Week 6 Reflection-Fitting In

I chose to do my reflection blog on the Chapter 9 reading specifically regarding Identity and Self-Esteem. I relate my experience with my identity and self-esteem during my adolescence directly with the fact that my parents moved us 2500 miles away from where we had "grown-up". I was only 10 years old when we moved from Texas to Washington. It was in the middle of the school year, also. I was born in Texas and grew-up in a small town, but around many family and friends. I was very outgoing and was involved in gymnastics...I wanted to be Mary Lou Retton. I was popular in school and always received good grades. I was invited to all of the birthday parties and our family attended church on a regular basis. We also had a lot of family functions that we attended. I identified myself with my home state and my family at that time. When we moved half-way through my 4th grade school year, not only was I devistated and saddened to leave my family and friends, it also made me very nervous and anxious to start at a new school. I personally think that I lost most of my self-esteem when we moved because I became a "little fish in a big pond" and didn't know anyone. I got through it, of course, but it was tough. When we moved, my parents also worked nights, so I was left under the supervision of my older brothers. I feel I had to grow-up a little quicker than I needed too, but I also think this made me more independent. I wouldn't say I had a bad childhood. I think if it were different, had we stayed in Texas, I might've been more content or I might've felt like there was nothing there for me either. I am in my early 30's now. It took me quite a while to get over the hit to my self-esteem and identity.