When I grow up.......

[science_spot]

I wanted to be different things at different times. 

Most of my life, I wanted to be a teacher.  I would play school with my friends or stuffed animals (whichever were around).  I would imagine myself as the teacher during school hours.  In my mind, I was always a teacher to younger kids, which is surprising to me now.  I never had much contact with kids as I was growing into my adult years, aand as a result I don'tknow much about them, such as their learning capacity, challenges, etc.  I never really knew how to become a teacher, so it never happened.  I have looked into changing professions on a number of occasions, but something always stops me.  I would have to go back to school for a teaching certificate in order to teach at the elementary level.  Teachers don't make enough money, either.  Even though being a full-time teacher is not in my future, I have found many ways to continue to teach and inspire, and that is very fulfilling to me.  One of those ways is this blog.  Another way I am acting in teaching is through the science project help website Science Buddies.  My love for teaching comes up in conversation very often and likely many of you have already heard me mention it.

For a very short time in middle school, I wanted to be an astronaut.  Yes, the space race was a hot topic then, and my father had some influence on this as he was an airplane mechanic in the Navy.  His love of airplanes pushed him to take us places like the Niagara Airshow, Kenedy Space Center and similar locations.  I would have been much more serious about a space career had people not discouraged me because of my really bad eyesight.  To this dayI still don't know if my eyesight would have help me back, but one of my biggest regrets is not knowing because I never tried to follow that dream.  My interest in space still shines through though!

The only other thing I ever wanted to be was a scientist.  I had my eye on marie biology but couldn't get to a school that had a major in the field, so I went with traditional biology.  I am so proud to say I *AM* a scientist, and it tickles me when my five year old says it or tells people what her mommy does.  I almost didn't let that happen.  I almost let a toxic old boss of mine make me think you could only be a scientist if you had a PhD.  Fortunately for me, I got away from that aweful woman, with enough of my dignity and ego intact to move past that aweful thought.  I guess I was afraid she was right.... at least until I landed my current job, where a global biotechnology company put the word "scientist" on my business cards!!!  I call that a win!  This experience also taught me to appreciate what I have become, and always encourage others to work toward their dreams, particularly by encouraging women to explore science careers, if that makes then happy!

 

Tonya

The Science Spot (for moms)

It's Not Just the Science (a blog about science at my house)

 

   

[Nonoluna]

Jan. 11, 2010 at 12:24 PM

I wanted to be a teacher as well. Then, an actress. Then...well, I sort of lost focus after that.

At this point in my life I'm content with mother and soon, a children's author. :)

[science_spot]

Jan. 11, 2010 at 1:53 PM

oooh I would like to know more about your author goals!!  My cousin just published a chldren's book :)

 

(Original Poster)

[Momforhealth]

Jan. 12, 2010 at 12:08 AM

Oh yes one of mine was to be a biologist as well.  Why I did not follow some of my dreams is beyond me.