When I was little, like most young
girls I wanted to be a fashion designer, a movie star, a player on the U.S.
women’s soccer team, or even a contestant on my favorite singing show. What
seemed like my hopes and dreams at such a young age were unfortunately crushed
by the reality that I am clumsy and have zero singing ability. As I approach
the end of high school and will soon apply to colleges, I have no idea what I
want to be or where I would like to go. When approached with the question of
“What do you want to be?” my answer consists of a three word “I don’t know.”
Most people react by suggesting I should know what I want to be or tell me
their hopes to be a future doctor or lawyer. Others tell me I better find
something quick before college, and that I should try to make a lot of money. Why should I compromise who I am just to find
a job I hate, but brings home the bucks? My worst fear in life is spending four
years at a university to eventually lead me to a job that I dread waking up and
going to everyday. I don’t want to have a dull office job, and worry about
making money. I love my parents, but they are the cause of this worst fear.
They’ve given up what their passionate about just to raise their children and
put food on the table. I want to encourage my kids to find a job they truly
love, and not to choose wealth over their happiness. I want to be the one that
they look up to as a primary example of having a job that I love and will
gladly wake up for everyday.
What do I want to be? I want to be
happy. Being happy to me is helping others, being with the person I love, and
treating everyday like it’s a new adventure. Happiness shouldn’t be defined as
what society perceives as having enough money to go out and buying expensive
flashy cars. One role that I know will make me the happiest is becoming a
mother and starting my own family in the far future because I do believe
parenthood is the greatest way to impact someone else. When I tell people “I
don’t know I just want to be happy and hopefully a mom one day,” I’m told that
I have low standards and should strive for more. I don’t understand why other
young women of my age see being a mother as participating in typical gender
roles and doing nothing with your life. I personally think being a mom is one
of the most gratifying jobs on this Earth because you form minds and impact
souls every day. This answer has gotten me into situations in which people ask
why or look at me like I’m a crazy anti-feminist living in the 1950’s, but it’s
a job I see myself doing. I do want a career one day, but since I don’t know
what that career is going to be I reply with my options that I’m absolutely
positive about.
It can be frustrating explaining to questioning family members,
friends, and fellow students that I honestly don’t know what I want to be
because everyone expects a better answer. Every family event proves to be the
ultimate bombardment center for questions about college and life that I have no
clue how to answer. I’m only seventeen, I have my whole life to change my mind
and decide on a career choice. Who in society said that everyone must know
their path and what they want to be right after high school graduation? I don’t
know what road or path I’m taking at all. I guess everyone who doesn’t know
what they want to be will be chewed apart and spat out in this cruel world.
I’ve never understood why life has to be so black and white. At the current
moment my life can be described best by a dozen pointing arrows going in every
direction. I want to go in the direction that will be the most fulfilling, and
make me the most happiest. It’s possible that I may decide in a year from now
or maybe even ten years down the road, but for now I want to stay hungry and
stay foolish. I want to live my life my way, and discover never-ending
possibilities in college. The question shouldn’t be “what do you want to be,”
but instead “who do you want to be.” My answer to that question will always be
myself.
Miranda! First thing's first: this is one of the most exceptional and heart-warming pieces I've read in a long time, considering I've read the eyes and minds of people who are going through the troubles of coming-of-age. To get through the part in which I analyze/comment on your piece and consider various forms of critical thinking that will ultimately decide my grade, I would just like to say that the simplicity of the sentences is something I always look for. People attempt to use a myriad of words that have big meanings, only to use them out of context, taking away from the substance in the piece. But this -- it is more than just a narrative on your part...It's a more than relatable topic that all the seniors are going through right now, like some existential crisis.
ReplyDeleteBut, I digress. My favorite part is when you make that succinct claim that being a mom isn't the opposite of feminism and its ideals. The fact that you call out people who have this proclivity to assume that being a mother isn't one of the greatest roles a woman (or man) can play only accentuates the empowering aspects of this piece. "When I tell people, 'I don’t know I just want to be happy and hopefully a mom one day,' I’m told that I have low standards and should strive for more." Because my mind is telling me I can't use suggestive language that may make me look like an unprofessional critic, let me just say that this dream is a dream no one can take from you. A mother is the threshold of unconditional love and knowledge and without them, our world continues to buffer and continues to be "a cruel world." Thank you for standing up for the our mothers, for pointing out that being a mother isn't mediocre...It's a role that empowers. Just like you did with this take on your view on the senior-college process.
Before I end this essay, let me just give you this piece of advice: High school, over the years, has become a four year audition for college. That shouldn't be the case, but it is and you really can't do anything about it unless you lead some Katniss Everdeen revolt and kill the dreaded school system. But you don't have to abdicate your heart's desires to be something that makes you happy. This world is slashed by the knife of society, yes, but the one thing that knife can't murder are your dreams and aspirations. You're worth it and you are deserving of your efforts and dreams. Go into this world and be as liberal as you can -- like we talked about earlier this summer -- and be the mother you want to be. In the end, you'll be living with yourself, not the family members or unmitigated interrogations. It'll be you, your dreams, and the deserving happiness I know you'll achieve.
Xoxo
//Jairus Pacelo
you most likely don't know me but all I want to say is that you took the words right out of my mind. and it was funny how you said before I end this essay. That seriously had me in tears as well. Since I basically wrote an essay as well
Delete-Kayla Weathers (think we are in the same calculus class or I'm imagining things) xp
I love the simplicity of this piece. I really enjoyed the part where you stated you wanted to be a mom and how parenthood shapes the minds of your children. I agree with you on wanting to be a parent, parenthood seems like the best thing in life even if you aren't doing well in the real world such as not having a job. Our society expects a lot from the senior class and every year the expectations get higher and higher. If you really don't know what to do then just live your life to the fullest until you do know what you want to do. The fact that your friends and family want you to know what you are going to do with the rest of your life at such a young age sucks. You have your whole life to decide what you want to do until you finally figure out what you want to do. Miranda, do you and only you don't let others choose for you or don't choose something you do not want to do.
