I’ve been asked this question as early as kindergarten. Unlike most kindergarten graduations, mine played out as a performance of my class’ work to our friends and families in the audience. On the stage of my elementary school’s auditorium, my class sat in a semicircle with a microphone stand in the center. When it was my turn, I walked to the mic and with my loudest voice declared “When I grow up, I want to be a teacher.” Truthfully, I didn’t actually know; teaching was simply a job that I knew about.
By the third grade, I gave my answer more thought. My love for television shows and movies inspired me to want to become a triple threat: an actress, singer, and dancer. I was already taking ballet lessons and singing as often as I could. It wouldn’t be long before I became a Disney Channel star. I remember Ms. Braia reflecting on my answer with excitement. She had no doubt that I could do it.
Several months later, I was telling my mom that I wanted to be a fashion designer. I had a knack for putting together outfits and heavily judging any clothing design I came across. From the driver’s seat, she told me that she shared the same dream when she was younger. She also warned me that fashion designers had to have thick skin. As we drove to the supermarket, I pondered the implications of this profession. In a class activity where each student made word maps describing ourselves, I was the only third grader with the word “fashionable” on her word map.
On a winter night in North Carolina, my dad called me over to our extended family sitting in a circle with their coffee mugs. He asked me to share what I wanted to be when I grew up to which I responded “I want to be a cheerleader.” This phase didn’t last very long.
Fast forward to high school, where my parents expect realistic answers to the dreaded, infamous question. At this point, my answer designates my college path and, ultimately, my entire future. I had no idea. Ideally I would create art all day. What job is financially stable, creatively fulfilling, and plays on my strengths? I was told to start by ruling out jobs I didn’t want. Professions in the medical field, or any science for that matter was eventually put on that list. In my junior year, I took a marketing class and decided this isn’t so bad. I enjoyed the creative brainstorming behind designing promotional materials for a company’s target market. Marketing felt practical enough to find a job. It was also flexible enough where I could find an opportunity that intersected with my interests.
Let’s jump to my first year in college: I entered as a freshman majoring in business administration with a concentration in marketing. In my classes, I studied flourishing business plans, business statistics, and international business. Outside of classes, I consistently found students who were combined majors. At a Blaze Pizza Barkada fundraiser, I remember asking Amanda about the large still life drawings under her arm. She told me she was a combined major: computer science and design. To my luck, business and design was offered at Northeastern. Before I knew it, other people were peering over my large portraits in late nights in the Curry Student Center.
When I grow up, I want to find a job in marketing. Maybe in fashion. Maybe I will start my own business selling art prints on the side. Maybe I’ll be on the marketing team for Disney or movies. Maybe I’ll change directions and become a professional baker. A lot can change. What hasn’t changed? My optimistic uncertainty (one can even call it indecision) about what the future has in store.
