"What do you want to be when you grow up?" It's the age old question, familiar to both kindergarteners and high school seniors alike. In my short twenty-one years of life I've had many answers to this daunting question.
In kindergarten, I decided I was going to be a cheerleader, but I called it quits after my first cheer camp. In fourth grade, I was determined to become an attorney, but my non-assertive and easy-going personality didn't exactly drive me to pursue this life endeavor. All throughout high school I envisioned myself in the fashion industry. I wanted to move to LA and become a fashion merchandiser, but thankfully, I came to my senses and realized how terrible LA traffic is. Currently, I've been pursing a Bachelor of Arts in Communications, but I genuinely do not know what my career will look like. Over the past three years, and now embarking on my last year of schooling, I've done a lot of thinking and I've finally figured out what I want to be when I grow up...
1. I want to be happy.
Not what you expected? Were you thinking I had a new career direction or an elaborate plan for the direction of my life? Nope. I truly meant it when I said I don't know what my career will hold, but whatever it is I want to be happy. I want to be overflowing with a joyful outlook on life; to be vibrant with expectancy in the little day-to-day moments and jubilant in new experiences.
2. I want to be loyal.
One of my pet peeves is flakey people; people who say things or make plans without following through. I understand that life happens and plans change, but as a rule of thumb, I want to be fiercely loyal when I grow up. My hope is to be someone people know they can rely on, in good or bad times.
3. I want to be generous.
Whether it's with my resources, my time, my words, or my feelings: I want to be generous when I grow up. I think too often we, as a society, think of the minimum effort or "just enough to get by," but I hope to be someone who gives without regret and loves without limitations.
4. I want to be sincere.
When I grow up, I want to be known for being caring, empathetic, and truly genuine to everyone I meet. I want to bless others by being a light in darkness. I hope to be sincere in my words and actions.
5. I want to be present.
In a society that is fast-paced and consumed by technology, I want to live in the moment. I'm a total planner and being spontaneous stretches me, but I know for certain I want to be present when I grow up. I want to be intentional, a listener, an adventurer, and live life to the fullest.
I don't know what my future holds. I'm not sure if I'll be a successful career woman or a stay-at-home mom. What I do know, is that these things will not define me, no matter what I do or where I go. When I grow up, I want to be someone who is joyful, dependable, thoughtful, genuine, and intentional.