ReplyDeleteDo you, Miranda, Do you.
-Miren Cancio
Period 5
Miranda, I highly believe that you are not the only one feeling this way. I, myself and probably more than half of the seniors can agree with you. We are all with you on this one. It does sting a bit how when we were younger, we were able to dream such big dreams. However, as we grow older we know that is not the case. We are faced with reality and the choices we will make, will have an impact on our future. The part where you mention how you just want to be happy, I am with you one hundred percent. It's sad to see how some people do not think of wanting that happiness though, but instead they do just want the money. I truly love and can relate to your piece and I think that a lot of other people should read this too. Your piece has helped me feel less lonely and made me realize that the best thing I can do, is just be myself. Great job Miranda!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your piece. I agree with everything you said. I too do not know what career I want to pursue but I still have plenty of time in my life to think it over just as you do. Your piece has simplicity yet it speaks so much truth. Just like you, I would love to become a mother and have my own family. That alone would leave me content. Fantastic job on your piece. Remember to do what you want to do and not what others expect of you. Again, amazing job Miranda.
ReplyDelete- Deborah Fraire
Period 1
I love how sincere this was and how openly you expressed yourself. As I read this I realized that I have similar feelings and I'm sure that you are not the only one who is not yet determined what to do and whose aspiration in life is to be happy. I mean "People expect us at eighteen to have our life all mapped out after graduation when only a month before we still had to ask permission to use the restroom" was both one of the funniest and realest things i have heard, so i thought i would share that with you. Anyways I agree that the pressure can be overwhelming and that often many set high standards for you. My favorite line that spoke of that was, "Every family event proves to be the ultimate bombardment center for questions about college and life that I have no clue how to answer.", because its so true and it made me laugh. I also like how you altered the focus to "Who do you want to be?" as it helped me reflect on myself as well.
ReplyDeleteI like that you don't really know what you want to be it keeps your life interesting and it will let you have an open mind for what will come ahead
ReplyDelete-Dylan May
Period 1
Kudos to you Miranda! I admire that this piece truly came from your heart. This piece is very relatable to I believe every high school student including me! We all have that wave of stress that consumes the seniors when getting ready to apply for college and start our lives in the real world and the idea of becoming a mother as your job is something that not every girl at this age is brave enough to admit or even follow though with. They have the mentality that makes them question "but being a mother doesn't earn you money, how will I ever make ends meet by being a mother?" This is what society has done to us and some teenagers today don't value happiness let alone think about their future as much as in depth as you have. Money is on their mind. "Money makes the world go round" is the only concept society is concerned with nowadays. Don't let money determine what your future holds. I know you won't let that happen because you are part of the rare commonality that knows the true definition of happiness is not something that is paper and green, let alone a tangible trade-off.
ReplyDelete-Arianna Serna
Period 3
This personal reflection is so easy for people to relate to and I love how honest you were with every sentence. You have a great head on your shoulders and you've learned to realize a lot of things that many people nowadays simply cannot grasp. I, for one, am still aspiring for that "money-making career" because I'm personally more afraid of living uncomfortably than living unhappily. However, your mindset and aspirations are so much more optimistic and undoubtedly less stressful to the young mind.
ReplyDeleteUltimately, what I get from this is, it doesn't matter what you're doing with your life, 10, 20 or even 30 years from now. You could have any career or any job, or you could be unemployed, but the most important thing in life to be is happy.
Thank you for sharing your inner thoughts with the blog. It takes a lot of courage to admit to others that you simply don't know what you want to do or be after high school. And that's okay! Whether you find your calling tomorrow, 10 years from now, or never, it's always nice to know that you have your own happiness to fall back on. Besides, you'd make a great mother anyway!
- Rachel ♥
I adored this piece, for I can really empathize with your writing; I, too, struggle with the similar issues. Your integrity to yourself is admirable and inspirational. This really led to questioning myself the same questions. I ponder on this topic from time to time, but I always come to the conclusion that suppressing what I'm passionate because they're not "dignified" or "distinguished" career paths. This piece opened my eyes to the different possibilities of life; perhaps one day I can proudly pursue my passions without regards to my family's judgement.
ReplyDeleteSabrina H
Period 2
I simply have to begin with the fact I am a freshmen and your words speak the truth even right now in 9th grade we get asked that tough question. "What do you want to be?" You are speaking the truth Miranda! We all get asked that ,but are never asked about our joy or a pleasure or something that will actually make us wake up in the morning. You encourage these amazing thoughts of truly making a person think who they want to become and not who they want to be for someone else to make that certain person happy. I also believe you would be an amazing parent with the way your writing is! By the way, keep doing you because your an amazing person!
ReplyDelete-Destynee Torres
Period 4
Wow, I truly am in love with this piece. I love the part where you talk about going to a four year college only to move on to a job you hate. I think most people feel the same as you. Most of us don't know what's out there waiting for us. We may have an idea of what we want to do, but until we actually go out and do it, we'll never know if it's the right path for us. I also love the part where you wrote about being a mom. Being a mom is one of the most important jobs you can have. Sure, you may not be making money, but money isn't everything. Being a mom can teach you more than a job ever could, and it'll make you happier than a job. The way I see it, children fill a hole in our lives, that's something work and money could never do.
