Follow the Yellow Brick Follow the Yellow Brick Road: Road: An Evaluation of the An Evaluation of the

Curved and Winding Road to Curved and Winding Road to a Career Patha Career Path

Renee NipperRenee Nipper

University of Texas at DallasUniversity of Texas at Dallas

December 2, 2003December 2, 2003

IntroductionIntroduction

Evolution of Self-EsteemEvolution of Self-EsteemThe StartThe StartThe EndThe EndSelf-Esteem and MaturitySelf-Esteem and MaturityOther’s PerceptionsOther’s Perceptions

Positive InfluencesPositive Influences

Involvement in activitiesInvolvement in activities Supportive peer groupsSupportive peer groups Experiencing SuccessExperiencing Success Leadership OpportunitiesLeadership Opportunities Positive Role ModelsPositive Role Models

Negative InfluencesNegative Influences

Repeated Academic FailuresRepeated Academic FailuresHumiliationHumiliationDepressionDepressionBad Role ModelsBad Role Models

DiscussionDiscussion

Amusement Park Self-EsteemAmusement Park Self-EsteemSparking Potential through School Sparking Potential through School

ProgramsProgramsWork ProgramsWork ProgramsExtra-Curricular ActivitiesExtra-Curricular Activities

Preparing Independent ThinkersPreparing Independent ThinkersQualities of MaturityQualities of Maturity

ConclusionsConclusions

• Choosing a TopicChoosing a Topic• Carrying out the ResearchCarrying out the Research

• SurveysSurveys• Self-EsteemSelf-Esteem• PersonalityPersonality• Activity SurveyActivity Survey• Interest SurveyInterest Survey