Have you ever had that moment where something just seems so perfect and so right that you wonder why you weren't so certain about this before? Well, I had that moment a few days ago and it was amazing! I am constantly thinking about what I want to do with my life and what I need to do to get there (when I say constantly I'm not using the word just for the sake of the word, but literally mean ALL THE TIME at an unhealthy level), and have gone from being a doctor, to going into the business school to study finance, realized I hated finance, went into marketing, realized I'm not really a marketing person, thought about becoming a doctor again, realized I don't like labs and diseases and such, then just counted my loses and stayed in the business because that is the most rational thing to do and heaven forbid I be anything but rational.
Then I decided to do the most rational thing I could do: put aside what everyone else is telling me to do; not think about money, titles, or prestige; and just look inside myself and pray. For some reason I always forget to do these most important of things even though they never fail. I got down to pray and ask that I just might have some direction in my life and know what would make me the happiest and what that great Being who created me wanted for me because who better to ask? During this time I thought I would be directed towards being a doctor or some sort of business person like I always thought, but I couldn't stop thinking about TEACHING. Random right? Granted I did daydream a bit about being a teacher and possibly a basketball coach and living the good life, but that was shot down by the snooty thoughts in my head as well as my mother. But man this time the thought took me over! I couldn't sleep that night thinking about teaching my own class, surrounding myself in an academic setting that I have always loved, and having a direct impact on my students and molding young minds (even if only one student per class is actually paying attention/awake). And of course who can forget the frequent breaks and getting off work around 3 pm! Sounds pretty good to me.
Ever since that night, the idea of being a teacher has really stuck with me and just seems so right. Sort of like that "Aha!" moment when you just wonder how you didn't think of it before because of course you want to be a teacher! (or whatever yours happens to be) What works out wonderfully for me is that Lehigh has a very cool 5 year education program where you graduate with a bachelor's degree in whatever subject you choose, AND a master's degree in education AND a teaching credential. So, I can continue my education in the business school and graduate with a business degree that will greatly help me get a job if needed (for money reasons or whatever comes up), while also setting me up perfectly to be a teacher! Pretty good deal huh?
So for now, that is what I am pursuing in my life. Keep in mind my mind changes just about every day, but this idea just feels a little different. Plus it has stuck for a few days which can only mean good things. I love that we learn through this crazy refining process (no matter how agonizing it can be) because each new idea we strike down or new direction we head in, we learn something new about ourselves and what we are supposed to do in life. As long as we keep an open mind and an open heart, we will find where we are supposed to be. I'd like to end with a little verse from Dr. Seuss which is so fitting for this stage of my life and when thinking about the future. Children's books sometimes have the most insightful messages...
"Congratulations!
Today is your day.
You’re off to Great Places!
You’re off and away!
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself any direction you choose.
You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the guy who’ll decide where to go....
You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.
And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)
Kid, you’ll move mountains!
So…be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ale Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!"