ReplyDelete-Emily French, Period 5
Wow, I can relate to this reflection easily. As a fellow seventeen year old, I can understand how hard it is to choose a path for yourself at such a young age. I really enjoyed this reflection because it constitutes of one of the hardest questions that we, the teenagers, always ask ourselves. Personally, I know so many people that just want to be in the medical field because just they want money, but will they really be happy with that? Probably not. Anyway, your reflection caused me to think of some questions of my own, like “Do I really want to go down this route in life?” or “What’s the main reason for becoming this?” I suggest that as teenagers, that we must keep our options open to our goal in life and that before we find our goal, we must find ourselves first.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, this reflection demonstrates how great it is to find oneself first before making such big decisions such as life occupations. I really liked your use of commentary and how you state that other people will always try to judge you, saying that that’s the wrong path to go towards. But, it’s your life. No one should be able to take that from you. Anyway, the fact that you want to be a mother is amazing. I also agree that mothers have the power to shape others and help them grow to find meaning within themselves. So, I hope that you can fully find yourself and be the person you want to be: Miranda.
Keep up the good work!
-Kimberly Chua
Period 2
First, I want to say thank you for sharing your view of the big question, "What do you want to be?" I'm also in the future boat that's labeled 'I don't know'. Like you said, people either say that you should know what to do or suggest that you should just get a job that ensures you big bucks, and most of the time, it's not really a suggestion, it's an expectation. However, also like you, my worst fear is having to wake up each morning dreading going to work after all the hard work I put up with in university. It's just simply not worth the big bucks.
ReplyDeleteI admire that you seek a future that will simply bring you happiness and do what you love. Not many people can break the grasp of what society dictates (getting good grades to get into a good college in order to get a job that will ensure hopefully lots of money) even if it deprives one of their right to be happy.
I'm positive you will succeed and have a way better (and happier) future than most people. You have inspired me to not conform to society's expectations so easily when it comes to considering my future, so I believe you will continue to inspire your kids and many more future generations to come of the same thing.
Stay strong,
Zoe ;)
Hi Miranda!
ReplyDeleteI know that a lot of us will be able to relate to how you feel. One day last year I came home from school and vented to my dad about how my counselor chewed me up because I didn't know where I wanted to go for college or what I wanted to be. He too said that I should just always say I want to be a doctor until I figure it out.
By 17 or 18 were expected to know what we want to do for the rest of our lives and its unnecessary. If all goes according to plan, we have about 50 long years left in us. We have time to continue figuring out who we are and what we enjoy out of this life. I know I havent experienced nearly enough or been exposed to all the potential passions I may fall in love with. It is important that we stay open minded.
I feel as though all the judgmental people who put others down for being unsure, don't really enjoy what they do. They just go through the motions and that is a fear I have.
Your mindset is to find something that makes you happy and thats what life needs to be about. I hope we both always value that never lose sight of what really matters. Thank you for sharing because its reassuring to know others feel the same.
Jeannette Martinez
Period 2
Miranda! I Absolutely love this piece! I want to start off by saying you did an amazing job and your piece is very well written. I especially love your honesty and I was realIy able to relate to every word. This is our reality, as seniors we are expected to know exactly what we want to do or where we want to go in life at such a young age when we have our whole lives ahead of us to decide. Honestly from what I have seen from this piece is you HAVE made up your mind on what you want to be in life, and that is to be happy. Miranda, keep striving for whatever makes YOU happy not what makes others happy . I have no doubt in my mind that you will be successful in everything that you do! keep your head up and stay positive.
ReplyDeleteJoelle Boulos
period 3
Miranda! I Absolutely love this piece! I want to start off by saying you did an amazing job and your piece is very well written. I especially love your honesty and I was realIy able to relate to every word. This is our reality, as seniors we are expected to know exactly what we want to do or where we want to go in life at such a young age when we have our whole lives ahead of us to decide. Honestly from what I have seen from this piece is you HAVE made up your mind on what you want to be in life, and that is to be happy. Miranda, keep striving for whatever makes YOU happy not what makes others happy . I have no doubt in my mind that you will be successful in everything that you do! keep your head up and stay positive.
ReplyDeleteJoelle Boulos
period 3
Miranda! I Absolutely love this piece! I want to start off by saying you did an amazing job and your piece is very well written. I especially love your honesty and I was realIy able to relate to every word. This is our reality, as seniors we are expected to know exactly what we want to do or where we want to go in life at such a young age when we have our whole lives ahead of us to decide. Honestly from what I have seen from this piece is you HAVE made up your mind on what you want to be in life, and that is to be happy. Miranda, keep striving for whatever makes YOU happy not what makes others happy . I have no doubt in my mind that you will be successful in everything that you do! keep your head up and stay positive.
ReplyDeleteJoelle Boulos
period 3
ReplyDeleteI liked the concept of your story. It speaks to everyone who has this same problem. I also have this problem of who i want to be. This story has gave me hint in life and I want to thank you. It's easy who you want to be is takes a long process. I hope you find the person you want to be, keep doing a good job.
I'm happy I had the opportunity to come across your piece of work, because I feel like I can directly relate to it. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who doesn't exactly know what they want to do with the rest of their lives. Its hard when your constantly being asked what you want to be and your practically forced to give an immediate answer about a career you know nothing about or actually have no interest in but you say it just to get them off your back. In so many ways I understand where your coming from. I love your honesty and how you don't conform to the standards that society expects from you at such a young age. Good Job!
ReplyDeleteAlicia Alcaraz
Period 5
Honestly, the writing is basically telling what my parents want me to do compared to what I want to do. My parents only want me to be a doctor for the money opportunities but not looking on the downside of things. I just say to them,"I want to be a chef," that's why I like this story, it's telling you you don't have to go by your parent's rules all the time.
