I came across a blog today that asked this question: When you were 16, where did you think you would be at the age of 30? I thought it was a great question and it got me thinking but in a slightly different direction.
I have a friend who is an airline pilot. It might sound ordinary enough but you see, he has ALWAYS wanted to be a pilot. Since he had braces and a buzz cut in the fifth grade. That’s the only thing he has ever wanted to do. And now this is what he does professionally as a twenty-eight year old. How cool is that? I also have a friend who was passionate about American Sign Language in the second grade. How can you be passionate about something so noble in the second grade, you may ask of me. I honestly don’t know- she might be one of the “angels unawares” of which the KJV of Hebrews 13:2 speaks so ambiguously. But seriously the last time I checked she was studying American Sign Language at the graduate level. I marvel at these two friends of mine because of their steadfastness in one direction. There is just something so beautiful and symmetrical about people fulfilling their lifelong dreams.
I, on the other hand, cannot even remotely resonate with such continuity of life. I grew up wanting to be the first woman in the NBA. Basketball was my childhood passion and so it seemed like a reasonable dream. When the WNBA first kicked off you would have thought that I would have adapted my dreams a little. I didn’t. Instead I mocked the women thinking that the entire league was lame and that I would be vastly different- I would play out there with the boys. Yeah, didn’t so much happen. I don’t think I need to explain why that dream wasn’t fulfilled. Then I wanted to be an Interior Designer and took two years of classes at Baylor in this direction. I loved my classes and my professors and I could have easily seen myself as an Interior Designer. Until I took New Testament, that is. Then my world changed. But the truth is I never saw myself going into vocational ministry and certainly never saw myself as a book nerd. If you would have told me ten years ago that I would be doing what I do today I would have laughed shamelessly at your presumptuous foretelling (if I was in a good mood) or I might have slapped you in the face (if I was in a bad mood). Yet here I am sitting behind a desk with my face in a book most of the day and I couldn’t imagine life any other way.
So what about you? When you were a kid who or what did you want to be when you grew up? And what do you do now?
*Hey everyone! This is Amanda. Melissa asked Mom and me to write our answers in the post. When I was 16 I wanted to be a broadcast journalist like Barbara Walters. I remember spending many Friday nights of my young life at my grandparents’ house and we always watched 20/20 at 9:00 on Channel 13. I did go on to major in journalism, but I’m definitely not hosting a news magazine show on TV! Nowadays I work part-time from home as a blog administrator. I never would have imagined when I started working at LPM 7 years ago, much less when I was 16 and didn’t even know what the Internet was, that this would end up being my job. I love what I do and am very thankful for the life God has given me.
When I was 16 I wanted to be a great "something", a nurse, a ballerina, a teacher, I don't know but it was going to be GREAT. Instead I became pregnant. 36 years later,by the Grace of God, I'm still married to that man, Mother of 3 grown sons, 2 grandchildren (thank you Jesus that Roe was not law yet).
Praise Him! Can anybody top that? My hubby and I design ironwork for the home and garden. I teach bible studies for a group of college women. Still dreaming of a womens resource center (a dream of 15 years, still to come)Glory!
Well, my parents divorced when I was 11 and I rebelled as a teen. Thought I was in love at 14 and would marry that boy and that is as far as my dreams went.(what did I know about marriage at 14???) So happy to say God set me on a different path and I just celebrated 18 yrs in ministry and marriage with a wonderful man. I love being a mom and ministry opportunities we get. Life is so much better then I ever dreamed it would be.
Wow! This has been a fun post to enjoy on a cloudy afternoon! When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a teacher or work in an office. By Junior High I was rearranging my bedroom every other week and organizing everything in our house. My High School dream was to go to Rome for Interior Design. My parents had said I could go if I had someone to go with me-my bff said she would go, too! That summer I met my future husband and stayed stateside working on a teaching degree. He was and still is a very family oriented man so I decided that being his wife and mother of our children was my first priority. He went into the Air Force when he graduated from A&M and I went with him. I was a SAHM while they were growing up. When he retired and we moved to San Antonio I was able to take a year of residential interior design and loved it. However, we made one more move to Seattle and there wasn't a program compatible to what I had just completed, so now I just enjoy decorating our retirement home here in Texas and feel that God will lead me where he wants me.
Beth, you would be an awesome hair stylist. You would be so much fun to talk to while you made us look our best!!!! And of course, we would have all the latest bump-its, accessories and color!
