Most people are familiar with Barbara Milllicent Roberts, also known as Barbie. The blonde-haired, blue-eyed doll has been prevalent in the aisles of supermarkets since 1959. She then began to appear in TV shows and movies in the early 2000s, leaving many teens today with a childhood where the doll was featured. Barbie is often known for her hundreds of careers. She has been an astronaut, chef, fashion designer, and many more. She has preached the phrase, “You can be anything,” instilling this thought in young children’s brains for years. Students are then prompted with the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” as they are thrust into elementary school. Common answers often include: firefighters, doctors, teachers, and athletes. However, most children’s dreams shift throughout their childhood and adolescence. As they reach adulthood, the search for careers often depends on the salary that would be received rather than the livelihood that would impact happiness. According to CBS News, 60% of workers dislike their job. The world needs to fix this. There is so much pressure to fit the rich and attractive mold that is sought after. But how would the world change if its people woke up in search of their dreams rather than money?
The high school offers a variety of Kirkwood classes and encourages students to partake in as many job shadows as they can. One has a better sense of knowing what they want to devote their time to when they try a multitude of activities, including careers. This past school year, I attended a job shadow at the Cedar Rapids Gazette, where I learned about the day-to-day life that a journalist experiences and the skills one needs to achieve a career within the field, and, because of this, was able to follow up by attending an Iowa Men’s Basketball game with the company. Connections really do matter. Who one knows can impact the number of opportunities that are presented. This is why it is important to start networking at a young age. Talk to people and be kind. A teachable and warmhearted person will go far.
When I was able to attend the Iowa Men’s Basketball Game against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, my thoughts of pursuing a career as a sports journalist were affirmed. I got to sit in press row and experience everything a journalist would, such as: taking stats, interviewing Alumni Aaron White, sitting in during press conferences with Bennett Sturtz, Cooper Koch, Fred Hoiberg, and Ben McCollum, and discussing with other attendees. Getting to experience events like these open ones eyes to their future. Actually doing the thing that one has always dreamed of is very different than just picturing it. Dipping your toes in several different work fields can be much more beneficial and valuable than jumping into the deep end of one singular career.
Do what you love. It’s okay for one to change their mind. Take chances and be bold, but most of all, show your character and the abilities that you are capable of. Hard work pays off, and if one is motivated to create a beautiful life for themselves, the sky is the limit.
