questions and answers

YOUNG ADULTHOOD 1

You are 18 years old and the world is in front of you! You live at home with your parents and brother Jack, who is four years younger than you. Jack is a math whiz and computer enthusiast, but having Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well as epilepsy present some challenges for him with social skills, routines, and seizures. Your sister, Gwen, who is two years older than you, is working full time and lives with her boyfriend. She says she is still trying to “find herself.” She’s a little fickle, but has always been there for you when you’ve needed her. Your family has experienced the typical ups and downs over the years, but you feel lucky to have them as your family!

YAY! Your high school graduation is nearly here. High school was pretty easy for you and you kept up your grades. You are excited to start at a 4-year university in the fall. It is in-state not far from your home, but you’ll be living on campus. You are ready for the change and to take on the challenges and new experiences that college will bring.

And yet the conversations about adulthood continue. Your parents ask if you’re ready for adult responsibilities. You’re not sure how to answer. You think you’re ready for more independence but there’s a lot you’re still trying to figure out.

Your last living grandparent, your beloved Grandma, visits. A visit from her is always so special! She shares stories, imparts wisdom, and makes you laugh. You enjoy the quality time with her as well as with Gwen and Jack because you hardly see your siblings these days. Before Grandma departs, she slips you $20 of “spending money,” which is something she does every time she leaves!

YOUNG ADULTHOOD 2

Wow! And just like that, your life changes! You move to college and meet your roommate. You have a part-time job on campus and are getting used to classes, studying, and all the other new experiences.

After a few months under your belt, you reflect on how you are adjusting to the new things in your life. As is typical with life, everything is not always perfect, but you’re working on getting into a good groove and adjusting to the new experiences and challenges. You feel optimistic that adjustment will come in time, but need to continue managing the stress.

In terms of your recent romantic life...although you’re open to finding a special someone, none of the dates you’ve had has turned into a relationship.

You declare a major in Health Sciences. You feel good about your decision and think that area will suit you. You are ready to take more classes in your major.

On a family note, Gwen confides in you that while she and her boyfriend were “on a break”, she contracted a sexually transmitted infection from someone she was sexually involved with. She was relieved it was an infection that could be treated with antibiotics. She took the opportunity to lecture you about safe sex.

As you are busy with your professional pursuits, your parents have been supportive. You had talked to them about your career interests and they provided sage advice and asked good questions that helped you think through your options. They respect and support your career path decision.

Time flies! You are halfway through your undergraduate program. You’re still working part-time on campus and are continuing on with your studies, with the plan to graduate from college in two years.

YOUNG ADULTHOOD 3

Companionship and support are just two of the benefits of friendship. Close friends help with the development of social skills, lift each other up, and enhance each other’s mental and physical health. Despite being busy, you do find time to see your small group of friends and reap the benefits of friendship. You are especially close to Sarah and Michael. You’re glad to have them (and, of course, Alex who lives out-of-state) in your life.

Nothing major to report on your love life. You were involved with someone, but it was short-lived and clear you two wanted different things from a relationship.

You have a lot going on as you continue to establish yourself as an adult and make your own decisions. You are handling it all by staying calm and making goals for yourself.

You have noticed that your views are changing. You’re seeing things less as having one right answer. You’re realizing there are different perspectives that might be valid. You chalk it up to the life experiences you’ve been having that must be opening your mind to new ways of thinking.

WOOHOO! Congratulations! You earn your undergraduate degree! You are super excited for this major accomplishment. Time to get a job! Thankfully, that happens quickly because pursuing that internship paid off. You are offered a full-time position in your field and accept. On to bigger and better things as you begin to establish your career in Health Sciences.

You had moved back home after graduation. You’d like to move out of your parents’ house, but living with them will have to do for now. Although it can be challenging to be independent while living under their roof, you’ve already taken on some financial responsibility and can’t afford the additional expenses of rent and utilities. Hopefully you will be able to move out sooner rather than later!

You take advantage of still being on your parents’ insurance and visit the doctor for a routine physical. You find out you’re in good health. Your doctor explains this stage tends to be when senses are sharp and people are in their prime physically. Yet, she encourages you to engage in healthy habits to pave the way for continued health throughout adulthood.

Your sister Gwen and her “on-again-off-again” boyfriend are not only back together, but they announced Gwen is pregnant! It’s a shock to everyone in the family, but they say they’re committed to trying to make their relationship work and raising the baby together. Jack, the math whiz of the family, instantly calculates the hours remaining until their due date, which helps to lighten the mood! You are going to be an aunt!

You have a new coworker, Huda, who recently emigrated from Oman. Although you live in a multi-cultural society, conversations with her get you thinking about the world and wanting to be more globally-minded. You understand the impact that cultural values have on how people think and act.

YOUNG ADULTHOOD 4

You are an aunt! Gwen has a really cute, sweet baby boy they call Ben. The transition is stressful for Gwen and her boyfriend. You hope the tension between them will diminish as they continue to adjust (while being sleep-deprived) to being a family of three!

You meet someone you really like! You start texting and then hanging out. Now you’re head over heels! It’s off to a passionate start and you’re quite excited about it!

You attend a holiday party at Huda’s apartment. You’re introduced to food, traditions, and political views different from what you’re used to. Despite the differences, you find you share many experiences and commonalities. You really enjoy the party!

You’ve been able to use your education and experience to get opportunities at work. You feel you’ve done a good job investing in career readiness, but are convinced that further education is needed in order to advance your career. You seriously consider whether graduate school might be in your future!

Grandma visits! You relish your time together and the joy she brings to your life. As usual, when she leaves, she slips you $20 for spending money!

As intensely as it started, your relationship ends much the same way. You had gone away for what was supposed to be a romantic weekend together, but it turned into somewhat of a disaster. You got the clear sense that your partner was no longer into you and your strong feelings were no longer reciprocated. Much to your dismay, things fizzle out after that. You are pretty upset about it and have a few pity parties by yourself. Alex is particularly instrumental in getting you out of your slump and helping you see the breakup is for the best.up is

You continue to manage stress well but, hey, there is always room for improvement! As such, you attend a stress management class offered by your work. The class serves to affirm that you have good coping skills. Yet, you do take-away a suggestion or two to add to your coping toolkit. You’ll continue to put your skills into action when difficult situations arise.

You are disappointed, but you still can’t afford to move out of your parents’ house. Even small apartments with a roommate are out of your budget at the moment. You vow to decrease your frivolous spending and increase your saving, to make moving out feasible.