We have a super variety of Siestas on this blog–love it!!!!!
Since I was young I've said I just want to be a mom, however as a 16 year old that's not really a good or wise idea so I decided I wanted to follow in my aunt's footsteps and become a teacher. As graduation grew closer I knew I didn't want to spend four years (and a lot of money) pursuing something I didn't know if I'd be good at or even like. So instead I went to a technical school in southern Ohio and received a certificate as a nanny.
Ten years ago nanny jobs in northern Ohio were VERY few and far between let alone well-paying ones, so I ended up working for a family in my church who owns an insurance agency. I'd never worked in an office before so it was pretty intimidating.
During that time I got married to my wonderful husband. A few years later I knew I wanted to change career paths and pursue becoming a nanny. I found a nanny-staffing website, became a member and posted my resume. I'm not sure how long went by before I got an interview with a family about 15 minutes from my home, but I knew from the start that this was going to be my first nanny job. WOW! That was the most fun, hard, stressful, frustrating, yet valuable job experience I've ever had. I won't go into the details, but let's just say that I knew I was there for a purpose during that time of that family's life.
I left them about three years ago, and I now work part time for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Office of Coastal Management pushing papers…I mean, organizing them so that others can find the information they need for projects. I also work a couple of mornings per week for a local recreation center doing childcare.
As of today, I'm not a mom. I definitely desire to have my own children, but apparently God doesn't think it's time yet so that is still a dream for me that I hope to one day achieve.
Oh, after watching Beth's anniversary videos for Living Proof, I now want to move to Houston and work for her (my husband is all for it)!
Wow! I turned 30 in January and I remember when I turned 16 I wanted to be a psychologist. Later that year I found myself pregnant (with my now 13 year old son, Jared). I worked in marketing for a healthcare company and was a case manager for people with mental handicaps when I got out of college.
My most important role (other than being God's girl and Mike's wife) and job is being mama to three great boys. And I never would have dreamed at 16 that I could do it! Praise be to God for the strength and patience =)
Hi Melissa,
I have been thinking about this all afternoon. Like others there were a few things that I wanted to be. When I was really young I wanted to be a nurse, then when I was pre-teen I wanted to be a airline stewardess or a model, until my Mom said "you know what they have to do don't you" and I said "No what"
She said they had to get their back teeth pulled out so their cheeks sunk in to make them look skinner……well that was it for me on that occupation….LOL
Then I wanted to be a fashion designer…….I really don't know how to draw or anything I just liked to buy clothes.
Then I meet my husband when I was 16 and when got married right after High School. Then I got pregnant and was a stay at home mom till my kids were almost grown then God got me this awesome job for a great company that makes and sell Royalty Free Stock Footage……..I have been here for 11 years.
But what I really want to say is that I don't think I am "grown up" yet. I was thinking about that how God has so much still to teach me and I still feel like a little kid sometimes when I throw a tantrum because I don't get what I want, when I want it and various others things He is training me up in. But our gracious Father is so patient with us. I am looking forward to "growing up" someday when I am bowing at Jesus' feet on that glorious day.
In my VERY early Elementary
School years I wanted to be a school teacher AND a missionary to Africa.
I graduated with a BS in Education. I taught everything from 2nd grade-9th grade for ten years. I also tutored college algebra and worked part time with
2nd-9th graders.
In 1997 Living Proof began "Outlanders". I signed up. We prayed and fasted through "Operation World". Powerful!!!
A year later my church offered a course in ESL and I attended. Not long after that I was asked to consider teaching ESL to our growing group of Internationals. I prayed about it and God said "Yes!" and so did I. Not really knowing anything about this new ministry, I had no idea the joy, the fun, the satisfaction, and the love I would have for my students. It felt so very right, it was that "this is what I was born to do" feeling.
I taught a class of Hispanics for years (ESL using the Bible) and they now have their own church. I was very happy for them, but still miss them like crazy.
Following that I taught ESL using the Bible to a class of: 1 girl from Brazil, 1 (previous) Mexican student and 2 Chinese students. My precious Brazilian girl became a Believer during that time. I remember singing "Little is Much When God Is in It" when I was a teenager. True, so true!
Working with Internationals is different from any SS class and/or Bible Study I have attended or taught. Why? Usually Internationals return to their homeland at some point and most of the time we are not told until they are gone.
WE… DON'T… KNOW… WHEN… OUR… DOOR… OF… OPPROTUNITY… WILL… SLAM… SHUT.
