Below Is a Statement from a Native American Adolescent

question 27

Essay

Below is a statement from a Native American adolescent. Analyze the passage below based on what you know about identity development. (HINT: What would identity development research derived from the work of Erikson and Marcia's theory say?)
"I think I learned that I couldn't be myself at that school. I had to be like the other students to be happy there; I had to be rich and snobby. Because of my family's poverty and our tribal gatherings, I couldn't be like them. Not really anyway. . . . I felt I had to put on airs, or have a dramatic life that people would be interested in, otherwise I was a lonely person. I needed to find a niche somehow, somewhere. So for about two years, somewhere between eighth and ninth grade, I became a liar.
"After exploring a few different career paths during college, I feel I have developed a new appreciation for who I am. I have been an active member of the Native American Society and have lived at the Society house whenever possible. . . . Graduation is finally in sight. I plan to go on to graduate school for Indian education. I want to work in curriculum and administration, but I will probably teach first so that I can get some practical experience. I find that because of my experiences away from home I've gotten a lot of perspective that has, in the end, allowed me to appreciate my heritage."

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Definitions:

Frontal Lobe

The frontal lobe is a region of the brain located at the front of each cerebral hemisphere, responsible for decision making, problem-solving, control of purposeful behaviors, consciousness, and emotions.

Phenotypic Plasticity

The ability of an organism to change its phenotype in response to changes in the environment, showcasing the flexibility in an organism's developmental pathways.

Dorsal

Pertaining to the back side of an organism or towards the spine, opposite of ventral.

Medial

Positioned in the middle or towards the central line of the body or an organ.