As a little girl, I was constantly bombarded with the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

My response slowly changed over time, and my dreams ranged from various things: wanting to be a singer, a veterinarian, an astronaut, a teacher, a model, a nurse, or really anything that I was feeling on that particular day.

The amount of times that I was being asked this question seemed to decrease around 7th grade, but that did not hold back it's presence as I entered into high school and had to begin thinking about college. It was (and still is) a question that seemed to follow me around as if it were my own shadow.

But unlike my shadow, this is something that I am somewhat afraid of. I feel as if I always have someone breathing down my neck until I decide one way or the other. It is something that keeps me awake at night, making me feel as if I am making a life-or-death decision. It is a thing that is constantly introducing to me the negative repercussions that could come from my decision making.

I was so scared when I was young. I simply did not have any idea of what I wanted to be when I "grew up."

Now, having completed my first semester at college, where I have been able to discover my passions and interests, I can now proudly respond to that ever-looming question. I am going to major in psychology, with intentions to later become a counselor.

There, I did it- I made my decision.

Having made this decision has taken away my fear of the unknown. While I can finally respond with certainty, my response is still incomplete. For in all actuality, this is a two part question.

While I do hope to succeed in my studies and pursue my dream career as a counselor, it is not necessarily who I want to be.

I want to be happy. I want to be confident. I want to have pride in myself and in what I do.

So, why is it that the response to "What do you want to be?" is directly related to a certain occupation, instead of a certain destination?

My curiosity and reflection on such a simple question has raised an awareness within myself. It has enabled me to realize that you cannot pursue a career simply because it pays well. What good is that money if you are completely empty and miserable inside while earning it?

While retail therapy can temporarily numb the pain, wealth cannot provide indefinite happiness.

So I challenge everyone, to remind yourselves....Nothing is worth it if you aren't happy.