I recently completed a paper for my social work program called the Life Map, and to be honest, it became more than just an assignment. It turned into a spiritual unpacking of my life—where I’ve come from, what I’ve survived, and where I believe God is taking me next.
As I pieced together my story—childhood memories in the Philippines, my father’s sudden passing, my years as a military spouse, the challenges of raising a son with autism, and navigating seasons of loneliness and transition—I was overwhelmed by how clearly I could see God’s hand. Even in the chaos, even in the silence, He was gently guiding me.
Writing this paper made me realize something: I’ve always had a heart to serve. Even as a 9-year-old playing in our garden, I dreamed of becoming a doctor or dentist. Life took me on a detour—through business, through tech, through grief—but that spark of service never left. And now, I see that it wasn’t a detour at all. It was preparation.
When I lost my father in 2005, I saw what a life of faith and service looked like. Hundreds came to honor him, not for his achievements, but for how he made them feel seen, heard, and loved. That image stayed with me. It challenged me to live a life that poured into others, just like he did.
Reflecting on my journey through the lens of Erikson’s psychosocial theory helped me see how life transitions have shaped me (Erikson, 1950). I resonated most with the stages of Identity vs. Role Confusion and Generativity vs. Stagnation, especially as I began asking how my life could make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
I also found myself connecting with Piaget’s theory of cognitive development—especially how our ability to think abstractly evolves over time (Piaget, 1952). Looking back, I can now see how major life events challenged me to grow, not only emotionally but intellectually and spiritually, moving me toward greater understanding and empathy.
Spiritually, I see myself in what James Fowler (1981) calls the Conjunctive Faith stage. It’s a place of humility, where I’ve learned that faith isn’t about having everything figured out—it’s about trusting God in the unknown, and walking in grace through life’s complexity.
As I reflect, one verse keeps echoing in my heart:
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4 (New International Version, 2011).
This isn’t just an academic journey. It’s a sacred one. Becoming a social worker, for me, isn’t about changing careers—it’s about stepping more fully into who God has called me to be: a servant, a listener, a vessel of hope.
If you’re reading this and wondering how your past fits into your purpose, I just want to encourage you—nothing is wasted. Every chapter, even the ones that hurt, can be used by God to build something beautiful.
I’m still learning, still growing. But one thing I know for sure: I’m right where I need to be. And I’m ready to say yes to this calling.
Ault, R. L. (1977). Children’s cognitive development: Piaget’s theory and the process approach. Oxford University Press.
Carey, S., Zaitchik, D., & Bascandziev, I. (2015). Theories of development: In dialog with Jean Piaget. Developmental Review, 38, 36–54. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dr.2015.07.003
Erikson, E. H. (1950). Childhood and society. W. W. Norton & Company.
Fowler, J. W. (1981). Stages of faith: The psychology of human development and the quest for meaning (1st ed.). Harper & Row.
Munley, P. H. (1975). Erik Erikson’s theory of psychosocial development and vocational behavior. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 22(4), 314–319. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0076749
New International Version. (2011). The Holy Bible. BibleGateway. https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/New-International-Version-NIV-Bible/
Paul, R. A. (2023). Identity and community: Erikson reconsidered. The Psychoanalytic Quarterly, 92(3), 377–405. https://doi.org/10.1080/00332828.2023.2267527