DISQUS

Kristin · 1 year ago

An actress, a lounge singer, a tap dancer, and a writer. Writing and acting are quite similar, though creating characters is far more of a responsibility. I still karaoke whenever possible, and tap dance when I'm overly excited or trying to embarrass my fiance - does that count?

MelissaM · 1 year ago

I have a clear memory of my elemetary school teacher, Mrs Falconer, asking my grade three class that very question. Hands flung up and the list began: scientest, teacher, baker, fireman, doctor. I thought at the time that my mom's job was pretty great, so that was my answer "I just want to be a mom". I remember Mrs. Falconer responding positively to my answer, telling the class that being a stay-at-home mom is one of the most important jobs there is. I've carried that value with me since, and am excited to start raising a family over the next few years.

Nicole · 1 year ago

I wanted to be a writer of what I don't know. It just fascinated me the way you could create whole other worlds with words. To fuel that writing, I wanted to travel the world, taking pictures and writing. When I realized that it took money to travel the world, I became practical and decided to be an airline stewardess - that way I could travel and work at the same time.

Beckie · 1 year ago

Nancy Drew, the courageous but laid-back blue-eyed, blond sleuth who always carried a flashlight, occasionally carried a gun, drove a blue convertible at high speeds, broke and entered, trespassed, all of this while wearing smart suits, matching hats, gloves, handbags, and in later books, a sporty and preppy sweater or blouse and skirt ensemble.

In the fourth grade, I changed my name to Beckie Drew and was also elected as president of the Nancy Drew club -- average membership - seven girls -- and our club put on plays on warm summer evenings on a friend's open porch, where we charged admission and even had a cigarette girl sashaying through the seated audience. Although I was a court reporter for 30 years, today my sleuthing skills are used in researching, detecting, and writing about the pros and cons of beauty products and style for the woman over 40.

Chantal · 1 year ago

Anthropologist, archeologist, rock star, monk and believed I could fly.
How it's manifested...raised in the old ways by my grandmother, fascinated with ancient cultures, played in punk bands, seeking the sacred and dreaming.

Deborah · 1 year ago

That tall, slim, fit, confident sucessful artist with a spacious loft, expensive, stylish clothes and a cute car. Lots of marvelous friends, a wonderful, supportive husband and enough money to share. Has it come about?... Let's just say it's been about the journey, not the destination. :)

bene · 1 year ago

I wanted to be an anthropologist , I loved history and dinosaurs and stones. I was really onto nature and biology as well. I am still passionate about nature and history. I also wanted to be a writer, and made my own magazines with funny, little short stories. I write, I love nature and history, both written ( everything with a magical storyline intrigue me) and literally.

Romana Mirza · 1 year ago

When I was a wee child my dream was to have a job in an ice cream store scooping ice cream happily for all the waiting customers. To be surrounded by all those colours and all that joy, wow! Later as a teen I wanted to become an occupational therapist. Science and math got the better of me, now I'm an entrepreneur, go figure!

Debbie R · 1 year ago

When I was a child, my love of books was so all-consuming, that my dreams couldn't conceive of a higher calling than to be a librarian.

I'm an accountant, an entrepreneur and a sender of cards, but have never worked with books for a living.

So my living room and my sewing room are wall to wall bookcases, and the books spill out in hallways, on tables, on floors....

Kathleen · 1 year ago

A writer, a teacher, a poet. I also wanted to be a spy, no doubt inspired by the wonderful character Harriet in the Louise Fitzhugh book.

Xai Vicente Charles · 1 year ago

I recall this very same question in my parent's living room just after my 10th birthday. I declared then that I would become a journalist and do television news. I would interview my parents, grandmother, anyone with my little super 8 camera. I still do this.

JoeM · 1 year ago

I wanted to be a helicopter pilot, a priest, or an architect. Unfortunately, when I joined the Army in 1964 I had a stigmatism and wasn't able to fly them, I could only ride in them. So, I became a soldier, a researcher, author, artist, blacksmith, screenplay writer, started my own consulting business, and love being a happily married husband instead. Makes perfect sense to me.

Veronica · 1 year ago

When I was in the sixth grade, a family friend tutored me in French and several times, he took me to the U.N. where another one of his students worked. I don't think I knew the name for it then, but I guess I wanted to be an intepreter. I loved the idea of working in this amazing building, with people who spoke so many different languages. I speak Spanish and English fluently, with a smattering of French and Japanese. I still dream of being fluent in French and conversational in Japanese.

Mini · 1 year ago

I love questions that make you go - "Hmmmmm - never thought of that before?" I never made the connection to my dreams asa child and my life now - until this question....Whoa!

