Opportunities come and go and I am here at the University writing my first paper because I decided to seize the opportunity. My family will be proud and, in turn, I will be proud to follow this path of success. As you read this article, I will guide you through a brief account of my personal life experiences so far. I will help you get to know me and understand who I am as a wife, mother and now student. Below are examples of adult development theories that I have learned over the past few weeks. Growing up, I didn't understand a lot of things, and in recent years I've realized how amazing my parents are and how lucky I am to be their daughter. I grew up in a traditional Christian home with my parents, Robert and Muriel Osterloh. In my family, we had Sunday dinner at the local cafeteria after church with the extended family, which includes almost everyone in the area. Additionally, every Monday evening, Mom, Dad, Grandpa, Grandma, Osterloh and I would all go to dinner and spend the evening together. We have enjoyed this tradition for many years. Another good memory is that my grandparents loved walking around the mall. They got up early and walked the mall for about an hour every day. One of these days, while walking, my grandfather had a heart attack and was rushed to the hospital by ambulance. He was being cared for by doctors and nurses in an age-restricted area, and I did not get to see him until he left this earth to meet our Lord. The well-being of the family was always the most important thing to my grandfather and he made sure that every member of the family felt loved and accepted. I was in third grade when we lost him. My father lost his best friend. It seemed to me that my father's wind was taken away middle of paper......this is not an option, it is a must in today's society. We all deserve to have an education. If you work hard, goals and dreams can come true. After I graduate from Ashford, my ultimate goal is to work in a position as an advocate for children with special needs. I would be truly honored to have the opportunity to work in this field. One day, while visiting the library at Ashford University, I came across this quote: “I firmly believe that love is essential to a healthy old age – self-love and the ability to to love someone other than yourself. » I love my family and desire to work with children with special needs and their families. (NY Times, 1987 p24) Works Cited Hudson & McLean, 2006 p35, Life LaunchBoyd, D. & Bee, H. 2006 p88, Adult Development, Boston: Allyn and Bacon New York Times, (Late Edition (East Coast)). New York, NY, September 27, 1987, p. A.24