Below Is a Statement from a Native American Adolescent

Essay

Below is a statement from a Native American adolescent. Analyze the passage below based on what you know about identity development. (HINT: What would identity development research derived from the work of Erikson and Marcia's theory say?)
"I think I learned that I couldn't be myself at that school. I had to be like the other students to be happy there; I had to be rich and snobby. Because of my family's poverty and our tribal gatherings, I couldn't be like them. Not really anyway. . . . I felt I had to put on airs, or have a dramatic life that people would be interested in, otherwise I was a lonely person. I needed to find a niche somehow, somewhere. So for about two years, somewhere between eighth and ninth grade, I became a liar.
"After exploring a few different career paths during college, I feel I have developed a new appreciation for who I am. I have been an active member of the Native American Society and have lived at the Society house whenever possible. . . . Graduation is finally in sight. I plan to go on to graduate school for Indian education. I want to work in curriculum and administration, but I will probably teach first so that I can get some practical experience. I find that because of my experiences away from home I've gotten a lot of perspective that has, in the end, allowed me to appreciate my heritage."