Of course, none of us ever know when the door will slam, do we?
Patrick Johnstone wrote in the 'Prayer and World Evangelization' section of Operation World: "Prayer not only changes things, situations and people. It also changes those who pray….'YOU MAY HAVE THE PRIVILEGE OF BECOMING THE ANSWER TO YOUR OWN PRAYERS.'" (All caps mine)
Thank you Beth (and Rise Uttley) for offering the chance for me to lift outlandish prayers for the nations and… the privilege of becoming the answer to my own prayers.
Jan
Charter Member 1997, "Outlanders"
Very cool post melissa, very informative. Thanks
At 16 I wasn't sure but took the suggestion of a family member and became a paralegal. I loved it, but about 5 years into it realized I was being drawn to teaching. That is no surprise really since my mom retired from teaching and my father was a full time minister. I've taught on the elementary level for 17 years, BUT I've moved to middle school this year. God has given me a tremendous compassion for the "middle child". I'm very excited to go deeper into reading.(which is what I will be teaching) My love for God's Word has inspired me in recent years to dig into His truths. I'm sure that I will learn as much if not more as my students. I love learning and seeing others learn.
I wanted to be a mommy so bad… a BIG family….and was so afraid that Jesus would come back, before I got a chance. My life took many twists, many sad, many stupid choices….. at 40 I was told I would probably never have children due to medical reasons….. at 41 I had my first son, 43, my second….my husband left when they were 2 and 4. At 49, as a single mommy, I added my adopted daughter from China…and this year, I am adopting again, at 52.
So I am living my dream and sayin "Come on, Lord Jesus, we are ready!"
(I also wanted to be a school teacher, and have not done that…..yet. 🙂
All I ever wanted to do from the 4th grade was travel to as many countries as I possibly could and help people in third world countries. Once I got older, all I wanted to be was a missionary.
I got my degree in International Studies, and now work for the airlines where we get free unlimited travel, which we use ridiculously.
My husband is in his last semester of transitioning from an LPN to an RN, and our dream is to move to Latin America (we don't care where) and impact this world for Christ.
We're pregnant with our first child and I've always wanted to raise my child overseas, and it's looking more and more like it's gonna happen.
Melissa,
When I was little, I wanted to be a mom. I would marry a rich man, and we would have a boy first and then a girl. I would be the best mom in the world. In high school, I wanted to be a beautician. Only because it required just one year of school.Well, I graduated from Beauty school one year after I graduated from high school. I now do a few friends and family member's hair in my kitchen. My husband is not the rich man I dreamed about, but that didn't seem important anymore. He was a man of strong faith and that was more important to me. We have been married almost 19 years now. We have two daughters. My oldest, my Melissa, knows everything, and I know nothing(she is 15 years old after all). She does realize that it is much cheaper to let mom do her hair than to spend $40-$50 at a hair salon. I, in turn, let her choose the color, within reason. I work part-time as a waitress in a local family-owned restaurant. I love interacting with my customers. I have gotten into the habit of praying for them before I go to work that day.
As to the dream of being the best mom, I failed within the first 24 hours of my firstborn's life. I had been up all night with her the day we brought her home. I was nursing, but she would keep screaming. I waited until the next morning to call the nurses to see what was wrong when they informed me, "You have been starving her!" (The little detail of my milk not coming in right away had been lost somewhere in the process.) I quickly prepared one of the bottles of formula they send you home with, and the poor thing sucked down two bottles in about two minutes! I felt SO horrible! Sorry if that was TMI. So, like everyone else, I realize that God's plans are so much better than anything we can imagine.Thanks for letting us reminisce!
P.S. Just an extra FYI, you don't have to wait until morning to call the nurses at the hospital, they're there ALL NIGHT! (Must have been the sleep-deprivaton.)
When I was 16 I wanted to be a librarian, but my local college didn't offer that degree and I couldn't afford to go off to college (plus I was too terrified to go) so I took secretarial science because as a little girl I wanted to be Della Street, Perry Mason's secretary. I went on to be an executive secretary for 5 years and then left the business world when I became pregnant so I could be a "stay-at-home" mom. I loved being a mom so much that after my boys had been in school awhile, I went back to school and became a teacher. 12 years later, my world fell apart, God picked me up and led me to Beth's Believing God Bible study at my church, and I fell in love with God's Word through indepth Bible studies. Now I facilitate morning Bible studies at my church and host a summer study in my home. Praise God for His unfathomable ways!
