In a world that’s always changing, we often find ourselves dreaming of the possibility of who we could be in the future. But sometimes, plans change and we realize new dreams about ourselves. We reached out to three students and asked them about their childhood ambitions. 

Amber Jensen, Senior

“When I was younger I wanted to be a lot of things. I didn’t have a realistic view of what it actually means to have a career, so my aspirations wandered from world-famous rock star to magic princess to veterinarian to professional athlete. I always knew I wanted to be a mom and have a family. I think my younger self would be proud of who I am today. I can be really self-critical at times but overall I’m pretty happy with who I am. Today I am a person who always looks for the bright side. Right now I’m working hard on practicing piano and guitar. I want to study music education in college, so I’m trying to be as prepared as possible. I’m very excited to learn how to be a music teacher and bring the joys of music to lots of kids.”

Kayla Boyack, Senior

“I saw myself as a popular, athletic, wise, and successful teen. I knew for sure that I would have straight A’s, a boyfriend, and go to parties every weekend. I thought I would be the star of the soccer team. I thought I would be getting scholarship offers from Harvard, Yale, and Stanford.

Now, I’m not exactly “popular,” but I do have at least a few great friends in every class. I am by no means athletic and my future isn’t as certain anymore. As it turns out, Ivy Leagues don’t just hand out scholarships on a platter. I also never thought my dream of living an average life in the suburbs would be replaced by my cottagecore fantasy of running away to a cozy self-sustaining home in the woods, raising chickens and growing my own food.

I think that my younger self would be proud of me. I’m closer to God and more focused on what matters most. My goals and long-term vision might have changed, but I have faith that I am headed down the right path, and I am excited to see what the future holds for me.”

Courtney Kachel, Junior

When I was thirteen I went to my first concert. The first artist I ever saw live was Taylor swift and [was inspired] to learn how to play guitar. When I first started playing guitar I wanted to quit. My wrists hurt and it was frustrating to play because of how stretched my fingers were when I played the chords. But I’m glad I didn’t [quit] because once I learned the basics, things became much easier. Later, I started listening to more rock and metal music. [I would listen to] Breaking Benjamin, LINKIN PARK and Avenged Sevenfold. Now I’ve expanded my tastes to alternative rock. A band I love to listen to is PVRIS. Their passion and energy just inspires me every time.

[In] my first year of high school, I would play [the] guitar, drums and bass every day for hours and hours, and I became so passionate about playing music. It took me a long time but I finally found my sound and who I want to be as a musician. When I’m done with school I’m going to become a music producer, hopefully, form a band and eventually play the House of Blues.