Answer:
It illustrates a life phase called emerging adulthood.
Explanation:
This is a stage proposed by Jensen Arnett. It happens around 18-25 years of age.
Emerging means <em>becoming prominent</em>; in this case emerging adulthood refers to the period of time <em>between adolescence and young adulthood</em>. It is part of the developmental stages in which the individual <em>explores and forms his/her </em><em>identity</em>, before making any long-term commitments.
In this case, Mallory is 23 and she is focusing on pursuing a full-time graduate school program, looking to form her identity and figuring out what to do in the long-term.
It can be deduces that she is in the emerging adulthood stage.