From Dreaming to Reality: My Childhood Career Aspirations

Daily writing prompt

When you were five, what did you want to be when you grew up?

View all responses

Some might already know this, but I have loved animals since I learned my ABCs through the preschool walls. From kindergarten to middle school, I collected and read books on virtually every creature and it’s anatomy this world had to offer (insects were no exception). So, it’s not a stretch to say I wanted veterinarian rights at five years old. To me, keeping people smiling by helping their little (and not-so-little) guys stay healthy was the best profession a person could have. But somewhere after high school, I began to realize a few things.

1. I’m squeamish about animal blood (by squeamish, I mean full-on cry me a stream, creek, and waterfall for good measure).
2. If a dog, cat, or mouse died on my watch, even if it wasn’t my fault, I would feel guilty for at least three decades before forgiving myself and moving on.
3. I don’t handle conflict well. If an irate dog owner suddenly decided the reason their little Archie or Luna didn’t make it, despite my best efforts to help them survive. I’d likely never want to walk in the sun again.

Even though I no longer wish to be a vet, I still respect and admire those in the field.