When I was 16, I was too busy fighting off the bullies in high school (boys and girls) and just surviving each day. But I knew I wanted to go to university to study science and do genetic research. Long story short, I ended up with a teaching degree and now hope that I make a difference in the lives of kids who are just trying to survive a day of school, too.
But still, my big dream is to be married. I don't care if I have children or not. I'm 37, single, and never have been married, and I don't want to go through life alone. Is it wrong to dream of being loved and cherished by someone? I know marriage is not a bed of roses, but I'm willing to work hard at it. I know having a husband and home of my own will not necessarily make me happy or bring fulfillment, but that's my dream anyway.
To the anonymous siesta who said she's 41, never married, and didn't see herself at this point in her life, and "kristinwithani", your posts were an encouragement to me. It's hard not to constantly think I'm the only one in this stage of life at our ages.
So, thanks, Melissa, for posing your question. I'm glad God placed you where you are, and that you listened to Him.
And Amanda, if you were on TV, we'd never see the beautiful faces of your family. So keep on blogging!
When I was 13, I watched the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal, Canada. Nadia Comaneci scored the first perfect 10 in gymnastics. She was amazing. From that point on I wanted to be an olympic athlete. I thought I could change the world by being an olympian. In college I was an all-american athlete, calif. state champion, and even ranked as high as 6th in the nation in my sport, but never made it to the olympics. Instead God challenged me to take my athletic talents to the mission field and use sport as a way to build bridges with other cultures and people groups to share the gospel. Winning others to the "streets of gold in heaven" is far better than any olympic gold medal.
When I was a young girl, I wanted to be a teacher … even played "school" with my younger siblings! In high school, I was leaning towards becoming a Linguist but didn't have the means to go to college or the proper guidance. Took some business-type courses in high school that lead me to apply for a job keypunching (really aging myself with that tidbit!) which lead to jobs in accounting and payroll. Met a wonderful man, had 3 children … and my prayers were answered as we homeschooled our children. I was a teacher after all! I have gone back to work and am currently the Office Manager at a small wholesale manufacturing firm. Not my dream job by any means. I feel like I already had that. I feel restless in this stage of my life and am waiting for God to show me which way to go.
When I was little, I wanted to be a monk but had to give that dream up b/c both my denomination and gender were wrong. Then I wanted to be a professional clown, and then a detective. Many, many years later I now disciple women and youth in high-risk situations.
Melissa and your Posse,
I desperately wanted to be a tv journalist, specifically Jane Polly. Maybe with a little bit cuter hair. 🙂 My mom had the Today show on every single morning, and I loved watching it! I thought being a tv journalist like Jane would help me to be "in the know" on everything from politics to beauty treatments. That sounded so cool! I also always loved to write (still do), so that passion kind of fit in with that one. I ended up majoring in music education and taught music class to kids K-5 in the public schools for several years. Now I am a SAHM with 3 young'uns, and I love that job, too! All 3 of them are actually school age this year (my baby started Kindergarten, sniff sniff!!), so I am once again concentrating on writing again! Feel very blessed with the opportunities God has set before me and how he encourages me, too. To Him be the glory! 🙂
I like this post! When I was 16, I had the lofty ambitions of being the first woman president of the US. I loved government and politics, and in fact, the prediction in my high school yearbook was just that- that I'd be the first woman female president. I am now 37, and I will give you a glimpse of today, since that prediction obviously didn't come true. I just got done feeding my family- husband, 4 daughters, and one houseguest-for ten-days BEEFARONI. Today, I was told by my 16 year old that she needs new school uniforms before the school year, my 14 year old "needs" new Sperrys, my 12 year old needs anything the sisters get, and my 5 year old needs to use the computer while I'm typing right now. My husband needs a wife who is full of joy, and my ten-day-houseguest needs his own gallon of whole milk. So… I loved reflecting on the glamorous thinking of me at 16, but in spite of the ordinariness of my life today, I have to say that I am happy right where I am and can see God's hand. (And our country is better off without me leading it!) Thanks Melissa!
Wanted to be a wife and a mom. Have been divorced well over a decade now. Do have the kids though. Wanted to work in Social Services but worked many years to get a degree and can't get a job… took a job in something else which ended. Have been unemployed all this year. Need a job soon. I believe in God and His promises but when I try to actually dream about what I desire I find it very hard, and feel there is something horribly wrong with that.