So here goes:
A comedienne like Carole Burnett, an writer like Jo March in Little Women, an actress like Katherine Hepburn, a teacher like Mrs. Upshall and a talk show host like Merv Griffin finding out people's stories - the inspiring and funny ones. I love to inspire and enertain.

When I became an adult(I won't say when I grew up) I went into Public Relations - In the last 25+ years I have done public speaking and used my humour to get my point across to my audience and keep their attention. Some clients and audinece mmebers have called me a comedienne and said I should do it porfessionally. I did stand-up comedy in my 20's.

In my job as a PR consultant I write my client's stories and hope to inspire and inform others. I have done community theatre and also taught workshops's on the Artists's Way and Creativity and written motivaltional non-fiction stories inspired by my life and those around me.

I'd say not bad - but I'm not finished either.....

Happy Canada Day! I'm glad I lkive in a country that allows and suppoprts me to be all that I can be!

Cheers!
Mini

laurie_matthews · 1 year ago

International journalist and photographer. I'm on a journey right now to rediscover that life path.

Ellen · 1 year ago

Archaeologist (I've done it).
Psychologist (Doing it).
Radio Broadcaster (discovered I really didn't want to do it).
Dancer (doesn't everyone?).
Singer (hairbrush microphone in front of the mirror...)
And I had this vague idea of being a beautiful woman dressed in flowing chiffon gowns, manicured, pedicured, coifed, maquillaged...

Nicole · 1 year ago

I wanted to be a fashion designer. Then I realized I couldnt draw.

Krystl · 1 year ago

An actress, living in New York. I went to NYU for acting and did some downtown theatre... I enjoyed it and would never trade those experiences, but I didn't feel called to it. That life is too hard if it is not what you NEED to do. I realized that what I loved about acting was really the stories, and what I really wanted to do was write. I love to take pictures, too - for me, that is also about story creation. And I DO live in New York!

lisaohhh · 1 year ago

ballerina, teacher, writer. now, dance, teaching and writing are all huge parts of my life and my career. fascinating! :)

Ngonzi Truth Crushshon · 1 year ago

President of the U.S. - I had big dreams! Now I'll settle w becoming President/CEO of my own company. I wanted to be famous....and still do! I think I'm living that out in my twenties....I'm traveling all over the world just like a diplomat....when JayZ and Beyonce went to Nigeria...I could say I did that, too...so I'm go the same places that the famous do...I meet famous people...I met Tiger Woods at a golf tournament....and maybe when I finish all my schooling...I will write books and publish work that will make me famous!

kerrymac · 1 year ago

I wanted to be a vet, a CFL player, a dressage champion, an artist, a swim star, a superstar...it changed almost weekly. I was just as scattered and inspired as I am now... www.snickerdoodles.typepad.com

Joannie · 1 year ago

I wanted to be a teacher.

I believe I've been one, hardly realizing it. Certainly not intentionally.

I went to university at age 41, graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work degree. I worked in private practice as a psychotherapist with adult survivors of sexual abuse for 15 years. I believe my work was more spiritual than psychological. I know my life and work touched many lives including the lives of the brave people who came to see me.

I believe one life does make a difference.

I love the sayings 'When the student is ready the teacher appears.' and 'We teach best what we most need to learn.'

Tammy · 1 year ago

I wanted to be an actress, dancer, astronaut, and private investigator. I still dance and perform whenever I get the chance. Space-faring just seems (and still does)so exciting, vast, exploratory, and I love the idea of leaving all the banal behind to explore the wild, fantastic unknown. As a kid I always carried a journal with me, recording my observations and "clues" about people and events around me. It was my big book of secrets where I would hash out all the questions I had about life and try to answer them, and solve problems. I still keep a journal, and it's still my own little private Idaho, and one day I hope and truly aspire to write a fantastic science fiction epic. In the meantime, as an interior designer, I solve problems and find solutions for people and their spaces.

Jen · 1 year ago

A fashion designer - I was obsessed! I spent hours draping beach towels fashioning the perfect gown to wear to the oscars, and cut up more socks than I can count making dresses for my barbies - my mom wasn't thrilled with that one. I remember even making our clothes for the Betty & Veronica cut out dolls my best friend and I made.

I ended up goign to textiles school (weaving, spinning and dyeing, rather than fashion) and am now dealing with fine woolens at work, showed my a series a tapestries in a few galleries a few years ago, and keeping at the yarn with my latest hobby- crochet... while dreaming of putting some pieces up on etsy.

