Thursday, May 26, 2011
Family Genogram Reflection
One does not always realize the impact environment has on one's thoughts and behaviors because of the normalcy of the situation. If that is all you know, that is what you do, with little thought as to why. It was so informative to really look at the different educational and career choices that existed within my family. I have always known they were a great family to be a part of, but now there is a clearer picture as to why. My paternal grandmother set the pattern as she achieved her degree in the early 1900's. It definitely was not the normal trend for women at the time but she loved learning and knew hard work as she raised a family alone after the death of her husband. Those traits are valuable as I look at the different lives within my own family. I am more grateful than ever for a family who taught me the merits of hard work and success and gave me skills that might allow it to happen. It is exciting to think I might be able to share skills with students as their school counselor that will enable each to determine the level of success each desires.
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So interesting your grandmother got her degree in the early 1900's. My grandmother always wanted to go to New York and be a singer, but was told she couldn't because only girls who got pregnant went there. She was kept from pursing her dreams. I think this is why she always pushed so hard for her children and grandchildren to achieve their dreams.
ReplyDeleteMy grandmother also achieved her college degree in a time where women were not typically encouraged to pursue higher education. She was also offered a full scholarship to attend Julliard to study music and piano after graduating from college. She decided to marry my grandfather and the course of her life changed forever. She became a coach's wife. I cannot recall a day in my life that she was not happy with the exception of the death of her mother. Amazingly resilent woman!
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ReplyDeleteagree with what you say about the environment's impact and influence on your behaviors. My maternal grandfather was a farmer and my grandmother took care of the household. Neither my mother or her siblings went to college. That just wasn't the thing to do when you lived in the country. However, even though my paternal grandfather farmed, he and my grandmother made sure that their children went to college. So I guess that even though they were from the country, they went against the norm.
ReplyDeleteI think that it is so great that your grandmother set such a powerful standard. My grandparents were farmers in the rural midwest with limited education, but they pushed my parents to recieve their degrees and in so doing pushed us.
ReplyDeleteYour genogram looks great! Good job! I was the first in my family to go to college, but it was encouraged and 'understood' from an early age. Change was expected..
ReplyDeleteRenee,
ReplyDeleteI canunderstand the impact of a tradition of hard work. My family has always been willing to work hard for whatever was important to them. A great work ethic is sometimes hard to find and one that is greatlt admired in my family.