When I was young I dreamed of . . . quite possibly everything–except what I do now. Today, I am a homeschooling mother of five–with four under the age of four (one set of twins)!! If you had even told me ten years ago that this would be my life I would have, in my pride, scoffed at how ridiculous you were being. I was simply "too good" to be such a "weirdo". . . how funny. If often say that God doesn't give the ten year plan cause one, you might not want to know it, and two it may take some time to get you where you do want it. I simply love what I do and can't imagine any other job being as fulfilling as a lap full of babies covered in books!!
When I was 16 I wanted to be an interpreter for the United Nations. I was studying Spanish and French in high school, and thought it would be really cool to do that. I even wrote to the UN asking for information. I found out that the career required so much education that I'd never finish until I was 40!
Many years later, I am nearly 51 years old. I have a B.A. in Spanish (1980), a paralegal certificate (1981), an elementary teaching license (2003),and a M.A. in Special Education (May 2009). After several career paths, I began teaching third grade at age 45. (I was a stay-at-home mom for 12 years.) I am not bilingual certified and am very rusty in Spanish now, but I am able to communicate with students and parents. My parents, both deceased now, would be THRILLED to know that I finally figured out what I wanted to do when I grew up!
When I was in the 8th grade, I took a career test that indicated I would be good working in accounting/finance. I went to school many moons ago to study IT and accounting. I ended working as in a cost accounting for the past 23 years. I am currently an executive assistant/administrator for a finance director.
However, I am not sure what Christ's plan is for me. I am being lead more into worship as an altar prayer minister and now co-leading the Beth Moore study group at my church. I'm also getting an interest in ministries of health.
BTW, we are God's G.A.L.S.(God's Amazing Love Shared).
Namaste,
Mary Ann,
Woodbury, MN
Mary Ann
When I was in high school I wanted to be a journalist. My dream was to write for a magazine or newspaper. This stemmed from my childhood dream which was to be an author like Laura Ingalls Wilder or Louisa May Alcott. I still want to be a writer (haven't given up the dream!), so I blog. But in my real life I am an office manager for a gift retail store.
I wanted to be a journalist but because my 2 older sisters became Registered Nurses, I felt I should do the same but that was not God's plan for my life. I worked hard in college but flunked out. Math and Science was not my stong suit. Now fastforward God has brought me full circle. I am a Christian freelance writer and I have been published.
I grew up loving Nancy Drew books and wanting to be like the fictional character…involved in law or a detective! I also thought that I would be married and have children. The Lord works in "mysterious" ways – couldn't refuse the pun! I graduated from college with a government degree. I've been working as a litigation paralegal at a large law firm for almost 13 years. I do a lot of research & detective-type work. However, I am still waiting for my Ned! 🙂
When I was a small child (as in, four years old) I wanted to be a mermaid. By sixteen, however, my dreams had taken a turn. I wanted to be a photojournalist. I wanted to document the world's sorrows and joys on film.
MANY years, a husband and four children later, clearly that is not the life God intended for me, and I am so glad of that! In a few weeks, in fact, I'm going back to school to work on my bachelor's and then on to seminary. At the ripe old age of — well– how ever old I am– I feel pulled toward ministry. That's really odd to me because for the last seventeen years I've been serving as a pastor's wife. If you'd told me just a few years ago that God would call me toward a ministry of my own, I'd have laughed. I'd have said, "As if being a PW and raising children isn't ministry enough?" But God has a funny way of changing who we are into more of what he wants from us.
Still holding on to a little bit of that mermaid dream, though. 😉
When I was 16 I wanted to get married to a wonderful family man and have lots of children. I think I wanted 8! I did get married to a wonderful man and I have three beautiful children. My dream came true! 🙂
Since I was 9 years old whenever anyone asked me what I wanted to do I always said, "I want to be a wife and a mom." I'm 45 and single, never married, no kids. Don't know how this happened, but I am a businesswoman, and would still love to be a wife and mom. No chance of being a biological mom at this point. It's a big, fat bummer, but I suppose God has His reasons, right? You young gals reading this – learn from us older ones – go for your dreams! Take the time to move in the direction of your hearts desire and don't get distracted like I did.
Growing up, I wanted to be a professional golfer. My parents always commented that with the ambitions my sisters and I had they'd still have all three of us at home when we were 30. But, despite wanting to be a professional golfer, being diagnosed with a chronic illness in high school meant that wasn't an option. At that point I decided to be an architect.
