Today I was at the plantation talking to one of my fellow indentured servants about the quest to identify one's purpose. Yes, at times, I can be very deep and profound. Meghan, whom I fondly refer to as Meghanomics (Don't try to make sense of it; I just have a penchant for nicknames), has made an important decision to return to school. This fall she will begin classes to become a court reporter. It is a sensible profession. And on these courtroom dramas in the movies and on television, a court reporter is always a fixture in the climactic scene. But I have disagreed with Meghan's decision so strongly about her career choice, that I've even been so bold as to speak to her mother about it. But what do I know? Meghan is quietly charismatic and funny and charming and I believe her gifts will be squandered behind her stenotype machine. But it is Meghan's decision that has caused me to look back on my own past as I tried to lay the course to my purpose.
I entered Hillcrest High School as a student in its renowned pre-med program. I tried my hand at theatre careers and settled on accounting by the time I graduated. In college, I studied business at Baruch College here in the city before dropping out after 4 long years. While working at the plantation, I discovered fashion design and felt like a fish to water. But I was not successful taking classes at night at the Fashion Institute of Technology because I lacked the necessary remedial sewing skills. I went on to cosmetology school where I completed my coursework and passed my state licensing exam. I can style, cut, and color hair, but it's not something I am particularly passionate about. So here I am, embracing my fashion design instincts and talents. And I just hire other people to sew up my illustrations. And I am happy.
I entered Hillcrest High School as a student in its renowned pre-med program. I tried my hand at theatre careers and settled on accounting by the time I graduated. In college, I studied business at Baruch College here in the city before dropping out after 4 long years. While working at the plantation, I discovered fashion design and felt like a fish to water. But I was not successful taking classes at night at the Fashion Institute of Technology because I lacked the necessary remedial sewing skills. I went on to cosmetology school where I completed my coursework and passed my state licensing exam. I can style, cut, and color hair, but it's not something I am particularly passionate about. So here I am, embracing my fashion design instincts and talents. And I just hire other people to sew up my illustrations. And I am happy.
I told Meghanomics that she should find out what makes her happy and make a career out of it. After so many detours, I did. In the meantime, she'll be transcribing her heart out starting next month. I wish her luck.
Peace & Fashion!
Dahling -
ReplyDeleteIt's a sad fact that many people are afraid to follow their dreams. Or even take the time to identify what their dreams are. Particularly after seeing your beautiful photographs and sketches, I am delighted you chose to follow yours. You WILL be a presence on the fashion scene! Ciao!
Hoardmeister, I think I know why it is so hard for folks to follow their dreams. Like you said, they are afraid. It is a scary thing to go into the unknown; step out on a ledge and jump. And who says you'll survive? But I think the key here is happiness. Whatever makes you happy, that you know on Sunday night when you go to bed you'll wake up Monday morning to something that makes you smile - what an idea!
ReplyDeletesometimes there are important pit stops on the way to dreams! i think it's best to keep our focus on our own dreams - except where we can HELP manifest another's.
ReplyDeletei've had several jobs/careers during my life - each of which have given me an opportunity to season my talents, my dreams, my people.
i am just now at age 48 realizing my some very BIG, long-held dreams but i would NOT take a second regretting my path! it has been full of many twists and turns that make the dream i am NOW manifesting - richer, more colorful, more appreciated, and full of friends I would have NEVER met (that's you WILBUR) had i passed Go and collected my $200 way back when I first dreamed up my dream!
after all, the real DREAM is the journey - not the destination!
MEB -
ReplyDeleteI agree that there are certain lessons to be learned during the journey, or odyssey, if you will. Some important and some not so. And as you can see from what I wrote, I've taken many detours which I am sure helped to shape the person that I am. But if I didn't care about Meghan or didn't think I was sharing helpful lessons from my own life, I would have just kept my mouth shut. Ultimately, it is her decision to make. And she is making a decision based on what she thinks is best for her. But I still believe that when one makes a decision based on an increase in net income instead of what makes one happy, it can lead to disappointment.