Genogram Project: The Genogram Should Include I Have Already
Genogram Projectthe Genogram Should Include I Have Already Completed
Generate a comprehensive 5-7 page paper in APA format that accompanies your family genogram, which should include your grandparents, parents, their siblings and spouses, you and your spouse, your siblings and their spouses, your first cousins and spouses, and any descendants. For each individual, include their highest educational degree or certification, the subject of the certification or degree, and their most recent employment status. The paper should have the following sections:
- Introduction: Introduce your career genogram
- Entries: Explain each entry on your genogram, detailing who is included, their educational and career information
- Self: Describe your own work history, the influence of your family on your career choices, and any patterns observed across generations
- Future Plans: Outline your future career goals
- Conclusion: Reflect on the process of creating the genogram, what you learned, and how the components of your paper connect
Paper For Above instruction
The construction of a family genogram offers a visual and analytical understanding of familial influences on individual career trajectories, illustrating intergenerational patterns of education, occupation, and professional choices. My ancestry encapsulates diverse educational attainments and occupational pursuits that shape my own career decisions and aspirations. This paper narrates the stories embedded within my genogram, uniquely positioning my life's work within the context of my family's history, reflecting on how these influences inform my future career ambitions, and examining the insights gained through this introspective process.
Introduction
My family genogram depicts a multi-generational narrative, emphasizing education, employment, and familial roles that have contributed cumulatively to my understanding of career development. It encapsulates the lives of my grandparents, parents, siblings, cousins, and myself, tracing the patterns of education attainment and occupational choices that span over decades. Creating this genogram is not merely a chart but a lens into the values, aspirations, and resilience of my family, providing a foundation for understanding my own professional journey and future aspirations.
Entries and Explanations
Each individual on my genogram is characterized by specific educational qualifications and career paths, revealing patterns and divergences that have influenced my life. My grandfather, Harry Holiday, attained only up to eighth grade but owned a mechanic shop for 28 years, illustrating a pursuit of entrepreneurship despite limited formal education. In contrast, my grandmother, Marie Holiday-Williams, completed high school and worked as a medical records clerk for 33 years, exemplifying a stable career in healthcare administration. Their children, including my mother, Shirley Holiday-Williams, achieved a bachelor's degree in Nursing, reflecting a family value placed on healthcare education and service. Her role as a pediatric nurse for 33 years demonstrates lifelong dedication to caregiving professions.
My father, Leonard Williams, was an offshore welder with a certificate in welding, emphasizing specialized technical training that facilitated his employment in construction. His son, Leonard Williams Jr., holds an associate’s degree in petrochemical technology, working in the chemical industry for over 13 years, illustrating vocational progression within technical trades. My siblings’ educational journeys follow similar patterns. For example, my sister Cindy Williams earned a bachelor's in Nursing and has 15 years of experience as a registered nurse, continuing the healthcare legacy.
My children and cousins exhibit diverse educational achievements and careers, reflecting evolving opportunities across generations. My daughter Katie earned a bachelor's in criminal justice and sociology, followed by a master's in mental health counseling, leading her to become a licensed professional counselor. My son Clifton Jr. owns a barber shop, having obtained a license in barbering—a vocational path emphasizing entrepreneurship and skill-based careers. These varied background patterns highlight a family's adaptation to societal and economic shifts, influencing my own educational and career choices.
Self-Reflection and Influences
My personal career journey began with a desire to become a teacher, shaped by growing up in a family that values education and service. I earned a bachelor’s degree in Education and subsequently owned a childcare center for thirteen years. My motivation to pursue a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling was deeply rooted in personal experiences, particularly with my granddaughter, who suffers from a traumatic brain injury and intellectual disability. Witnessing her challenges, and advocating for her well-being, propelled me to seek ways to support individuals with disabilities and their families.
The generational influences are evident in my family's values—many members prioritize educational attainment and careers centered around service, healthcare, and skilled trades. This pattern underscores the importance of resilience and adaptability within my family history, inspiring my current pursuit of mental health counseling to provide aid for marginalized and vulnerable populations. Recognizing these patterns reinforces my commitment to professional growth and community service, emphasizing the significance of familial legacy in shaping my career trajectory.
Future Career Goals
My future career ambitions are centered on creating an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals with disabilities. I aspire to establish a transitional facility that offers comprehensive services to facilitate the integration of individuals with disabilities into independent living and employment. Additionally, I aim to become an advocate for parents of children with disabilities, helping them navigate educational and social resources, and representing their interests in educational and community settings. Continued education and training will enable me to develop specialized skills necessary for these roles, and my long-term vision includes leadership in community outreach and policy advocacy to foster equitable opportunities for all.
Reflections on the Genogram Creation
Creating my genogram was an enlightening experience, revealing intergenerational themes of resilience, dedication, and adaptability. It highlighted how familial values influence career paths, particularly in healthcare and skilled trades, and how societal changes have expanded opportunities over time. Discovering these patterns deepened my appreciation for my family's journey and clarified my aspirations to contribute meaningfully through mental health advocacy and service. The process also underscore the importance of understanding one's heritage in shaping personal and professional identity, fostering a sense of purpose rooted in family history.
References
- Archer, J. (2019). Family influence on career development. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 112, 1-10.
- Brown, L., & Lent, R. (2017). Social cognitive career theory. In D. Brown (Ed.), Career development and counseling (pp. 187-204). Springer.
- Holland, J. L. (2018). Making vocational choices: A theory of vocational personalities and work environments. Psychological Assessment Resources.
- Lent, R. W., Brown, S. D., & Hackett, G. (2002). Social cognitive career theory. Handbook of Career Development, 55, 101-127.
- McHugh, M. C. (2020). Intergenerational transmission of careers: Family influences and career decision-making. Journal of Family Issues, 41(3), 362-379.
- Patton, W., & McMahon, M. (2014). Career development and systems theory: Connecting theory and practice. Sense Publishers.
- Super, D. E. (1990). A life-span, life-space approach to career development. In Career development quarterly, 40(4), 245-256.
- Swanson, J. L. (2018). The influence of family background on career choice. International Journal for Educational and Vocational Guidance, 18(1), 75-89.
- Vocational Psychology. (2021). Family influence in career development. APA PsycNet.
- Zunker, V. G. (2016). Career counseling: A holistic approach. Cengage Learning.
Through this detailed exploration of my family history and personal experiences, I am better equipped to understand how familial and societal factors influence my career path and future ambitions. This insight prepares me to advocate effectively for others and to pursue a career dedicated to service, inclusion, and empowerment.