In the spring 2016 semester, I took a Developmental Psychology (PSYC 420) course that focused on developmental and aging processes from conception to death. In this class, we discussed a specific mindset that adolescents develop, particularly in early teenage years. This adolescent mindset can be described by Piaget's theory. This theory introduces more logical thought and more abstract/operational processing. From personal experience, I have challenged my beliefs and self-worth often in my life. Yet, based on my personal faith, I have seen incredible changes and opportunities in my life. I believe the introduction to my spiritual beliefs has allowed myself to see things more clearly and recognize things the way they truly are. I have been able to make decisions based on my guidance from God that benefit me the most. This concept can parallel how independence plays a role in growing adolescents. Teenagers can enter rebellious phases and distance themselves from morals and get carried away by worldly and materialistic teachings.

My epiphany from the lectures in the Psychology class encouraged me to pursue helping teens with their lifestyle decisions and spiritual guidance.  An opportunity for someone to receive spiritual and holistic guidance is promoted in healthcare and is prominent in every day decisions. Patients can go through certain crises or potentially have a mentality where they presume that they do not have a value in life. The ability for a nurse to step out of the comfort zone to bring faith teachings can bring peace to many who are looking for answers, whether hospital patients or young teenagers. Assisting how someone can make decisions and form their own independent faith beliefs is beneficial, as opposed to someone enforcing them to act or believe a certain way. Proper guidance in the development of adolescents can be very challenging, but when faith is involved there can be success.

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When I began to think of this mentality that many adolescents develop, I found a link to my leadership at a summer Christian camp. I lead a group of kids yearly and get to explain Christ to them. I play a role in their understanding the thought and identity of God. The adolescents at this camp are usually between 12-16 years old and sometimes begin think more realistically and challenge their thoughts. This is different compared to a younger child who may be more led to believe in the concept of God. It is a form of abstract thought that causes teenagers to challenge their perceptions in reality, and potentially how they decide to live their lives. The beyond the class experience of the summer camp revolves around my opportunity to explain to the adolescents that it is understandable why we challenge God and make strong efforts to disregard what we cannot physically see.

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In connection to research, the ability to show how working with adolescents can assist thought processing and emotional development even through faith-based teachings.  In a Human Sexuality (HPEB 501) course I took in the spring of 2016, I saw a similarity between my findings with the young adolescents. I was assigned to survey three different people from various ages about their original knowledge about sex and when it was first introduced to them. This was investigating how the topic of sex was perceived and attributed to their lives at the time they learned it and their thoughts on it today. The questionnaires were an opportunity to gather data that could be observed and be evaluated based on the knowledge of sex from various ages from 19-51. The older adults received knowledge of the topic from school primarily around middle school age. The nineteen-year-old I interviewed got many insinuations and knowledge from television and media. This is an example that young people can learn things from various sources and gain different perceptions, some potentially being misleading or negative. I believe this is a relevant way to see how looking at how early introductions to faith principles may make a difference. This could compliment the theory that Piaget presented that once the early to late teenage years develop for adolescents they can think more objectively and potentially need guidance. As I have spiritually grown, I have been able to see opportunities in the world, especially since my tenure at USCL. I have pursued research and participated in service projects and presentations to show that I can make a difference. From the very shy, disconnected student I always felt I was, my faith has given me an opportunity to oppose my doubts and pursuit of my own desires. I have seen that I can make a larger contribution to my identity by helping others and assisting with their decisions in life. The guiding of the developmental mind of adolescents can enhance how they gain independence, show their own true form of beliefs, and not conform to what society teaches.

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