Danielle LaPorte · 1 year ago

Mini...I've never met you but I can feel that you and Carole Burnett are from the same tribe -- and the world needs more of you!

Maureen · 1 year ago

I always wanted to be a teacher and a novelist. I was right about how fun that work would be, too. Actually, it's better than I ever imagined.

Susie Hutchinson · 1 year ago

I wanted to be an actress in musicals, 50s-60s style, sadly they went out. I attended performing arts schools in the US and soon realized I liked behind the scenes better, but every year when the Oscars come on, I feel a twinge of regret for not being in the audience. Who knows maybe my daughter will play Molly Brown in the remake of The Unsinkable Molly Brown.

Martha A. Williamsi · 1 year ago

I wanted to be a teacher in the public school system. I always thought that I'd make a make a good one. Unfortunately I didn't get to pursue that dream because of family and financial circumstances. I did become a Sunday school teacher which is quite rewarding.

ally · 1 year ago

When I was in grade primary I wrote answers on a sheet called 'who am I'. My favourite colour was pink (like most 5 year old girls), and when I grew up I wanted to be 'everything'. And I still do.....currently a teacher/nanny/Jewelry designer/coach/trainer/athlete/student/advisor/event planner/optimist....and I will be adding to that list for the rest of my life.

Jill · 1 year ago

A singer (loved Amy Grant) and a writer (loved to write in my diary). I also had sports aspirations -- either an ice skater, gymnast or tennis player. I thought I would become an archaeologist because I liked to discover new things.

Connie · 1 year ago

Nurse like Florence Nightingale; nun or aid worker like Father Damian and the lepers; UN translator when I won the French prize and got a scholarship to college; always a MOM.

Caroline · 1 year ago

i had a fantasy of being a lawyer. i wanted the yellow legal pads and loved the idea of parading around in a courtroom. today, i keep that fantasy going with gorgeous school supplies from seejanework.com and by reminding myself that i once dreamed of doing public speaking as a child. makes it easier to give talks now- they feel more like play.

Cindy · 1 year ago

I have always loved books, writing, and movies, and had a voracious appetite for all of them growing up. For some reason, I never made the connection that I could make a living doing any of them, and chose a "practical" career path. However, I have gotten back on track and decided to pursue my dream of becoming a screenwriter - which combines all of the things I love perfectly! If I had been exposed to screenwriters growing up, I am sure I would have thought of it - but growing up in Michigan, we didn't see any Hollywood types :)

Jes · 1 year ago

I always wrote short stories, made newspaper stories, and wanted to be a dolphin trainer or a veterinarian. I loved writing and nature. Now I sit inside all day and work on a computer. I think it might be time to revisit my childhood dreams!

Andrea Devis · 1 year ago

When I was 2 I wanted to be a play write (I have always been ambitious).
When I was 3 I wanted to be Barbra Streisand. (Very ambitious)
When I was 4 I wanted to be a pirate, sailing the open seas, mostly just around the Gulf Coast because the water is warm, and keep my crew in line with the nunchakus I would steal from my brother. When I was 5 I wanted to be Indiana Jones with a camera, traveling the world in search of lost but very important artifacts, speaking many languages and knowing a lot of stuff. When I was 6 I just wanted to be English or Scottish.
I have never really lost this aspect of myself. I still sing in my shower or car like I am Maria Callas. I am an accomplished writer and have had my plays performed. I have lived on a boat, no piracy though and sadly no nunchakus. I am not Babs, with that and a few other exceptions I have actually accomplished or been the things I wanted to be when I grew up. Including having English and Scottish heritage.
And boy has it been FUN!

Jennifer Sage · 1 year ago

I wanted a house (my castle) and my hero was in the comic School Friend. Princess Anita of Sylvanaberg. She lived in a castle, was tall blonde and blue eyed (Like me). What fascinated me was she knew a secret passage to the real world. She changed into non princess type clothes and was always escaping, helping people and having adventures. Looking at the landscape of my adult life (62 next birthday) that is a pretty cool hero for a young girl to have.

I wear non pricess type clothes and I like helping people in the real world as a health professional. There are many adventures of the soul found in a hospice. My house is my castle.
Just like James Hillman says: the acorn contains the tree.

Jennifer Sage

Talia · 1 year ago

I wanted to be a photographer, or a artist, or a speaker. I do most of them now, which I guess is something to be proud of!! I've sold my artwork, I've just bought a u-beaut digital camera, and am taking lots of photos, and I speak in front of hoards of kids everyday at school as a teacher!!

Dan · 1 year ago

A truck driver. I think the sense of freedom attracted me to this profession. I still LOVE taking road trips.

