Ian is 52 years of age. He and Molly have weathered many storms together, and her recent fight with breast cancer was no exception. She is now in remission after a double mastectomy, and the doctors are confident that they removed all of the cancer before it spread. Molly was out of work for roughly a year, and she and Ian had some help during that time from their grown children.
Ian has continued to teach. He and Molly have continued to be well-respected in the school system and are some of the longest-employed in the school district. They feel like they have a new outlook on life after Molly's illness, and they spend much of their free time together. Ian still teaches some at the community college, and enrollment in his classes continues to be steady.
Ian has thought about retirement but isn't sure the two could do it. The two have talked about traveling now that the children are grown, but they aren't sure. The recent economic challenges have taken their toll with Molly having to take a pay cut when she returned to work after her illness.
* What challenges do couples face when one becomes ill? Cite statistics to indicate the percentage of couples who stay together, who separate, etc. How many generally say their relationship is strengthened because of the experience of overcoming an illness?
* Ian and Molly have been employed by a public school system for several years. What kind of retirement plan are they likely to have, and how much money might be available to them assuming they were able to match the school system's contribution to their retirement account each month?
* Describe the typical developmental milestones for middle adulthood.
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Week 8
Ian is now 33 years of age. After attending college partly on scholarship and partly with loans, he has just finished paying off his college debt. He married his high school sweetheart, Molly, and the two now have 3 children. Ian teaches at a local high school, and he teaches one class a week at a local community college. He is able to get around through public transportation, the assistance of a close group of friends, and Molly. Molly works also as a speech pathologist for the same school district in which Ian works, and the two are known by all as wonderful professionals in their respective fields.
Ian credits much of his life path to the resilience he built and drew upon after the accident. He often talks about how it has taught him lessons and "made him the person he is today." Even though he sometimes wishes he could run in the backyard with his kids, he continues to find ways to make meaning of his life and his past.
Ian sees his older brother from time to time - Tyler never fully recovered from his injury and still struggles with activities of daily living. Tyler has developed a quirky sense of humor, however, and he loves coming to the house to see his nieces and nephew. Ian keeps in touch with his mother who visits with Tyler, and the two talk several times throughout the week.
* What is the time period for early adulthood? What are the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional changes that typically take place during this period? What specific aspects of early adulthood must Ian pay attention to since he is wheelchair-bound? Is he more susceptible to certain kinds of difficulties during this period, or is he not any more or less susceptible than anyone else?
* How does contemporary psychology define "resilience?" How does this apply to Ian? What is positive psychology? To what do you attribute Ian's current sense of thriving in life and his resilience?
Ian credits much of his life path to the resilience he built and drew upon after the accident. He often talks about how it has taught him lessons and "made him the person he is today." Even though he sometimes wishes he could run in the backyard with his kids, he continues to find ways to make meaning of his life and his past.
Ian sees his older brother from time to time - Tyler never fully recovered from his injury and still struggles with activities of daily living. Tyler has developed a quirky sense of humor, however, and he loves coming to the house to see his nieces and nephew. Ian keeps in touch with his mother who visits with Tyler, and the two talk several times throughout the week.
* What is the time period for early adulthood? What are the physical, cognitive, and socio-emotional changes that typically take place during this period? What specific aspects of early adulthood must Ian pay attention to since he is wheelchair-bound? Is he more susceptible to certain kinds of difficulties during this period, or is he not any more or less susceptible than anyone else?
* How does contemporary psychology define "resilience?" How does this apply to Ian? What is positive psychology? To what do you attribute Ian's current sense of thriving in life and his resilience?
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Week 7
Ian is 19 years old and is in his senior year of high school. He is an individual who is seen as having overcome so much, and he is well-liked by his peers. Academically, he is at the top of his class - in fact, if all goes well, he will be the valedictorian and will be giving a speech at graduation. Ian is known as "Mr. History" around the school - he has not missed a question on any history exam for 2 years, and he recently learned that he scored a '5' on the AP exam for European History and also a '5' for American History.
Leila, for her part, is concerned that she won't be able to afford Ian's college experience. In fact, she knows she can't afford it. She is counting on Ian receiving financial aid, and she is likely able to help out with expenses for books and materials. She spends her time caring for Tyler who still lives at home. If financial aid doesn't come through, than Ian can't go. There is nothing that Leila wants more for her son than to go to college.
Ian has also had a girlfriend for the last few years. Molly is someone who cares deeply for Ian and sees the wonderful person that he is. She worries that if he goes to college, he will go far from her, and she is not sure what will happen. Ian worries as well, and he is torn between his desire to pursue a teaching career and his love for Molly.
* What kind of financial aid is available for Ian? Are there specific scholarships for which he is eligible?
* What post-high school options exist for Ian if a 4-year college is not an option?
* Compare JMU's Office of Disability Services with 4 other similar universities in the U.S. What are the services offered? What are the strengths of JMU as compared to others? What kinds of accommodations is Ian likely to need at college?
DECISION POINT:
Does Ian attend college?
Leila, for her part, is concerned that she won't be able to afford Ian's college experience. In fact, she knows she can't afford it. She is counting on Ian receiving financial aid, and she is likely able to help out with expenses for books and materials. She spends her time caring for Tyler who still lives at home. If financial aid doesn't come through, than Ian can't go. There is nothing that Leila wants more for her son than to go to college.
Ian has also had a girlfriend for the last few years. Molly is someone who cares deeply for Ian and sees the wonderful person that he is. She worries that if he goes to college, he will go far from her, and she is not sure what will happen. Ian worries as well, and he is torn between his desire to pursue a teaching career and his love for Molly.
* What kind of financial aid is available for Ian? Are there specific scholarships for which he is eligible?
* What post-high school options exist for Ian if a 4-year college is not an option?
* Compare JMU's Office of Disability Services with 4 other similar universities in the U.S. What are the services offered? What are the strengths of JMU as compared to others? What kinds of accommodations is Ian likely to need at college?
DECISION POINT:
Does Ian attend college?
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