achieve all this, I will be ready to die peacefully.