What to be when I grow up...

At what age are we supposed to know what we want to be when we grow up? As kids, we're always asked that question, and we also always have a quick an easy answer to that question. Why is it that when the time comes to really make that decision, it becomes so much harder?

I have been a college student for several years. Over the course of my studies, I have changed my major several times. I thought that my last chosen career path was the one that would stick, but plans have changed. Just for an example, here is a quick list of my choices: vet, teacher, accountant, teacher, nursing. I'm sure I've had others, but I can't think of them right now. I would let a current job, or a suggestion from someone affect my career decision.

This time around, I think fate (or something else) has stepped in and changed my career path, again. I can no longer afford my current college. At $13,600 per semester, even financial aid and student loans can't help me. Also, after an injury and years of over-exertion, I am no longer physically able to work as a nurse. It's very hard to accept, but that the same time I'm relieved. I always questioned my choice. I never fully convinced myself that I wanted to be a nurse, but the thought of a nice salary when finished with school helped me stay on that path. I also loved that I could work with people, and be able to help. I love helping people, and doing anything I can to help someone.

So now with two reasons to change my course of study again, I went back to the drawing board. I made myself sit down and really think over the times that I've been the happiest. I worked many jobs, and volunteered at several places, and I thought back on all of them. I wanted to be able to help somehow, but while combining the things that I love. When I was thinking and looking back, I came to a strong realization of what I should do. I call it my, "Duh!" moment. One of my friends told me that Oprah would call it an "A Ha!" moment.

Here's what I came up with, and it's pretty simple... I love animals. I love the joy that they bring me and those around them. I've volunteered and worked with them, and always enjoyed it. The thing that held me back from being a vet all those years ago was my fear of having to see hurt animals. While I do understand that it may be part of the job, I know that it would be a small part, and there are even opportunities out there for me where it wouldn't even be a factor.

I'm going to look into programs to be a Veterinary Technician. As some call it, a dog nurse. Having that degree would give me many choices, and not just working at a vet's office. I could work with large animals, or at a zoo, or an animal shelter. There was quite a list of choices, and as long as I could work with animals and find a way to help, I'll be happy.

There are very few programs in Michigan for becoming a vet tech, and the space is limited. I may have missed my chance for this coming semester, but I'm not giving up. Unlike all the other career choices I've made, this one feels right. I don't have that nagging feeling that is questioning my decision. I love working with animals, and could spend hours and hours with them.

I'm really happy and excited about my decision. So if someone were to ask me right now what I want to be when I grow up, I'm going to answer the same way I did when I was a little girl. I'm going to say, "I want to be a vet!"