Needless to say, I don't do that either. Now, I am the bookkeeper (accountant) for a Gospel Rescue Mission. And, it's the best job I could have asked for. I get to work with numbers all day (I love numbers) and I get to be a part of something that makes a difference in people's lives.
In 6th grade we made time capsules, filling them with special items and a questionaire (@1986). Once sealed they were not to be opened until the year 2000. In that were the answers to several questions, one being what we envisioned ourselves doing in 2000. I wanted to either be a college basketball coach or a builder. Turns out I've been both; although, now I'm a housing inspector. At some point early in high school, I also wanted to be the first girl to dunk in a college basketball game…well that never happened, especially at 5'6"…Spud could do it but not me!
How fun to go down memory lane.
I asked Jesus to be my Savior when I was 5 years old – and promised him then that I'd be a missionary when I grew up. Working as a missionary has always been a part of my dreams for the future. Now, my husband, 8 children and I serve in Niger, W. Africa.
Melissa,
Ever since I was a young girl I've wanted to be an elementary school teacher. I earned an Associates degree from a local community college and instead of completing my education went to work full-time at a bank. I always thought it would be nice to complete my degree but life started happening and before I knew it years had flown by and it just didn't seem like going back to school would fit into my life. I've worked for banks, an insurance firm, and a privately owned Civil War park doing administrative work. I've also worked full-time at my church in Children's and Women's Ministries. I've taught pre-schoolers in Sunday School, participated in VBS, rocked babies in the nursery and managed to stay connected to little ones in various ways. I'm currently performing receptionist duties at my church part-time. Â
I about jumped out of my chair when I saw the topic of today's post! During a conversation with my Mom about a month ago I started to think that maybe now is the time to go back to school and complete my degree so I can be a teacher. I've found an Adult Degree Program offered through one of the colleges where I live and have met with an academic advisor a couple of times to discuss the possibilities. Everything I've learned so far has been very encouraging. It's exciting and a little intimidating all at the same time. It's been twenty-seven years since I graduated with my Associates degree!!! I'm praying it through and we'll see where God leads me.
Love to all,
Kim
Doswell, VAÂ Â Â Â Â Â
For as long as I can remember I always wanted to be a nurse. From my "name" you can see that I am a BIG University of Louisville fan but UL did not have a college of nursing back when I graduated from high school so I go a BSN from the University of KY. I have worked as a hospital nurse, a "singing, dancing nurse" in Up with People, a public health nurse in school health, and currently as a nurse in a clinic for adolescents. I believe with all my heart that God called me into nursing. I am so blessed to have been able to answer His call.
Linda Peel, R.N.
Okay so, I was one of the kids that would bother my mom 10 billion times about what I wanted to be for Halloween b/w dec-oct lol; so I basically loved to play any role I could:)
So first I wanted to be an Actress…
but then in highschool I changed my mind and decided to persue teaching. It had a lot to do with my mentor; she was my 9th gr english teacher and someone I know for sure was sent by God. She's amazing, and I want to reach out to those kids out there who don't realize their potential, and who just need to be understood. I was one of those kids. I ended up getting my GED because I couldn't pass the math part of the exit exam; I want kids to know not to ever give up; because as long as you don't you're half way there.
Its important to be the person who tries to understand where someone is…I think God gives us all that oppurtunity, its up to us to take it:)
Anyway, I will have my AA in May…I've been at this 8yrs. and I am not ashamed. Its just more of a story to tell right:)
This one is easy to answer – wanted to go to medical school – still have letters 33 years later that I exchanged with my then boyfriend – now husband of 33 years – he called me Dr. Whitener (soon to be married name)—- never made it, but would still like to, just too old —- so, what to get a doctorate in with a Master's in business management? Don't have any idea, but one can still dream . . . even at my age!
I had more dreams then anyone could ever fulfill in one lifetime. I wanted to be a teacher, a counselor, a coach, a singer, a pilot (not even physically possible since I'm blind in one eye), a fashion designer, and I also planned to be an olympic gold medalist in the 5,000 meter run. Now, I'm a stay at home mom with no degree and I can barely run to the mailbox, let alone five thousand meters, although I do miss running. It's just that my body feels so different after having had 3 children. All these extra parts get in the way. I mean I actually have breasts now. I used to get teased in high school about why I even bothered wearing a bra! It just seemed so pointless. I was tiny. Their was absolutely nothing to me. Now I have hips and breasts and I don't know what to do with them.
