Raqilah-Sade Clyburn

Eng 112
Julia Intawiwat
Proposal

Stages of Independence
INTRODUCTION
We adopt an attitude of dependency on other people starting at a young age. As a child
we depend highly on our parents to provide and support us in anything that we want and
everything that we do. At some point in life we start to gain our own independence. We want to
branch out and find who we truly are. Whether its financially or emotionally, independence is a
part of maturing and growing as a human being.

QUESTION AND ANSWER

1. What is independence?
Independence means not being influenced by others thoughts and opinions.
Independence is not relying on others for aid or support. Being independent means you
make your own decisions, not based on the actions of others. You and only you are in
control of your life.
2. Why is it important to become independent?
Becoming independent you are allowed to find out who you truly are. You learn to
make decisions for yourself without the opinions of others. You learn to do things
on your own which allows YOU to have control. Becoming independent you get to
explore life through your own eyes and find who you want to be.
3. What stage in life does independence become important?
In the stage of adolescence we depend solely on our mothers and fathers to provide
us with food, shelter, etc. They choose what we wear and what we eat. Middle
school is where you may have found yourself wanting to make decisions based
only on your thoughts and opinions. After middle school comes high school and at
that point you are becoming an adult. High school is the most important years
because you start to look at your future based on yourself and not your parents.
The transition from high school to college is where independence is a huge deal.

4. How do you learn to trust your own decisions?

5. What steps do I need to become financially and emotionally independent?
6. What are some examples of becoming independent?
7. What are the positive outcomes resulting from independence?
8. What are the negative outcomes resulting from independence?
9. How can independence help you grow and mature as a person?
10. How can independence make you a happier person?

SUPPORTING DETAILS
In my project I will answer the major questions I have answered in this proposal. I want
to manly focus on why becoming independent is important and the steps needed to become
independent. My project will include all the positive outcomes of gaining independence
financially and emotionally from family, friends, etc. I will include tips on how to become
independent and making your own decisions as a college student. Lastly I will list the stages we
go through in life to become independent.
FORMAT
My project will become an essay. In an essay I can better explain and get my point
across. I am planning on having an informative essay to prove that becoming independent is
important.

POSSIBLE SOURCES

Capps, Donald. "The Decades of Life: Relocating Erikson's Stages." Pastoral

Psychology 53.1 (2004): 3-32. ProQuest. Web. 8 June 2016.
Kolkhorst, Brittany B., Ani Yazedjian, and Michelle L. Toews. "STUDENTS'
PERCEPTIONS OF PARENTAL SUPPORT DURING THE COLLEGE YEARS." College
Student Affairs Journal 29.1 (2010): 47,63,92-93. ProQuest. Web. 15 June
2016.
Smithson, Laurel. "Parents Guide: An Education in Independence it can be a Wrench
for Parents and Children when it Comes to Leave for College, but it's an Ideal
Time for One Side to Learn Trust and the Other to Learn the Fine Art of
Independence." The Independent: 13. Aug 19 2000. ProQuest. Web. 8 June
2016 .