Ages 18-40 years old.

 

"Most young people leave home, complete their education, and begin full-time work.  Major concerns are debeloping a career, forming and intimate partnership, and marrying, rearing children, or establishing other lifestyles. " (Berk, 2013, p. 6).

 

I believe my time as an "young adult" has been the most dynamic and life-changing part of my life thus far.  In 2010 I graduated with my Bachelors in Psychology, in 2013 I graduated with my Masters in College Student Personnel, and in 2015 I will be graduating with my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.

Throughout my time as an undergrad I worked as a Resident Advisor, a Research Assistant, an Administrative Resident Advisor, and an Orientation leader.  During that time I was involved in numerous honors organizations, the BGSU Philharmonia, the Arts Village Learning Community, and BGSU Dance Marathon.  

 

All of the organizations I was a part of during college molded me into the person I am emotionally, socially, cognitively, and physically.  The friendships I have formed over the past 8 years have helped guide and solidify what I'm looking for in friendships and have also guided my path in life.  The quality of my relationships has resolved the intimacy vs. isolation stage of psychosocial development.   The overall experience has helped me to gain self-awareness, knowledge, and skills in working with individuals in the college setting and has helped me to become the best helping professional and practitioner I can be.

 

The positives of my time as a young adult far outweigh the stressors and "social clock" expectations that some people have of others and themselves during this time.  My experiences have helped me to understand my morals, values, and ideals, all of which I have used to navigate and guide me in stressful times.