ReplyDeleteEvan To
Period 4
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDelete"All facts and honesty, everything in this story is basically true especially about when little girls just wanted to be all about fashion and all these outrageous perfect dream jobs everyone fantasized in their lives at one point . Nice story btw."
Hey Miranda! Hats off to you because you have figured out a way to completely sum up my whole entire life in a matter of a few hundred words. Thank you for making the rest of us readers feel as if we are not alone and that it is normal to feel the way we all do. This struck a cord with me because my family gave me three career choices: Nurse, Pharmacist, or Medical Doctor. So I know what pressure feels like. Anyways, good job! Please write a follow up essay regarding this topic.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your story and your thoughts about your life. Your story in particular caught my attention because I can relate to the things you were saying and reassured me that I'm not the only one who doesn't know every detail about their lives right after high school. I understand how difficult it is to be pressured to know what you want to do after high school and to please others, but in reality all that really matters is your happiness. Good job!
ReplyDeleteErykah Moses
Period 3
I love how passionate you feel about this topic. Miranda, you've given such a wonderful stand point on such a difficult topic that many other kids are afraid to touch on. You bring such a positive vibe to something that many seem to be a negative thing to do or are afraid to say!!
ReplyDeleteThe greatness and comfort your piece brings shows through the topic you put into light, one that we can all relate to. Maybe there are some who have it all figured out, but in the end, I feel collectively that at this time a significant bunch of us feel the frustrations towards the societal pressures thrust upon us which your reflection so wholesomely conveyed. Through the comparison between what is expected of us by our surroundings with what we all truly desire, you really highlight this discrepancy. Your thorough understanding of this situation and your ability to relate to your audience combined makes for a wonderful reflection, wonderful job!
ReplyDeleteDanelle Angeline Baronia
Period 2
Miranda, I loved this piece because I am dealing with the same problem as well. Before reading this piece, I wanted to become a doctor because of the amount of money they make. However, after reading this, I realized that I don't want to become a doctor due to their income but because I love helping people and I want to make them happy. Really, thank you for this, if it weren't for you, I would've become a doctor for the wrong reasons. Your piece was well thought out and it really opened up my mind on the world, thank you for this awesome read and don't worry it's normal to feel this way and I hope you do become the person you strive to be.
ReplyDelete-Daveena S.
Period 2
What a great story!!! I love how you gave an incite to the percent of people who honestly don't know what career in life. Also i love the way that you know that you want to be happy within and not with what you have which i think is what some people forget that your true happiness is what truly matters.
ReplyDeleteJohnny De La Cruz
Period 1
This is an extremely well written piece! I like how the reader can relate to the narrator. This piece gives great advice and inspires me! So Thank you!
ReplyDeleteKarina Blocker
Period 4
This piece is absolutely relatable to those with college in the near future.. I consider myself lucky to have found something I love doing and it actually being a career. However most of us are not that lucky. I think one of the biggest things people choose to do in college wasn't a dream for them, possibly their family. I'm glad when people ask you what you plan to be you say "I don't not, but I'm going to stay true to who I am." Keep that sanity of staying true because a lot of people loose that and it just never really is the same after that. I hope you find what you love and also stay true to yourself.
ReplyDeleteWith optimistic hope,
Ariel Foster
Period 3
omg miranda i loved your story!.
ReplyDeleteFrom the start you made it so relatable, there does seem to be some type of over impending doom regarding the future that is hanging over us. The point you made about being a mom was really interesting too! In the midst of femminism being (thankfully) well assimilated into our culture there does seem to be a type of universal rejection of ALL things gender-related. Being a mother has kind of morphed itself into a horror as some will accuse it of being the embodiment of a "less" independent woman, it's refreshing to see how comfortable you are with admitting that as being one of the things you are most confident in.
Aye, you know what? I really liked this one! specifically for the ending sentences where you said, "but for now I want to stay hungry and stay foolish. I want to live my life my way, and discover never-ending possibilities in college. The question shouldn’t be “what do you want to be,” but instead “who do you want to be.” My answer to that question will always be myself." you put that into perfect words in a very well written and catchy way, I love it! I agree with you 100% on the whole "deciding now" aspect of life and it honestly is stupid but its kinds what you have to do at this age so i'm glad you addressed it in your writing. I thought this whole thing was pretty cute and no worries you aren't the only one feeling the stress of the future, were all with you! i'm sure you'll figure out something :)
ReplyDeleteSamantha Quintanilla
Period 2
I liked this story mostly because it is relatable for most teenagers in high school. As a freshman and all you'd expect us not to have everything figured out already but most of my friends do in this story you honestly took my point of view and multiplied it by ten because you explained it very well. I and everyone else have ambitions that reach a goal that may never happen like how you explained it. Our goals in life defines human beings as their own person and the fact that out of everything in the world the narrators first goal is to be a mother is exceptional. In the story the narrator explains its crazy and it is but the fact that you made it seem like the truth, that mothers are a big part in society makes me love this story because no one sees it that way anymore. I really loved in the end how instead of asking what do you want to be you changed it to who do you want to be. The answer really surprised me because I mean people would want to be Beyoncé or a NFL star but you choose yourself and why else would you want to be anyone else but yourself and you made that clear to me.
ReplyDeleteI really admired this piece mostly because you were willing to be true to yourself and allow others to know that side of you and get a peak of your aspirations in life, which is to be happy! I can say i relate to this as well, as in not having anything planned and put together at a certain age like most adults expect you to. This piece spoke to me because "being yourself" and "being happy," like you said, truly is one of the most important things you can do in life and that to me is something every person should strive for. Great Job Miranda!
