Blake Antal

CNS 220
10/28/2014
Professor Robinson
Genogram Summary
While completing this genogram I realized that this was the first time I put serious
thought into how the various means of education my family members perused actually affected
their careers. It was interesting calling my various family members and researching their fields of
study; because I, admittedly, had no idea as to what majors my family members completed (aside
from my parents and sister). This research proved to not only give me further insight into the
interests of each of my family members, but also a deeper understanding of the various values
and passions held by my family as a whole.
While completing the genogram, one of the first parents I began to notice was the lack of
careers that reflected my family members fields of study. It seemed that almost all of my family
members (Dad and Grandpa excluded) ended up in a career that in no way reflected their prior
education. However, when asked, all of my family members said that they did not regret
choosing their major and were happy to have been educated in that field, despite their deviation
in career paths. This is an idea I feel I can personally relate to. My doubts surrounding my
choices in education used to be a source of fear and uncertainty; now I have begun to see it as
more as another opportunity to test out possible areas of interest. I would rather go through many
areas of study in hopes of finding one that I truly love, than standing by a mediocre field that
simply provides me with decent job opportunities. This sentiment appears to be common in my
family. People apart of my family have valued challenging careers that peak their interest rather
than mediocre jobs that dont fully engage their values.
After I had completed the genogram for both sides of my family I was able to spot
interesting patterns characteristic to each side of the family. My moms side of the genogram
appears to have jobs/degrees that require more of a creative aspect, with my aunt majoring in
architecture, mom being an interior designer, and my grandpa being a writer. On the other hand,
my dads side of the family seems to have more of an affinity towards management and sales. It
may be for this reason that I value creativity in conjunction with problem solving, and working
with others. Traits and values characteristic to both sides of my family appear to have come
together and driven both me and my sister to have creative as well as analytical skillsets.
Knowing this I feel that my future career will need to satisfy both the values given to me by my
mom and my dad if I ever hope to be satisfied with my job.
Now that I have this information, I dont feel that it affects my stance on education here
in college. I have chosen majors (finance and computer science) that satisfy both my analytical
and creative drives. There is a chance that I may not find a career that reflects my choice in
education, however, as my family has taught me, this is still o.k. A career should be seen as more
of a winding path that evolves overtime, rather than as train tracks that lead directly to your
destination. If you fail to explore and try new things in hopes of discovering exciting new
interest you may find yourself in a career that doesnt reflect your values; for you yourself have
neglected to discover your true self. I believe that our own fear of exploration can limit us to a
life of mediocrity and dissatisfaction.