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Chapter 1 A Close-Up View of You
Preparing for an Occupation
Adolescence is a time to prepare for the
future and look ahead to living on your own. One
task of the teen years is to choose and prepare
for an occupation. When choosing a career, you
will need to consider your interests, abilities,
personality, and goals. Career education will help
you prepare for a job you will enjoy.
Preparing for Marriage and
Family Living
Adolescence is a time to learn how to build
close relationships with others. What qualities
can help you develop a relationship with another
person who may become your spouse? What
skills are needed to get along with others? How
can you work together on a project or solve a
problem together? This is a time to develop
skills that help you get along with others. These
skills will help you experience long-lasting
relationships.
You can also learn about growth and
development. What is needed to help someone
grow to maturity? How can you help others reach
their potential? Developing these skills will help
you prepare for marriage and family living.
How could having a job help you
achieve developmental tasks of the teen
years? How could being in a school
sport or club help you grow in these
areas?
Investigate Further
Preparing for Change
Change is a normal part of life. Many fear
change, though, because it brings unknowns.
People prefer individuals and experiences they
know are pleasant. When change comes, it brings
new experiences. This can make anyone feel
uncomfortable or afraid, 1-3. You can avoid these
feelings by learning about change and using the
right skills to manage it.
1-3
You may be excited about going to college, yet fear
that you will not be able to pass college-level courses.
Gathering Information
Learning as much as possible about upcoming
changes can help you prepare for them. For
instance, it is helpful to know what body changes
to expect as you grow. Then you will understand
that the changes occurring are normal. You will
also know that others are experiencing the same
things.
You can expect many changes when you get
your first job or apartment. Couples experience
change when they start going out, get engaged, or
get married. Still more changes are involved with
parenting.
What information will help you adjust to life’s
changes? What can be expected? What feelings
have others had as they went through these
changes? Knowing what to expect is the first step
in preparing for change.