ReplyDelete-period 5
I really loved the details in the story. It seemed so real and almost as if it was the real. You can see that your being true with yourself. This could inspire a lot of people. The story was well written.
ReplyDeletePeriod 1
Miranda! I love your piece and I found your piece relatable to my life and to most seniors. My favorite line of your piece is when you said, "The question shouldn’t be “what do you want to be,” but instead “who do you want to be.” My answer to that question will always be myself." I agree with you 100% because the question should be about you trying to figure out who your are as a person. I feel that its important to let ourselves be the first priority in our lives. We only have one physical life, why waste it on things that make us feel awful about ourselves. I tip my hat of to you because, through your story, you have shown me that I need to step back and take some time to figure out the type of person I want to be.
ReplyDeleteEmily Gonzalez
Period 2
Umm this story was pretty informational about what you want to do with your life,and i strongly agree with your opinion in being happy.im a freashmen too.But lets be honest.Some people hate their job,but they love how much they make.So that makes them happy.So bassically what im trying to say is that everyone finds happiness mostly anywhere.Alos when you said that you want to help others,then you can study for a nurse or even better a doctor,because you won't just help them, you'll save them. Keep up the good work.You got this :))
ReplyDeleteMarco Garcia-Ordaz
Period 4
I found myself nodding in agreement throughout the entire piece! Like everyone else, I loved how relatable and personal it was. Within the first few sentences, you were able to describe everything that I was feeling. Naturally, I was immediately hooked onto your personal reflection!! I enjoyed how solid your voice was and how the tone developed as the story progressed. It was also structured very nicely. The first paragraph was filled with uncertainty about the future but by the end, you were able to conclude that all you wanted was to be happy. Which, by the way, is a very reasonable and wonderful goal. Overall, I really (really, really, really) liked this reflection and I want to thank you for writing it!
ReplyDeleteFiona Cheung
Period 3
So I am honestly in the same boat. I always say the three words "I don't know" as well. Life is about knowing yourself and figuring out what makes you happy. I grew up with Doctors too and they would all ask me what I wanted to be and they expected my answer to be "a doctor or a lawyer" something that makes money. This is a big burden and honestly the last few lines talking about how you want to live your life and discover never ending possibillites makes the reader feel as if other people are like me too. I enjoyed this piece and am glad you wrote it, I's probably going to print it out and read it whenever I feel down.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this piece Miranda because you gave all of us somewhat of an insight to who you are as a person and I truly think that is incredible. I totally agree with you on striving to be happy with our lives. This piece was perfect especially with college right around the corner. One line that really stood out to me was when you said "I've never understood why life has to be so black and white" because honestly I have never understood that either. Your writing was SO relatable and I think you did a great job girl!
ReplyDelete~Legend Holman
p.3
So I am honestly in the same boat. I always say the three words "I don't know" as well. Life is about knowing yourself and figuring out what makes you happy. I grew up with Doctors too and they would all ask me what I wanted to be and they expected my answer to be "a doctor or a lawyer" something that makes money. This is a big burden and honestly the last few lines talking about how you want to live your life and discover never ending possibillites makes the reader feel as if other people are like me too. I enjoyed this piece and am glad you wrote it, I's probably going to print it out and read it whenever I feel down.
ReplyDeleteJust because your clumsy and you cant do nothing doesnt mean that you cant complete your goals. I have a back problem and i want to be a cheerleader in my life it doesnt matter if its now or later in life i will acheive my life goals. So you can to. Dont doubt yourself.
ReplyDeleteMikayla Seals
Period 4
I love how so many of us seniors could relate to your story. Your piece really reflects who you are as a person, which is an amazing, genuine person. Keep staying true to who you are!
ReplyDeletePriscilla Perry
Period 5
I really like this story, and believe in yourself, have faith in yourself that you can do this instead of doubting and giving up on yourself. You can do it stay strong.
ReplyDelete-MIchelle Truong
Period 1
This is truly a great story. I love this story because I can relate to it. I love your positivity and future goals for you and your children in the future. I can relate to how you want a job that you will enjoy instead of a job you will dislike. You have a bright future ahead of you (:
ReplyDelete-Brianna Barajas
Period 4
This piece really resonated with me. I am always asked what I want to do and, like you, I have no clue. I want to do something that I will enjoy doing. If you have a job you love, you will never have to work a day in your life.
ReplyDeleteExcellent job. Keep it up!
I really enjoyed reading this piece! I am also not completely sure what I want to be when i grow up... but I want to find a good job that makes me happy.
ReplyDelete- Victoria Ervin
Period 1
Miranda this was really good. So much detail brought in to this story that its so amazing. I love how this story can relate to most of the seniors here because most are probably just like this story. I also believe you are right, sure you want to have a job for the money, but whats the point of it if you are not happy with what you are doing, and i believe that is very important for your future career. I want to say also on another note, just because you are clumsy doesn't mean its a bad thing, it can't stop you from your goals. What makes you who you are now will make you who you are in the future. :)
ReplyDeleteJorge Rodriguez
Period 5
I really enjoyed this piece, especially because it is so relatable to not only my life, but probably how most seniors feel right about now. It seems that all anyone really cares about is making the money, and how could it not because economic stability is so important. However, you are able to highlight that life is more than that, and our overall happiness should come first. I love how you want to strive to stay true to yourself, and this something I will have in the back of my mind as I struggle to find my own career path. I'm extremely grateful to have read this piece, as it helps me understand I'm not the only one with the same thoughts. Great job! :)
ReplyDelete-Adam Burgos, Period 2.