Jamie · 1 year ago

A dancer. Always and forever, a dancer.

SRead · 1 year ago

I wanted to be a doctor, hen when I researched medicine as a career choice for a school project I was discouraged by statistics that painted a picture of female physicians as unsuccessful (& lonely) in family and personal life ..... now I know better....that was in the dark ages. I definately wanted to have a family, be an artist and an athlete ....... all at the same time! I did however have entrepreneurial dreams as well and have so far been a freelance graphic designer, had a home daycare, co-owned and art gallery & studio, created & managed community economic development projects, and now run an organization that supports individuals with disabilities to be entrepreneurs....and there's more to come for sure!

Ethel · 1 year ago

I wanted to be a dancer, a performer. Known for my talent and good works. I think I have my acceptance speech for the Oscar somewhere...I wanted to be rich and famous because I felt it would somehow make me worthy, even worthwhile.
I think differently about myself now.
My value for comfort and security curtailed my show business ambitions - but I did not have to give up my love of the arts; theatre, music, movement. I write to express myself. I just had to balance it out with being able to pay the bills!

Still & Always,
Elegant & Sensual

Beth C. · 1 year ago

When I was a little girl, I started an imaginary organization called the FBIFG (the FBI for Girls). I had color coded top-secret files on people I was investigating. I took notes on minute details of their lives and conversations and then researched and analyzed everything I could about what I had heard. Someone broke into our house right before Christmas and the first question I posed to the policemen who came to the house were "Did they steal my FBIFG files?" My mother still laughs about that.

I ended up getting an undergraduate degree in journalism and French, then went to law school and now work for a company building out an IT system that is going to manage, analyze and report on the enterprise's content. Interesting how those early tendencies mature and evolve as we grow up.

Angela · 1 year ago

a ballerina and a flight attendant.

Erika · 1 year ago

I wanted to be the first woman president of the United States. Now I realize that is not what I actually wanted and I'm very fulfilled in my career. However, it would make me exceedingly happy if some other woman, who dreamed of being president when she was a girl, actually made it to the White House before my children are grown!

Alex Fayle · 1 year ago

Hmmm... There were so many!

French teacher
Writer
Singer
Actor
Dancer
World-shattering philosopher (as a Gothic teen)
Waiter in a really swank restaurant
Restaurant owner
Househubby

I've worked in restaurants enough to know I never want to own one. In high school I tried acting, music, singing, and dancing, but I didn't have enough passion (or talent) to pursue any of those to the level I wanted. Writing I tried as well, but decided I wanted a lifestyle.

Before University, I was a camp counsellor and hated it, so teaching was out.

I tried philosophy in University but really didn't like reading people I didn't agree with and who seemed to enjoy being as unclear as possible.

Eventually after doing a whole bunch of other things I realized that writing was my calling and at age 36 I gave up pursuing a lifestyle and gained a life instead!

I'm now writing (fiction and non-fiction) and teaching English (mainly to adults) and loving life incredibly!

Cheers,
Alex

PS And in the summers I get to play househubby!

Lisa M. · 1 year ago

Adventurer, writer, jazz singer, jet setter. Have the first two down.

Kat · 1 year ago

A writer. When I was six, my parents gave me a toy typewriter and I used to type "It was a dark and stormy night" over and over again (like Snoopy from the "Peanuts" did) because I thought that's what writers did. It's interesting, because today I write and make films, so obviously I haven't strayed far from my child self!

janet · 1 year ago

First a teacher. Elementary school math and spelling because I could do those really well.
Then a singer in front of a big band. I had a Doris Day kids album that inspired that.
When I was 14 I thought about being an obstetrician.
I've ended up writing instructions for software. I'm looking for a change because I need to get more art stuff into my life again.

kristen · 1 year ago

I wanted to be an explorer, a poet, and an anthropologist. I'm still working on the last one, but I already am a poet and I just got back into cycling, which makes me an explorer of country back roads and new, local places easy to miss when you're stuck in a car. I'm thinking of getting a masters in anthropology so I can do work related to ecotourism... combining all my loves into one package. Travel, writing, truth-telling, helping people...

Dena · 11 months ago

A Stewardess, as flight attendants were called back then. Now I manage a travel agency, so I've been able to travel many places over the years - much nicer sitting and relaxing during the flight than working!

Elisabeth · 11 months ago

:D This question always makes me laugh. When I was a kid I wanted to be an astronomer, of all things!! :D That dream died in high school physics class, which was much too hard and too boring to do for the rest of my life.
However I still love to watch the night sky and imagine all those fiery orbs, all the planets circling them, all the amazing things that happen out there in the universe. :)