The question that we all dread to answer at every family gathering, every time you meet with a new student/potential new friend, every conversation starter you have with an adult.

“So what do you plan on going to school for?”

It’s the question that never leaves my mind. If it’s not my main thought, it’s always that constant lingering thought in the back of my head. It’s the question that determines my entire life and my entire future: my major, my career, and even the location I’ll live in or even start a family. Well, I’m nineteen years old and I don’t know what my future looks like. I haven't chosen a major and I don't know where life will take me.

My dad who is much older than I am, still says “I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up.” When he says this, it gives me a sense of relief because it's made me come to the realization that our future is not set in stone. It's okay to be undecided because in my opinion, I don't think anyone has everything figured out. I know when he says this, it's because life is not a definite plan.

Whether, it be for the better or worse, our lives are constantly changing. As we grow older, we also change as individuals that can include your beliefs/morals, interests, abilities, and even our mindset. I used to think that I knew what I wanted to do for the rest of my life, but to be honest—I actually have no idea and that’s okay.

For some this may sound like a disaster or extremely unproductive when I tell someone “I’m still undecided.” Their immediate reaction will automatically be panic. “So you have no idea?” Well, yes that is correct.

Although I am undecided on my career path or "what I want to be when I grow up" I know what type of person I'd like to be.

I know I'd like to be successful. Both of my parents have shown me what hard work really is. I know things don't just fall into your lap, but that it takes time and effort to get to where you'd like to be. When I start a family of my own, I'd like my children to have these same qualities that my parents have instilled in me.

I know I'd like to be a friend. In my workplace and in my home, I want to be the person that someone knows they can always come to, someone they can confide in through tough situations. My mom is one of my best friends and I hope one day that my children will also be able to say the same thing about me.

I know I'd like to be happy. For whichever career path I choose for my future, I want to ensure myself that it’s something I will be passionate about. As the old saying goes “Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life.” Not only do I want to be a happy person at my workplace, but for my family too. Years from now, I hope to have a family where they can be proud of the person I have become.

I know I'd like to be appreciative. When I'm eighty years old I want to look back at my life and know that I have made mistakes and plenty of them, but have found myself in the process. I want to be happy with my past decisions and just enjoy all the little moments that have made up my life.

So, if you were to ask me "what I'd like to be when I grow up" these are the answers I could give you. I couldn't give you a job title or workplace that I have envisioned, but right now I'm okay with that. I know that with time and exploring my options that I will find what I'm really meant to do.