This is a truly inspirational piece that represents the mindset of most if not all youth in this day and age are battling an internal struggle with. I find it very interesting how you compared people who "know" what career path they have decided for themselves to your own choice of "I dont know," all I could say for them is that they're lucky but for most of us (including myself), we are clueless and it sucks having to face the constant nagging of parents to decide what we want to be or where we want to go but it does matter on deciding what we are truly passionate about. I personally, same as you, would rather wake up to a career I will enjoy waking up to rather than one I dread. Really enjoyed this piece, excellent job!
ReplyDelete- Hunter Fierro
Period 5
So much of your story is true, society and media brands being "happy" as having money, money and money! But in reality being happy is much more simple. There are people who dont make as much money as they could but are doing a job that they are excited to go to each day. In my opinion this sounds like a happier life than that with a good paying job but being unable to enjoy it until what you can do is limited by your age. But long story short i agree with what you are saying that society values money to much and under values true actual happiness in the moment.
ReplyDelete-Marvin Virola
P5
Your story is so relatable to a good amount of us as we are constantly bombarded with the questions "what are you going to major in?", "what do you want to be?", "where are you going to go?", etc. and most of the time, they are rather frustrating to answer. A majority of people nowadays only focus on how much their salaries will be in the long run and don't take into account their own personal interests, so when you do follow your own interests, you're judged, criticized, and ridiculed as being foolish and unwise. However, although money is a good factor in deciding your major, I believe that doing what makes you "happy" not just financially, as you refer to is of equal or greater value in deciding your career. Just like you recall your frustrations in explaining what you want to do, I can completely relate as most adults and others can't fathom such a thing when taking into consideration the high value on money in society. But everyone should stick to what they truly want as you are and I commend you for persevering through everyone's judgements.
ReplyDelete-Amber, Period 2
Miranda, I loved this piece so much. During this year, all the seniors are constantly obsessed with finding a high paying job their parents want for them or that they think is deemed to be good in society but I really liked how you gave a totally different opinion from what everyone else seems to be saying. Your commentary is really refreshing, and I think the piece is really relatable. You seemed to pour your heart out, and I really appreciate that because in this case I think that this is a really good wake up call to everyone who seems obsessed with money over happiness in their future. I really liked how you added that you just wanted to be happy and a mom and that that doesn't make you some anti-feminist because I totally agree; those are great goals for you life and I really hope you get those in the future. Basically, your writing was great, I love your point of view for the piece, and I really resonated with this piece and enjoyed reading it. Really great story Miranda :)
ReplyDelete-Aubrianne Milton
Period 5
This writing was relatable to me especially because I too have not decided what occupation I want to do. Like you, many people throughout my life have asked me what I wanted to be. I just answer with a shrug. My siblings had planned their life out when they were little of what job they wanted, cars, house, etc. I just sat there without a clue in my mind. Luckily for me, I chose a couple of options as careers. I love how you just want to be happy of what you are doing. I can tell you are a very intelligent person because of the profound questions you ask in this piece. I really enjoyed this piece because it got me thinking a lot of things about the present and future. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete- Jessie Santos
Period 1
Your story spoke out to me. I'm a little like you I want to wake up to a job that I love and I want to encourage my kids to find their dream and chase after it. Your story is very amazing because people know what its like to have that pressure on yourself and trying to figure out what they want to do later on in life. I think this story could relate to many people around the globe. Period 1
ReplyDeleteMIRANDA!!!! First off, let me just say that the title alone really got me thinking. Then, after I read the first two sentences I was dead. it honestly made me laugh so hard because I remember when I used to do that. When I was younger I had this obsession with soccer. I had a hat about it and everything, that I would wear just about everyday. Then, in all of my projects at school that asked you about what you want to be; I always said a professional soccer player. HAH!! In reality, I do not have the reflexes for it all. Anyways, your first paragraph really got to me. What senior already knows 100% on what they want to be when they grow up? It takes time to figure things out. At this point I don't even know what to say because your piece is exactly what I'm going through. So, you are definitely not alone.
ReplyDeleteEven though my dream car is either a corvette or Camaro, that still shouldn't be the defining factor in whether or not someone is happy. When you mentioned “I don’t know I just want to be happy and hopefully a mom one day;" and then people proceed to say that you have low standards.....SKERT! I'm going to need their names because I've got something to say to them. It sounds like when you become a mom you'll be great at it. Everyday I wish that my mom could've gotten the chance to raise me, but she couldn't because she was not ready. It really sucks because I miss her and its not like I can visit her because she lives in Wyoming. Maybe then my grandparents wouldn't be able to bombard me about the sat or the act and why my teacher hasn't published any grades.
Finally, your last paragraph is empowering. I really have nothing else to say about that last paragraph. It was deep. The last thing that I would've thought to reply to the question of who do you want to be with was myself. Thank you for inspiring me to figure my life on my own and not let anyone influence me any different.
-Kayla Weathers
Miranda, I truly believe that you have gotten not only your thoughts out, but you have also been able to get through to others. Many people our age are always worried about this point in time where we have to apply to colleges and to help us choose that college we must have a career choice in mind because all colleges offer so many different varieties but not always the same options. I truly believe that this is a great thought written because you identify the importance of finding yourself before finding a career choice. You made an excellent point and made me as a reader sympathize. Great detailing!
ReplyDeleteMiranda, I truly believe that you have gotten not only your thoughts out, but you have also been able to get through to others. Many people our age are always worried about this point in time where we have to apply to colleges and to help us choose that college we must have a career choice in mind because all colleges offer so many different varieties but not always the same options. I truly believe that this is a great thought written because you identify the importance of finding yourself before finding a career choice. You made an excellent point and made me as a reader sympathize. Great detailing!
