My name is Nicole. I am a senior, living in Bricktown, New Jersey. Thinking back to life as a freshman makes me realize how many things have changed. My social and emotional growth has been affected by many factors. I think my family, and the experiences I’ve had growing up, have had the most significant influence on my sense of values. During my early years I was totally dependent on my parents. I also needed social and moral guidance.
I was born into a single parent family 17 years ago. My mother and I had the love and support of my grandparents and four uncles. I realize now, each and every day, how lucky we are to have them in our lives. Being an only child I felt extremely well cared for. I was spoiled with love and affection. For years I did not have to compete for my mothers time or attention. When my mother married in 1993 when I was 9 years old. It was a very difficult time for me. I felt that Bob was invading our lives. He loved me like his own and adopted me shortly after. It took years for our relationship to grow. Lots of love, patience, and caring, eventually led to my love of my new dad.
Heredity and environmental influences determine personalities. I tested many different kinds of behavior on
Moral development is an ongoing process. I did not suddenly acquire a sense of what is right and wrong. It developed over a period of years. When I was young I would usually try to do what my parents expected, to please them or to avoid punishment. Eventually I developed my own decision-making powers and internal controllers. By learning to recognize morally acceptable standards of behavior, I learned to live comfortably within the boundaries established by these standards. From this recognition, came the challenge of resisting temptation, controlling impulses, and making sound decisions before acting. Respecting my parents and feeling respected by them has been an important foundation for my positive behavior.
Friendships are an important aspect of everyone’s life. For me, they have been a source of both pleasure and frustration. Friends have allowed me to experience myself as a leader and follower, a winner and loser, and as an equal. Mutual respect between friends has been very important. I learned the negative aspects of friendships, as well as the positive ones. Through trial and error I have gradually come to understand the complexities of friendship. Liking others and being liked was vital for my social development. I have learned to establish and maintain special relationships that have enhanced my self-esteem.
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