Critical Reflection #3

Critical Reflection Paper
Name
Institution Affiliation
Critical Reflection
According to Creasy and Jarvis (2012), the community is critical to individual development. Stable communities provide an ideal environment for development by creating a sense of community efficacy and allowing the adolescent to participate in activities that support their positive development. Adolescent growing up in economically deprived areas are exposed to a myriad of unfavorable factors that make them susceptible to emotional, social and psychological problems. Exposure to these factors affects their development negatively. Stressful experiences in early life have different types of adversity and contribute to adverse mental health outcomes which become visible as early as adolescence age (Vanderbilt & Shaw, 2008). However, young people who exhibit resilient are capable of showing positive development even in extremely difficult circumstances. An individual’s characteristic can influence how vulnerable young people respond to various stresses in the environment. Additionally, Creasy & Jarvis (2012) noted that the immediate ecology is highly important, particularly during the transition period.
As a young girl living in a neighborhood perceived to be relatively stable, I had firsthand experience of how negative stressors can influence development. Although the neighborhood is relatively stable, inequality persists, and there is evidence of differing socio-economic status. Growing up, these inequalities manifested, not only in the schools we went to but also on the self-esteem of some of my friends.

We were grouped into “the children of the rich” and the “children of not-so-well-of.” These imaginary subdivisions determined our social circles and, particularly our friends. The choice of friends ultimately affected our sense of identity and self-esteem. I belonged to the group “children of not-so-well-of” parents, and as such I used to socialize with a large number of my fellow “poor” children. A large number of male friends, who older than me, were more likely to engage in risk behaviors. For instance, the were several instances when two of them engaged in a binge-drinking spree. They took advantage of the fact that their parents worked extra hours and as such the children had a lot of unsupervised time. Often, these adolescents felt obliged to look for a part-time job. Although part-time jobs are ideal, they had negative effects on Wallace, a promising male in the neighborhood. He dropped out of school later. As a lady, the negative impacts were limited to the choice of schools, social activities and to some extent increased risks of engaging in risky behaviors. I believe the greatest impact on me was in shaping my identity. The society defined our parents as underachievers and consequently viewed as people with limited opportunities. As a result, I felt sidelined and was unable to get good mentors at an early age. I had to work extra had to prove that I was capable, just like any other child from the neighborhood. Additionally, I had to go an extra mile regarding clothing to match what other girls wore. It was a hard thing considering that some of the clothes I wore cost my family a fortune and in most instances, I had to pressure my parents to buy.
References
Creasey G & Jarvis P (2012). Adolescent Development and School Achievement in Urban Communities (1st Ed). Routledge Publisher, USA.
Vanderbilt A & Shaw D (2008). Protective factors and the development of resilience in the context of neighborhood disadvantage. Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology. Vol.36 (6): 887-901.