5 years later...Little baby Sam is now 5-years old and has started to play games and fantasize about being an adult. He has entered what is known as the Fantasy Stage of his development. In this stage, kids play a lot, dressing up and pretending to have jobs.
Help! It's on fire!
Never fear! Sam-Man is here!
Gee! Thanks, Sam! Can I be the superhero now?
First of all, it's "Sam-Man." Next, no way. I'm better at being the hero!
5 years later...Sam is now 10-years old and has moved further away from fantasy and more toward reality. He acts less like pretend things, like superheroes and now dresses up and acts out the duties of real professions. He is still in the Fantasy Stage.
Later that day...
Help! It's still on fire!
Never fear! The fire department is here!
...dude, can we play a different game? I'm getting tired of this one.
5 years later...Sam is now 15-years old and has entered the Tentative Stage of his development. This stage goes from 11-17-years old. In this stage, he will find out what he likes (interest), how his skills align with what he likes (capacity), how these things fulfill his values (values), and he will start looking at potential future careers (transition).
Oh yeah? Remember all those times we played superhero? Superheroes fight.
I don't know if that's a good idea, Sam. You're not really a fighter.
Dude, I totally figured out what I'm gonna do. I'm gonna start boxing. All the chicks will think I'm really tough and badass.
Yeah, but all "Sam-Man" ever did was "save" me from the swings...I hated that game. You never let me be he hero. I'm telling you, the Human Periodic Table would have been an awesome superhero.
You should be more worried about yourself.
Aren't there supposed to be weight classes? I don't want to hurt you.
Umm...this wasn't what I had in mind.
Uh...yeah, okay.
I know! I'll try to become a scientist or something and I'll create something that puts out fires!
Ughgh...maybe I wasn't cut out for this...man, this really reminds me of how much I hate fires and like to put them out.
2 years later...Sam is now 17-years old. After finding out the hard way that he does not have the capacity to be a fighter, Sam is trying to see if he has a future as a scientist. He has discovered that he has an interest in putting out fires. Putting out fires aligns with one of his values, which is that he should help people. He has started the transition substage, as well, as he has started looking into different professions that fulfill his desires and match up with his abilities.
Dude, you gotta change your hair. You look like you're in a My Chemical Romance cover band.
Don't hate on MCR. They kick ass. Plus, girls love the flow.
Alright class, I'll be passing all of your tests back now.
64?? Damn, chemistry is hard. How the hell am I going to invent a flame extinguishing substance is I can't figure out bond polarity?
Yeah, maybe you should try something else. I thought that test was easy.
Yeah, rub it in, Kelly Osbourne. I'm not naturally smart like you. I just want to help make the world a better place...and put out fires of course
A fireman, huh? That's not a bad idea..
Well, why don't you become a fireman?
3 years later...Sam has entered the Realistic Stage of his development. The stage spans from the end of his teenage years and into early adulthood. There are three substages to this stage. They are: exploration, crystallization and specification. Exploration is very much a transitory substage from the Tentative Stage. In exploration, the individual narrows in on what they want to do and makes a short list of potential occupations. In crystallization, the individual chooses their occupation. Lastly, in specification, the individual undergoes the educational experiences necessary for entering their chosen occupation.Sam has already undergone the exploration and crystallization substages and is currently pursuing being a fireman. To work toward becoming a firefighter, he has become an EMT. He is also exercising a lot to get into good shape and is studying for the firefighter exam.
Oh shit that looks bad...
Stay calm, sir!
Ow! It hurts! I think it's broken!
Remember. Water puts out fire.
Firefighter Exam Prep Class
Ah, yes...of course!
Whew! I'm on track for a personal best!
Sam has worked hard. He is in the best shape of his life, has passed the firefighter's exam, and has graduated from the fireman's academy. He is now interviewing to get a job.
Well you certainly are qualified. But how do I know that you really want to do this?
Hahahaha!
I don't get it...
Let's just say I've been working toward this my whole life.