When I was five, all I really wanted to be was a big sister.
But by the time I was seven, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up: a TRUCK DRIVER. I mean, who wouldn’t want to travel the country, the object of every kid’s admiration and horn-honking gestures?
By the time I was nine, I knew I wanted to be an archaeologist. My class had gone to a dig site (and even simulated our own!) and it sounded like the most exciting job on the planet.
Until I was ten. By the time I was ten, I wanted to be an architect, because we did a unit on architecture and I thought it was cool what people could design.
And then a storyteller. And then a lawyer. And then an entomologist.
You’re seeing a pattern here, aren’t you? I’m guessing these tendencies laid the foundation for my lifelong career as a serial hobbyist.
And then junior high and high school hit. Honestly, I didn’t want to do anything with my life, really, other than survive it.
By the time senior year of high school came around, and it was time to look at colleges, I decided I wanted to be a high school English teacher so I could do for other kids what Ms. Stelmach did for me. (She needs to be the subject of her own post.)
Cut to summer after freshman year of college. I was a secondary education major working a job at a sleep-away summer camp. I told someone my major, and they responded, “Oh. I thought I pegged you for working with the younger kids.”
I had never thought about that. It set my wheels in motion.
And by that fall, I switched my major to elementary education. I haven’t looked back since. I’m a public school lifer, and I’m proud of it.
And what’s next? That’s still several years yet, but my guess is I’ll return somewhat to my younger inclinations: do something cool, get good at it, than do something else cool. Lather, rinse, repeat.
There are worse things…
Thanks, as always, for the Two Writing Teachers March Slice of Life Story Challenge. Check ’em out!
Soapbox: The Way I see Things 
I love the “lather rinse repeat” at the end. I wanted to be a dancing librarian because I liked ballet and reading. Surprisingly, teaching paid more.
A dancing librarian. Now THAT I can get behind!
“And then junior high and high school hit. Honestly, I didn’t want to do anything with my life, really, other than survive it.”
I second this.
Thanks, Stephanie. I’m probably not alone here…
I am impressed that you had such vivid recollections of what you wanted to do at each age. “Doing something cool” sounds like just the ticket
Thanks! And yes, I am probably one of those people who will have a difficult time choosing what to do during retirement – though hopefully, there will be a *little* bit of rest =)
I love this slice. I’ve always admired the kids who have a fixed idea of what they want to be and it never changes and then they achieve it. But your slice is much more fun… job-hopping! You obviously found the right job, because teaching can include all manner of other skills that you would never have got to practise if you’d just become a truck driver or an architect! I also like the nod to the craziness and pressure of those teen years.
Thanks, Celia! My husband is actually one of those folks with a fixed idea. He knew by the time he was in fourth grade that he wanted to be a veterinarian…
I love so much about this post, like when you say, “until I was ten.” I like the switch up there. Of course, I also love all the different things you considered growing up.
Thanks, Vivian. I’d have to think I’m not alone – I mean, there have to be a ton of kids who want to be lots of things (sometimes all at the same time!).
And come to think of it, it’s not like grown-ups have everything figured out either…
We love polymaths over here.
Funnily enough, I remember dressing up as a teacher for one of those career day things in elementary school because I couldn’t think of anything else and also because those were the clothes I (or my mom) had.
I love this slice. I think I may use it as inspo.
Felt that.
Yes! Polymaths, polyglots, ALL the learning. Give it to me!
I can picture you in elementary school, anxiety ratcheting up to the morning of career day, and just going with the teacher thing because it’s what you had around…
And…I’d love to see you use this as inspiration, Akilah! It was fun to remember and write.
I pity those who do not have dreams. Me, I am still trying to figure out what I want to be when I grow up.
Wait…you mean we have to grow UP!?
Serial hobbyist struck me, that’s an interesting line. And, as teachers, aren’t we constantly shifting between professions? Nurse practitioner, counselor, entertainer, custodian, and that’s all just before 10am. ;0
Exactly! And it depends on the day / group I have as to which of those jobs I get to do. And I can’t forget parent, cheerleader, lawyer…
Fascinating list. All the dreams have shaped you in some way.
They certainly have! I’m definitely a combination of all of them.
I think it’s amazing that you remember all the legit cool ideas you had as a kid and how an outsider’s observation shifted your trajectory.
Thanks. I was probably ready for that shift/change, they were just the catalyst who set it in motion. But boy, am I grateful!