For the most part, the problem I want to solve has remained the same throughout the weeks. I am eager to manage and ultimately own a business in the interior decorating field. I aim for my business to inspire others with our decor and style. I want my employees to be able to create a beautiful space with whatever they are given, and I want my clients to be so happy with the results and make their house a place they are happy to call home. This is my plan, but I realize that plans change with circumstances. This week, our class focused on the idea of identity development. Chickering’s theory of identity development “remains arguably the most well known, widely used, and comprehensive model available for understanding …show more content…
First, Rodriguez develops competence by figuring out what his obstacle is going to be. In his story, the obstacle was “institutional racism.” Then, he moves through the vector of managing his emotions by learning to respond appropriately to the emotions that face him. He states, “ I wish I as I write these things that I could be angry at those who mislabeled me” (p. 152). This shows that he is able to control his emotions. Rodriguez is then forced to move from autonomy toward interdependence. He moves away from reassurance, affection, and approval from parents, peers, and other social groups by accepting the things that he cannot change. He then develops mature interpersonal relationships with teachers and faculty, which in turn help him to establish his identity. None of his professors simply passed him, and none treated him with condescension. Rodriguez stated that, “The odd thing was that in the classroom teachers reminded me of both my public identity and power as a student of literature. But outside of class few were willing to recognize that I was, at best, paradoxically named a minority student” (p. 156). After establishing identity, Rodriguez develops purpose. He says, “In late summer, I decided to finish my dissertation and to accept a one-year teaching assignment at Berkeley” (p. 160). Later on, however, he develops integrity by balancing his …show more content…
In Hunger of Memory, Rodriguez states that “The very fact that I am in a position to apply for this job should make that clear” (p. 168). This quote is powerful because Rodriguez realizes that despite his differences, he is still worthy of great things. In the process of solving my problem, it is inevitable that I will face difficulties; however, it is important that I know that I am enough and that I am worthy of great things.
2. In the article, “Chickering admits that everyone develops at different rates. Although his theory focuses on the development of college students, some people may take longer to move through the vectors than others.” Moving through the vectors is the first step in solving my problem, so it is likely that I will be eager to get through them. However, I cannot get discouraged if I see other people moving through the vectors than me.
3. The “Establishing Identity” vector is dependent on the experience in the vectors that come before it—the competencies, emotions, confidence in one’s independence, and relationships all factor into identity development. Recently, I established my identity by ending a relationship. I was not confident in my independent, and I relied too heavily on someone else to make me happy. When I checked in with myself and found myself to actually be unhappy, I became very discouraged. I have heard many people say that college is the place to “find yourself,” and that 's what I strive to