ReplyDeleteI am in complete adoration for this piece! Probably because I too am in the same exact boat as you! Don't worry Miranda we will find our happiness!! Your piece was very well structured and cohesive, great job!
ReplyDeleteThis is great because i think that at this point is where everyone starts worrying about there future and how much money they will make when they get out of college. You should do something that you like and enjoy for your future job, and that is exactly what you said, just to have fun.
ReplyDeleteIt is great how you expressed your feelings. You have connected with so many from this. This reminds me of my brother. He always wanted to be a broadcaster for sports or a doctor. But once he got into college it was like he didn't know anymore. He tried to find something that he loved to do which is basketball. He is almost done with college now ,but he is doing what he loves. Which is a basketball trainer and he is making good money. You will end up finding something.
ReplyDeleteEvanne Turner
-Period 1
I feel that this piece had so much emotion expressed in it, and it was a very moving and persuasive essay that ultimately says that kids our age shouldn't be forced to do something but rather something they find enjoyable, which I totally agree with. I feel that the essay could have used higher vocabulary, because it seems a bit basic. But other than that I feel that this piece was well organized and it kept me interested, and I wasn't bored while reading it. Awesome job!
ReplyDelete- Rodrick Hill
Period 2
I completely relate 100000%! For a long time i didnt know what to do with mt life and i have a lot of pressure to pursue things i may not even enjoy. I love how you want to be a good mother and i believe that you will be! I love how you can relate to multiple people; not only high school students but with anyone who is stuck in life because we all have that one challenge that we have to face. I really enjoyed this piece not only because i could relate so much but because you speak the truth. There is a lot of pressure to go straight to college and i love how you focus on yourself because in the end you is all that matters.
ReplyDeleteI would like to say she is very young and her mind isn't set up yet but that doesn't make her any less than a human. Many kids are unsure what to be after high school some people can work and not go to college but love what they do or they strive to go to college.
ReplyDeleteThis piece really connects with me because I am just now starting to figure out what I love to do. I have been asked by many people since freshman year what I want to do with my life and I really didn't know. I can tell this piece perfectly expresses the thoughts of you and many others just like you who don't have any idea what they want to do as a career in life. We just have to push through high school and get our higher education whatever it may be. Then we will be able to chose our path in life.
ReplyDeleteThe ease of relating to this piece helps readers throw their own observations and experiences into your outline and in turn creates an even larger effect upon the audience than previously. I do love how we are drawn into this monologue because many of us can personally see ourselves in your shoes and make sense of how you are truly feeling. I too hate the pressure put onto me by my parents and teachers to be successful when I am not even sure what success is to me. Your concluding sentence is absolutely beautiful and drives home this great work.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I would like to say that this piece is very well written and easy to relate to. I can see that you poured out personal emotions and deep thoughts into your work because it's not all that easy to admit to others that you don't really know what to do it. Personally, I'm just like you. It's hard for me to decide on a definite and detailed plan for my life and I get ridiculed or looked down on for it. Keep doing what you want to do in life and never let others get into the way of what YOU want to do!
ReplyDelete-Noelle M,
Period 2
This piece is definitely something I can relate to! I love how you were very straight forward and truthful with you response to the question that is constantly being brought up, especially during senior year. I also completely agree with you when you described that you wanted to be happy and everyone has their own opinion of what happiness is to them. Over all I think this was a very uplifting piece in a way that it can show others that maybe they aren't to only ones who struggle with answering the same simple question " What do you want to be". Great Job, really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteVanessa Alfaro
period 2
I felt that you made a deep emotional connection with your piece. For it shows the struggle in your life. It was good insight to me as I am a freshman now. It showed how that if you want your goals that you need to push for them. It also puts me at ease as I am not the only one with this conflict. I also want you to find your deepest passion for your life so you can be successful and happy throughout your life.
ReplyDeleteThis piece is not only great because it is easily relate-able but because of the amount of emotion you put into it. You absolutely did not hold back in expressing how you felt about hearing those few antagonizing words that everyone our age has to struggle in answering quickly and efficiently. Very well done. I really enjoyed it and probably exclaimed "Yass" about five times throughout the course of reading this :)
ReplyDeleteGreat job on the story dude, the story was just great. It was really well written. I really like what you did on the ending, the plot twist everything. The ending was unexpected because like the man sacrificed his work for the girl to keep her smiling and for her to be happy. I think you should be a writer.
ReplyDelete-Ray Kemas
This story underscores why each individual is unique and how society pressures us to be something that we are not. In my opinion similar to yours I believe that it's better to have a career that will make myself content over the long run rather than going into a mass of debt and spending years in school to become something that I resent. Your story highlighted an issue that is occurring to most teenagers in our age group as we are on the threshold of adulthood meaning that we face many questions regarding our future. Overall this piece was tremendously written and gave me new insight onto what plans I want to have post-high school.
ReplyDeleteI feel as thought this a piece that some of us, as soon graduating students, can relate to. Your emotion in the writing could be easily felt, especially around those parts where you mentioned the judgment of your fellow peers and family members. I had a small smirk on my face while reading this and really enjoyed seeing your opinion on these topics. Great work!
ReplyDeleteI really love this piece, Miranda. I love how you incorporated personal experiences to controversy in decision making when growing up and learning how to find yourself! This was beautifully written and the imagery / detail involved is pertinent to who you are as a persoon./ Great job at description and irony even!
ReplyDeleteKelene Hirata
per. 2
I appreciate how you strive to do whatever makes you happy and are not totally influenced by the opinions of others. Other peoples judgment should not affect your happiness and it is good that you make your own choices.