In kindergarden, I wanted to be a ballerina. In middle/high school, I wanted to work behind the scenes on a soap opera. I love Charleston, SC, however, so those would not work out. I officially graduate from college this Saturday with a degree in Nursing. I have to take the NCLEX soon to be a registered nurse. Please pray for me! Thanks! I love people and am ready to have my license so I can really help them. 😀
From the time I was very little, I wanted to be a wife and a mommy. That was it. I thought I would be a secretary (you know, so I could marry the boss!…didn't happen, I am a terrible secretary!) and than I thought I would teach (I didn't really like other people's children all that much) and along the way, the Lord called me to be a nurse…I obeyed (even though I failed high school biology!) and I met my husband in the E.R. at work…he was a cop not a patient. We have five beautiful children, whom I now home school. I still work as a nurse. Career-wise, I never wanted one, still don't. I got the dream come true in getting to be my husband's wife and my kids mom!
When I was in age 10, I wanted to be a NUN like my aunt…Then I discovered boys so decided I better change my direction.
I, too (Beth!) wanted to be a beautitian but Mom suggested I change my goals when I hacked her hair to bits.
"Secretary" sounded so glamorous so I took lots of business courses in high school and began a bit of college, but……
I reeeealy wanted to be a wife and mommy. I got married, had 2 boys, but husband told me to "get a job or get out….no freeloaders", so I did both (got a job and got out). The biz courses helped me get jobs for many years. But I still wanted to be a wife and mom. I re-married, and he didn't want me to work, so I reached my goal! I am a VERY happy wife, mother of two, step-mom of 1, and 11 grandkids. WooHoo. God is so good!
Easy. I always dreamed of being a mom.
3 miscarriages and a degree in physical therapy later, I'm a mama. Here I am, 39 next week, and blessed to be home with my kids (I call it a 'sabbatical' from work as a therapist, but I seem busier now than ever). Having worked for years with children with special needs, seeing children who want to walk and can't, seeing parents bury babies who were born paralyzed…. I savor every second of time with my babies (12 and 8 yrs old). I hear other moms complain about wanting time away from their kids, or yelling and screaming at them in the store or restaurant, or simply putting their friends before their families… that's just not me. There's no do-overs in this job, my dream job, so I'm going to savor every second of it! 🙂
My Emily is 8… and since she was 4 yrs old she's been saying she's going to be a vet when she grows up. Not one waver. I look forward to seeing her dream evolve or develop… she seems so steadfast and certain at such a young age! She's even going in to our vet's office (she asked to!) to watch some surgeries soon! (we'll see if that changes her mind)
I knew since Kindergarten that I wanted to be a teacher. I have my degree in Education, taught for 4 years before my first baby was born. Now I teach all 3 kids as a stay-at-home mom. I think I'll go back to teaching in a school some day!
I have always wanted something more traditional. I always wanted to be a mom. I have 4 grown children and 2 adorable grandaughters! In the meantime I also have a great job as a reading teacher! God is great and has given me so much more than I deserve!
My husband is like your friend. He has known from the time he could walk and talk that he wanted to fly in the air force. And that is exactly what he has been doing for the past 12 years! Now I, on the other hand, wanted to be a doctor when I was 16. But after realizing that it might conflict with my desire to also be a stay at home mom 🙂 well, you get the picture. I am actually a speech-language pathologist but am taking a few years off to be a homemaker.
All the way up until three years ago (23 years old), I wanted to be a pediatric brain surgeon. Yea — go figure. Even majored in the necessities in undergraduate. And within one summer, God clearly directed my studies elsewhere…got a fire from Him for the OT more than I know what to do with…
What I do now? Watch the days on the calendar pass away with my temp. job, job search, and 'wait upon the Lord' … doing my best to keep at bay the increasingly loud passion of my heart.
As a 7-8 year old I would pretend that I was a meteorologist. That was back in the late 70's. Do you remember the weather "boards" when the "Weather Man" would use that really big marker ( You know..The Super Sharpie) and write all the pressure systems all over the map and then pull out a new board and write all the temperatures on that one. Ahhhh, I still remember it. I would even draw maps on paper and then take my marker and draw the big H and the big L and then draw rain drops. I loved it. My cousin and I would tape record our weather segments. ha ha that was fun.
Wait a minute.. the readers may remember but I guess Melissa you may have to ask someone about that flash back.
