1. Follow the Yellow Brick Road: An Evaluation of the Curved and Winding Road to a Career Path Renee Nipper University of Texas at Dallas December 2, 2003

2. Introduction Evolution of Self-Esteem Evolution of Self-Esteem The Start The Start The End The End Self-Esteem and Maturity Self-Esteem and Maturity Other’s Perceptions Other’s Perceptions

3. Positive Influences Involvement in activities Involvement in activities Supportive peer groups Supportive peer groups Experiencing Success Experiencing Success Leadership Opportunities Leadership Opportunities Positive Role Models Positive Role Models

4. Negative Influences Repeated Academic Failures Repeated Academic Failures Humiliation Humiliation Depression Depression Bad Role Models Bad Role Models

5. Discussion Amusement Park Self-Esteem Amusement Park Self-Esteem Sparking Potential through School Programs Sparking Potential through School Programs Work Programs Work Programs Extra-Curricular Activities Extra-Curricular Activities Preparing Independent Thinkers Preparing Independent Thinkers Qualities of Maturity Qualities of Maturity

6. Conclusions Choosing a Topic Choosing a Topic Carrying out the Research Carrying out the Research Surveys Surveys Self-Esteem Self-Esteem Personality Personality Activity Survey Activity Survey Interest Survey Interest Survey