How does someone go into a university with one intention and then quickly switch their aspirations into becoming a future district attorney?

Well, at first I didn't want to become a teacher. Back in high school, I was thinking of not attending college right away. I wanted to take a gap year to experience the world as an adult. But then, I had a long talk with my guidance counselor who scared me by saying, "most people don't ever go back to college when they take even a semester off." So I started reminiscing on my old job as a summer camp counselor for children. We eventually concluded that I will apply to universities as a childhood education major. I honestly wanted to apply as fashion marketing major but I sucked at math. My counselor told me there was no way I would excel as a business major. I wish I could have traveled back in time to smack myself for deciding on a major just because I had an ounce of experience.

So, I went into my freshman year of college with the intention of becoming a teacher. I imagined myself waking up early with piles of lesson plans to take to my students. I used to vision myself staying late after school to help tutor anyone who needed help. I wanted to impact a child's life even if they ended up disliking me. My main goal was to mean something to someone, not teach something that I do not fully comprehend myself.

All of my friends and family said that I would be an amazing teacher. I connect with children in ways only a mentor can. They said I'm small enough to make the students feel comfortable. It is almost like they expected me to become a teacher. I started taking courses that I lost interest in quickly. I was so much more interested in my friend's criminal justice classes. I went in with this idea that I had to become a teacher, but I wasn't excited about it.

I told my ex-boyfriend that I wanted to look into becoming a lawyer in the future. He laughed at me. He actually laughed. Instead of supporting and encouraging me to pursue a tough career, he laughed so hard. He said that I'm way too adorable to be a tough girl in a courtroom. My blood started boiling to the point where I was sure my face turned as red as a tomato. I never felt so upset in my life. How is it that the person you see yourself embarking on a future with does not even encourage you to become the fullest potential version of yourself? This was my wake up call.

It was not until my boyfriend and I broke up that I realized teaching is not a career that I want to do. I was not in love with the idea that I was dedicating my whole college education being someone I was not. I was going to become the person everybody expected me to be and I am so much more than that. Even though I am quiet, I am not afraid to speak my mind. Just because I am small does not mean I won't be able to intimidate my witnesses.

I thought of my fifth-grade teacher, Mr. Makuku. His own methods made me into the person I am today. In some way, I felt like I was letting this man down. He envisioned me going into an Ivy League school to become a court reporter for crying out loud! While everyone else was trying to fit me in this mold, I could hear his voice in my head pushing me to go after my dreams.

So I spoke to my college adviser and told her my plans. I did my research on statistics, the different types of law there is, the impact lawyers have to the community. I switched my major to English so I can use the ability to analyze and research texts to pass the LSATs and the BAR exams. Now I get to study what I love while preparing for my ultimate goal.

Being an English major is my soulmate. I can analyze texts, help edit articles, learn how to present myself in ways previously unimaginable. It can lead to various careers. My ultimate goal is to become a district attorney. I want to prove to myself that I can push myself into a career that others to this day think I would not be able to accomplish. Plus, I will still be helping people in ways unimaginable. It is a great feeling to know when you have finally found your passion.