By Madison Kelly
As a seven year old, I wanted to become a princess when I grew up. I did not know how one simply became a princess, but I knew I was going to. I was going to live in a pink castle, and wear gorgeous dresses everyday. I would spend my time attending grand balls, and I would marry the most handsome prince.
At eight, I wanted to be a world famous opera singer. I wanted to sing in front of enormous audiences, and be awarded with standing ovations. My singing voice still needed some work at eight, but I had plenty of time to practice.
When I was nine years old, I wanted to be an astronaut. A common occupational choice for a child. I wanted to fly around the world in a spaceship, and look down on the Earth from the infinite expanse of space. I wanted to explore the stars, and see new worlds beyond our own. I could barely ride a bike, but it’s not like piloting a spaceship would be rocket science right?
Ten was a far more complex age. I wanted to be an actress, and a racecar driver. I couldn’t decide between red carpets and movie premiers, or epic races and victory laps. I considered myself a very good multitasker, so I figured why decide when I could just be both.
As an eleven year old, I wanted to be a best-selling writer. I wanted to be creative, and write stories that people around the world would love. The works I’d create would win awards and be so incredible they made Shakespeare look bad. I wasn’t concerned with the realities of pursuing a writing career, I knew I could achieve anything if I truly worked for it.
At twelve years old, I wanted to be a quantum mechanic. A scientist who studies the behavior of matter and light on the atomic and subatomic scale. I didn’t really know what a quantum mechanic was at the time. I just knew it had something to do with studying atoms, and I had just learned about atoms in science class. The job title also sounded really impressive.
Thirteen I still wanted to pretend I knew what a quantum mechanic was.
When I was fourteen, I wanted to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. Middle-school-me had a slight obsession with Grey’s Anatomy. But I also wanted to be able to help people. I wanted to do something that would let me have some kind of impact on the world. I was also told that I could live easy on a doctor’s salary.
Fifteen, I still wanted to work in the medical field. But I was more realistic, and I wanted to be a nurse. I’d still be able to help people and do some good in the world, but I also wouldn’t have to pay for medical school.
At sixteen, I wanted to become a teacher. School had always been something that came naturally to me, so a career in education made sense. I liked being able to help other people understand something new, and I wanted to be one of those teachers that made student’s day. But I was warned to pick a more financially profitable occupation. Maybe I would become a college professor then, so I would make more money.
At seventeen, I’m planning on becoming a business marketing executive. A stable job that would still allow me to be somewhat creative. Something that will support me financially and keep me living comfortably.
At seventeen, I have no idea what I want to be.
Madison Kelly
Grade 12
Writing has always been a way for me to be creative and express myself. I like challenging myself, and trying new ways of writing. For me, writing will always be something I love, and I hope I will be able to continue writing!