"A Choice of Consequence"

My teacher once asked our class, “Are all of you aware that one day you’ll be leaving Newington High and entering the real world?” Most of us just laughed—myself included -- because the question felt so unnecessary.  Of course, we were aware. Yet, I later realized that he was really asking us if we had a concrete plan for after we left Newington High School. Which, of course, we didn’t.

As a junior, with senior year literally around the corner, I now see the imminent necessity in needing to reach a decision about what to do next; therefore, I have crafted a comprehensive list of possibilities to explore together.

Option #1 - Taking every AP class ever created to become a doctor-engineer-astronaut.

This option would keep me very busy - so busy that I probably wouldn’t even feel stressed because I would be in a constant state of stressed. Yes, these classes would be challenging; however I might not realize my true potential or what I’m truly passionate about unless I try. If I managed to excel at all of these classes, admissions directors may have faith in me becoming a doctor-engineer-astronaut and admit me at their schools. Even more importantly, I would appear super cool and smart to all my super cool and smart friends; however, just like how James Madison became extremely ill after deciding to complete his three-year Bachelor’s program in just two, I too would likely become irreversibly sick going through with this decision. On the plus side, I could be rich enough to buy happiness - then maybe everything else wouldn’t matter.

#2 - Moving to the countryside, tending the sheep, and making a living for myself through selling art and writing.

This is a fantasy I entertain every midterms, finals, and test week. It sounds peaceful, making it very enticing. I used to imagine this life for myself as a child—when I did make art and write stories frequently, and if it brought me joy then, maybe it could bring me joy in the future. My parents and teachers would probably be accurate in predicting that I’ll be a broke and starving artist. Therefore, it's highly unlikely that I will immediately be able to afford a life in the countryside or sheep.  Pursuing this career would require more than the sporadic bursts of passion that make me write four poems in half an hour. Being successful would require independence, self motivation, and discipline—practices both difficult and necessary in any career but especially this one. Would taking that risk and putting in the effort be worth it? Is it possible to be content with this pivotal life choice that I must make at 17? 

In the end, I don't know. I don't want to choose one or the other, but I also don't have to. There aren't many certified doctor-engineer-astronauts in the world, but there certainly are medical journalists, architects, and science-fiction authors. Additionally, having "smaller" dreams doesn't make anyone less successful if they get to where they want to be. Despite how difficult pursuing something ambitious sounds, it's truly passion and dedication that helps people go far and become accomplished. The most important thing to me is pursuing a career that makes me excited and one that I can picture myself doing in the future. Ultimately, it's okay to not know for certain what one will do with one's life. There's always ways to explore and try out new things. Take those difficult classes and follow all one's ambitions. 

Who knows? With enough hard work I could be a wealthy retired medical journalist-architect-science-fiction author who lives in rural Nebraska and loves tending her three sheep. And you can too.