Running head: JOURNAL #4

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Journal #4
Erika Maldonado
Pacific Oaks

Author Note
This Journal #4 is being submitted on Saturday 03/28/2015 for Carla Franklins HD300
Early Childhood Themes and Life Cycle Issues course.

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Journal #4

Observation Details:
I am interviewing a Mexican Female who will be referred to as Lola. Lola is a retired
nurse at sixty-two years old. Lola worked in a convalescent home caring for the elders. After
retiring, Lola worked for me as my sons Nanny from when he was seven months old until he
turned two years old. Lola still babysits my son every now and then, especially on days she calls
me offering to babysit because she misses my son. The interview took place at Lolas apartment
complex on Friday 03/20/15 @10am.
Interview
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What are you most proud of?

What are your concerns?
Did you reach accomplish your childhood goals?
Do you feel you lived productively?
Do you have any hobbies?
Do you regret anything?
What would you do differently?
Lolas Response Review

I believe Lola is in Eriksons seventh stage, the Genereativity vs. Self-Absorption.

According to Lolas responses she is very creative with her hands. Lola likes sewing clothes for
dolls and thats what she does on her spare time. Lola likes to socialize with other members in
her apartment complex that are close to her age. Lola plays BINGO, takes walks to the park with
the adult group and sometimes eats breakfast with them at the local dinner. Lola is still
productive at her age, she likes taking care of her granddaughter who just turned two years old.
Lola is concerned with the future livelihood of her son and granddaughter after she is gone.
Lolas responses were based on her gender and experience as a mother.
The one thing I can relate to with Lola is the concern she has for her loved ones after she
is gone. I know that I am far away from that stage, or at least hope so, but thats something that

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does concern me now from time to time. Lola and I are similar in the way that we are caregivers.
We both care for children and adults in our work experience. Lola is very social and thats also
another thing I have in common with her. I truly enjoy being around other people, it helps me
release stress when I have it.
I am currently in Eriksons sixth stage as an early adult, Intimacy vs. Isolation. I know I
long for deep and lasting relationships with loved ones, friends and that special other. Im not
sure I would have answered any differently than Lola except for the having children at a younger
age. I had my son at age twenty-six and I believe it was a perfect age and stage of my life to have
had him. I wasnt too young and naive, nor too old. If I do get to reach Lolas age and only have
ONE son like she did, then that would be my regret. Not having a second or third child will
definitely be my regret.
Book Review
Lola compares hand to hand with The last lecture book. Lola isnt ill but she knows that
she isnt getting any younger and in return is planning for her sons future and wellbeing. Also,
Lola like Randy believe that Brick walls are there for a reason. And once you get over themeven if someone has practically had to throw you over- it can be helpful to others to tell them
how you did it (Pausch, 19999, p. 174). Lola says that she tries to share anecdotes, past events,
stories and experiences as much as she can with her son and those that care to listen.
I have to be honest and say that choosing only two quotes from the Last Lecture was
extremely hard as I wanted to quote every word that Randy Pausch put on paper! But here it is,
for my first quote I chose As an aside, theres a lesson here: Have something to bring to the
table, because that will make you more welcome (Pausch, 19999, p. 33). This book describes
Lola exactly as she is a giver and likes to set good examples. Lola shared with me that one thing

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she taught her son was to help those around him if he saw them in need and offer his expertise to
those that can use it. Lola also said that people sought her out constantly because of her ability to
sew and that when she needed a favor in return those she helped never hesitated to do so.
The second quote I chose is It saddens me that many kids today are so coddled
(Pausch, 19999, p. 38). When interviewing Lola, she kept comparing her upbringing to those
children around her now. Lola complained that kids nowadays are bubble wrapped and not
allowed to learn, explore, experience, get hurt and enjoy life. Lola told me that her mother would
let her explore freely when she was a little girl. Lola liked climbing on trees and running up hills
only to roll back down. Lolas mother would tell her to be careful and that was it. Lola would get
hurt, but thats how she learned to be more careful next time. Something children now do not
experience, failure which leads to knowledge; and all because parents over-protect children.
The Last Lecture describes my thoughts and way of living exactly. Had I read this book earlier
during my puberty or adolescence years, I would have said that I did not relate to ANYTHING
Randy Pausch wrote. After being slapped in the face with reality and a few mistakes in my life I
have changed the way I think and live. I try to be positive, not stress (especially over things out
of my control), speak with the truth no matter what and enjoy every second I breathe. It was hard
at first but I have to say that it is working for me and I am becoming a better person.

I believe Randy just nailed it when he wrote;

Too many people go through life complaining about problems. Ive always believed that if you
took one-tenth the energy you put into complaining and applied it to solving the problem, youd
be surprised by how well things can work out (Pausch, 19999, p. 138). And Randy goes on to
say We all have finite time and energy. Any time we spend within is unlikely to help us achieve
our goals. And it wont make us happier (Pausch, 19999, p. 139).

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I used to be a complainer about anything and everything that went wrong or not according to my
plan in my life. I would waste time and energy just complaining which brought me to no positive
outcome. I have learned to stop complaining and be positive about things. See things in a better
light and do something about it.
I think I read the next quote by Randy at least twenty times without exaggerating. Brick
walls are there for a reason. They give us a chance to show how badly we want something
(Pausch, 19999, p. 79). I love this as I agree with it 110%! I can relate to this now in my life.
Having lost my job last year and trying to go back to school with so many challenges and
obstacles around me I can say that I wanted it badly. After trying so many things, that obviously
didnt work, I can say that I am getting the hang of things. Dont get me wrong, I still struggle
yet I do not just stare at the brick wall.
Time is all you have. And you may find one day that you have less than you think
(Pausch, 19999, p. 111). I think the same and that is why I try my best to enjoy the moment, live
and be happy with what I have and not waste any time on that which is not present. Yes, my
priorities are set and I understand the importance of my to-do list. But if something suddenly
comes up that I know I will not be able to experience again and know I wont die from stopping
what Im doing, I most definitely drop my chores and enjoy life!
With all of this said, there wasnt a single word in The Last Lecture that I disagreed with.
This book enlightened me as much as made me cry with each page I read. Thank you for
choosing this book as part of this courses literature. I truly appreciate the message.

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Reference

Pausch, R., & Zaslow, J. (2008). The last lecture. New York: Hyperion.