Career Genogram

To be honest, I did not expect to learn anything new from completing a career genogram based on my family. I thought it would just be a matter of writing down information I already knew. I was pleasantly surprised to see the patterns that emerged and to recognize the underlying values that have been passed down or shared across generations.

Beginning with my grandparents, the women worked outside of the home in order to make ends meet. Their education was minimal, but they recognized this as a hindrance to an easier life and encouraged their own children to seek higher education. I recall the enormous amount of pride displayed by my grandmother, who had only an elementary education, when her son became a doctor.

On my mother's side, in particular, there has been a strong influence on the women to stay home to raise children rather than work outside the home. A college education was strongly encouraged as a safety net or back- up plan. The only aunt on that side of the family who did not become a homemaker was the one who never had children. All of the children in my parents' generation attended at least some college.

All of the family members in my generation have received college degrees. It seems strange to me that I hold a college degree, yet I have the least amount of higher education in my family for this generation. It is not viewed as a competition, however, especially considering that I am the only female. The males would be more likely to pursue the higher levels of education since they are the primary providers for the family.

I never realized all of the connections there were between family members who have chosen careers in education or medicine. These careers are similar in that they focus on nurturing the well-being of others. I believe that a strong, shared faith passed down from generation to generation must certainly have a hand in the career choices that have been made. The desire to do something to help others is a large part of why I want to become a school counselor. I have seen the increasing need for guidance in students and their families and want to feel like I am fulfilling a need for them and serving a purpose in my career.

This project made me realize that my choices, attitudes, and values can impact family members in ways that I would have never thought possible. I understand the necessity of ensuring that my values are clear and the attitudes I display are intentional in order that future generations will be impacted in a positive way.