I loved writing stories when I was in elementary school. In 5th grade, we did an assignment where we had to type on the computer (Down the hall in the computer lab! On a real keyboard!) and could apparently use any font we wanted. That was the best part and all. We were to write about our future and our dreams—what we wanted to be when we grew up. I had a lot of aspirations, you guys.
A few years ago, my mom handed me over a box of old school work papers and I found this assignment after 22 years. Since then, I’ve actually had this sitting next to my desk in my office to remind me when days are hard and I’m feeling discouraged, that 11-year-old Risa wouldn’t have given up on her goals. I wanted to share them here with you, along with, well, what really ended up happening since 1997. (And side note, I changed the spelling of my name when I got married, so you’re not imagining things.)
Let’s discuss.
My dream is to become a famous author for children’s books. I want to be accepted into a publishing company here in Minnesota. And close by. I don’t want to illustrate them though. I don’t want to write really long stories.
There is just so much here. Where to start? So the bottom line is I want to write really simple stories, use photos because my drawing skills suck, and publish these stories within a five-mile radius of home. So by a famous author, I really meant blogger. Hey! There really WAS a future for me in blogging.
I also want to be a veterinarian. I don’t want to operate on an animal though. But I would like to work with animals. But not cats because I’m allergic to them.
I hate to break it to you Self—you didn’t become a vet. But you did become a writer and you like to think you’re famous for your work on vaginas and shooting up in a Target.
I want to be a professional dog trainer. I would like to work and train dogs.
Probably would be a better career choice than a vet. At least there would be no surgery. Or cats.
As soon as I’m sixteen I’m going to do volunteer work at the Animal Humane Society. I love to be around animals.
I did volunteer at the humane society when I was 14 for a school project. But then a few months later I turned 15 and boys were way much more fun to be around. Should have stuck with animals, kid.
When I get older I want to have two boys named Travis and Luke because I grew up with a family of girls and I just want a change.
It’s true. I did.
I want to own all the Beanie Babies and have them not be so popular!
Your wish was granted Self. No one gives a shit about those things anymore. They’re all yours.
I want a Power PC computer with a color printer.
What the fuck does this even mean?
I want two dogs (or maybe more) when I move out.
But how will you have time for them? What with your many children’s books, a career as a dog vet AND trainer, and two non-girls?