ReplyDeleteAndre Medina
Period 3
I really love that you talked about something that is hanging over a lot of our heads as seniors. It seems extremely difficult to figure out what we want to do with the rest of our lives and having to decide so quickly can be terrifying. I also really like the fact that you talked about wanting to be happy and how that isn't settling because i feel the same way. Wonderful piece Miranda!
ReplyDeleteLeslie Rocha Per 2
Honestly , your not alone . I am in the same exact bout as you , I have no idea where I want to go with my life . Yet everyday constantly my parents say "you need to get serious " "you need to go to college and get a job" . But what if that's not the path that will make me happy .The problem with society is it makes our parents and love ones think that money is the only way to be happy , to live ,to survive and that being uncertain about our future is the "worst thing in the world" . I strongly agree with your statement ,and we need to do what makes us happy even if we don't know yet , we have all our life's to figure it out . Love your piece !
ReplyDeleteThis is a very honest and intriguing piece that I was able to make a personal connection to. I really respect that you are able to stand next to your beliefs as being an individual who would be happy rather than make a money with dreadful job because there are very few people who would be willing to do that. Honestly, I ask many people what they want to do and all they say is make money in any way but your notion is quite unique. -Ishmam Khan Per. 5
ReplyDeleteThis dilemma of yours is obviously not uncommon, however when I read this piece and see your response to graduation and career choice, I get a slight feeling that maybe I should rethink what I want to do in life. So often have I thought about just getting a really good job in order to "live a happy life" but as you mentioned, maybe having a lot of money isn't what will make me happy in the end? Thank you for helping me open my eyes to new possibilities.
ReplyDeleteSean Powers
Per. 3
The title of your personal narrative immediately persuaded me to read your piece because I felt like it is a common question that many of us, students, are dealing with at the moment. Your honest, blunt tone of how you truly feel towards this question of "what do you want to be?" made me feel for you and really connect emotionally to how attacked we can feel when we are still unsure of what we want to do for the rest of our lives. I think your use of many examples such as family events, the quick ironic responses of people telling us who we should be, really allowed for the reader to connect this with their personal life and understand your perspective on this question. Overall, I really enjoyed your piece and thought it was just one huge collaboration of all of our thoughts into one, because trust me, you are not the only one who feels like this! I wish you the best of luck with through your experimentation of becoming your best self in the upcoming years and I encourage you to keep writing your emotions out so you can continue to see that you are not the only one in this situation. Great job!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this piece! As seniors about to apply for college, we are burdened with issues described in your piece, such as not being able to answer a simple question like "what do you want to be." I deeply applaud your bravery of being true to yourself by remembering to pursue your happiness. Overall i really like the fact how this piece reminds me that there are other people who go through similar struggles! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteSalman Ansari
Per 5
Love this topic, even though I am only a freshman I already have people asking me these questions! This piece makes me remind my self to live and always pick being myself over being what others think I should be.
ReplyDeleteMackenzie Tipple
per.4
this story was very good because it really gave me a good visualization of what was happening
ReplyDeleteBy: Nick Eckert Per: 1
I feel like I got to know you more off of this story. This made me really learn about your values and expectations, which are fantastic !! You really illustrated a concept that we all are going to go through, and gave us some advice on how to get there !
ReplyDelete-Ashley Flores
I loved this because you talk about the issues senior have to face but try to make it a happier issue. It really makes someone feel motivated to do better and find happiness in ones self.
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved this piece. It actually really spoke to me, especially the part about knowing what to do in the future. I'm in the same boat as you girl, I have absolutely no idea what I want to do in the future and I usually don't have an answer when people ask me what I want to do. But honestly, your fine and it actually seems like you know realty what you want to do in the future. You want to be happy and that seems like an absolutely amazing goal to me :)
ReplyDelete-Annika Joshi
Period 5
I absolutely loved this piece. It actually really spoke to me, especially the part about knowing what to do in the future. I'm in the same boat as you girl, I have absolutely no idea what I want to do in the future and I usually don't have an answer when people ask me what I want to do. But honestly, your fine and it actually seems like you know realty what you want to do in the future. You want to be happy and that seems like an absolutely amazing goal to me :)
ReplyDelete-Annika Joshi
Period 5
I truly admired this piece of writing. You reflected on the last four years and came to the realization of growing up. Coming from the same situation, I was able understand where you are coming from. In all honestly I do not know what exactly I am going to do with my life after high school. Living under a roof where everyone is relying on you to succeed and pursue their failed dreams and goals is very stressful Glad to see that I am not alone.
ReplyDelete- Christian Ortega
Period 5
I truly admired this piece of writing. You reflected on the last four years and came to the realization of growing up. Coming from the same situation, I was able understand where you are coming from. In all honestly I do not know what exactly I am going to do with my life after high school. Living under a roof where everyone is relying on you to succeed and pursue their failed dreams and goals is very stressful Glad to see that I am not alone.
ReplyDelete- Christian Ortega
Period 5
I liked this piece and how you put all your emotion in it. I also really liked how you said you wanted to be happy in life. that reminds me of a quote by John Lennon " when I was growing up my mom said happiness was the key to life. When I went to school they asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up. I wrote down happy, they told me I didn't understand the assignment and i told them they did not understand life." Thanks for the great story.
ReplyDeleteI liked this piece and how you put all your emotion in it. I also really liked how you said you wanted to be happy in life. that reminds me of a quote by John Lennon " when I was growing up my mom said happiness was the key to life. When I went to school they asked me what I wanted to be when I grow up. I wrote down happy, they told me I didn't understand the assignment and i told them they did not understand life." Thanks for the great story.
ReplyDeleteGood work. I think it shows how many seniors may feel. I liked your perspective on wanting to be happy.
ReplyDelete