This whole meteorologist dream came out of a family visit to Arkansas when I was 6. We were visiting my Mom's sisters and their families. On the way back to Delaware in the motorhome we stopped at a campground in Tennessee. While my brother and I were swimming in the campground pool a man came running to the pool yelling, "Get out of the pool there was a tornado." Sure enough there was the perfect "Dorothy" tornado. I will never forget it. We ran back to the camper and then my family went and knelt down in a nearby ditch with trash bags on us like rain coats. Go figure. The whole thought makes me laugh.
It rained and the wind blew. The trash bag thing totally didn't work. We waited for awhile and then decided to go back into the camper. I was so scared and my older brother was being the typical older brother (he was 10)teasing and scaring me. I can't even remember what he was saying but I was scared. My grandmother was with us and she made a profound statement that seemed to calm me. "Well, if I'm going to die I want to die with a full stomach. Let's cut the watermelon." Yep, that's what I grew up with. And my kids think I'm half-baked. LOL They don't know the half of it. We didn't sustain any damages but the tornado left a path of distruction through some trees.
Any who…, fast forward 20+ years and … I am an insurance agent. hahahah. No kidding. Seriously. I've been an insurance agent since I graduated college. My degree is in business administration. Some where along the way I must have lost the dream to a meteorologist. Heck, I had to look the word up in the dictionary just now to remember how to spell it.
I still watch the weather channel and keep and eye to the sky. I'm not sure I would like being a meteorologist today. They don't use markers anymore.
I just read this to my oldest son who is 17 and just graduated high school this May. He is laughing his head off. Life is good
I always wanted to be a nurse…ALWAYS! I was a child who loved to take care of people when they were sick. I helped take care of my great-grandma who lived with us for awhile after her eye surgery. I begged my mom to let me be the one to put in her eye drops and change her bandages/patches and my sweet mother obliged. I even tended to the family pets when they were ill. I just loved to nurture.
When I got to college I delayed applying to the nursing school because there was a semester I decided to pursue Social Work. Well, I went back to Nursing and did become an RN. I loved it but haven't worked outside the home for nearly 12 years.
I still love to tend to people when they're sick or hurt…it makes me feel good to make them more comfortable and alleviate the pain/sickness. I feel it is my way of ministering…and treating people like I would want to be treated if I were sick or hurt.
Blessings,
Shelly
Portland, OR
This question is a bittersweet one for me, too. I always wanted to be a wife and a mom, and I will soon be 40 and am still single, which makes me sad sometimes.
However, when I first became a Christian, I struggled and struggled with how to relate to God and how to have Jesus be "real" to me. In the last few years, the Lord has answered my prayers to be closer to Him, and that is the best thing in my life.
I have to trust Him to either have the other dreams happen (I tried to convince Him the other day that He would get SUCH glory to find me a godly, smart man, because they are so rare, especially in my age range :-), but so far the Lord is not persuaded), or to give me contentment and fulfillment in Him alone–which I know we all need regardless, but is so hard to figure out how to do.
I just want to be joyful in the Lord, no matter what.
When I was around 10 I wanted to be an alter boy but alas I could not because I was a girl. That really ticked me off, being a girl that is. I felt boys got to do so much more. So, I would go home and take my dads bible and say Mass myself.Then I resolved that I would have to be happy with being a nun I felt a call on my life to serve God. I also wanted to be a veterinarian. I always brought birds with broken wings, baby ones that fell out of the nest and of course the countless number of dogs that just"followed me home". I love animals. I was thrown into a pit at 15. I had a child at 17 so my dreams ended then. Although I lived in defeat for a very long time the LORD still blessed me in ways I never realized until recently. I have a natural talent with animals. I worked on a horse track with Horses no one else could get near, I had successful business raising birds and built a tropical fish hatchery into a successful business.I had the opportunity to go back to school when I turned 40 and I took it. Now I work for the LORD in a fellowship he picked for me because I have a talent they need. I am no longer living in defeat and though I am not living in total victory,I am getting there "…line upon line precept upon precept". The Lord has been healing me. I am a tree coming to fruition in Jesus I am so grateful that He is graceful.
When I was in high-school I wanted to be a lawyer, maybe end up in politics – maybe even become the first female president of the US in 2016. (So, I dreamed big). I was going to get married at 28, then have two kids at 30 and 32 respectively. (Instead I got married at 21 and had four children by the time I was 25).
Now I work at a residential treatment center for Native American teenagers and L-O-V-E it! I never in a million years thought I'd end up in any kind of therapy-related profession, but this is where I'm meant to be. I finally finished my undergrad 2 years ago and I'm hoping grad school is somewhere in my future.