Her rash decision turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
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At 18 years old, I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. Schoolmates seemed to know so why not me? My favorite subject was math–always math. That is why I chose math as my major.
Never once did I ask myself what I would do with a math major. Had I realized teaching was the likely career for a math major, I would never have chosen it. Instead, I just followed my heart.
Such a hugely important life decision made so callously.
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I spent two years at the University of New Hampshire and decided that the school wasn’t for me. It was too large. It was too impersonal. I felt like a number instead of how an excited freshman should feel. My teachers were inaccessible. Add to that my shyness and I was not able to learn in a classroom of 250 kids. Who can?
I transferred to New Hampshire College the summer after my sophomore year. I was very excited to be going to a smaller school with an average class size of 25-30 kids. The only problem was this school did not offer a math major. So now what?
I read through the available majors and chose computers as my degree. Not because I love computers, though, but because it was the least offensive degree I could find. And, yes, that is how I picked my first career! So very sad when you think about it. Such a hugely important life decision made so callously. It makes me wonder how many other 18 year-olds did the same thing?
Although I graduated with excellent grades, I did not enjoy the jobs I had after I graduated. The money wasn’t bad, but the work was not fulfilling. The best part of my job was working with the people. That is what put a smile on my face. Well, that and when the clock hit 5:00pm! Beyond that, I dreaded going to work every day. I feared I was one of ‘those people’ who looked like they hated their job. I did not want to be that person. So, fortunately, I made the very difficult decision to transfer schools.
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Then, one day, I met my future husband, Steven. He adored me and me him. He was a pediatric physician assistant so I was immediately self-conscious of how smart he must be. After all, you must have to be brilliant to be in the medical field I thought.
After some time, he not only encouraged me to change careers but assured me I could be anything I wanted to be. Although not full of confidence, I trusted him and there the search began. What type of work would make me truly happy?
We borrowed a book from the library–I know, funny considering I had a computer degree and could have quickly looked it up online! But nothing beats holding a real book in my hands. We went to the park and sat on a blanket. We started at ‘A’ and went to ‘Z’ picking out careers that sounded interesting to me. I remember the day like it was yesterday. It was the day that changed my life!
I remember feeling very inadequate for many of the career choices. Was I smart enough to be in the medical field? I know Steven thought I was, but self-confidence was never one of my finer attributes. How would I pay for it? Would my parents think I was crazy to start over? Could I do this? Should I do this?
The choice that gave me goosebumps was the field of physical therapy. It sounded fantastic! Not only would I be able to connect with people on a personal level, but I would also have the ability to positively change their lives. Deep inside me I knew this was the correct decision. I could not imagine loving my job, and I could not wait to begin.
‘Settling’ may be easy, but it gets old fast.
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Six years later I graduated from Notre Dame College with a master’s degree in physical therapy. I now specialize in women’s and men’s health and help people profoundly with their sensitive issues. Some of these problems include bladder leakage, pelvic pain, prostate cancer, nighttime voiding, and bowel issues. I feel incredible when I help people. I am happiest when my clients cry tears of joy because they finally have medical freedom.
I can’t even remember how I used to feel before I became a physical therapist, and for that I am grateful. I love my work. I love my clients. I love my life. My new career also inspired me to write my first book so I can reach even more people. I am so proud of myself, and I feel like my life has just begun.
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If you do not love what you do, I highly encourage you to follow your dreams. Life is too short not to live it to the fullest. ‘Settling’ may be easy, but it gets old fast. Internal happiness should be everyone’s goal.
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Photo: Flickr/ Domenico
“We borrowed a book from the library–I know, funny considering I had a computer degree and could have quickly looked it up online! But nothing beats holding a real book in my hands..We started at ‘A’ and went to ‘Z’ picking out careers that sounded interesting to me. I remember the day like it was yesterday. It was the day that changed my life!”
What was the book title, and how many copies are available at the local library?
I wish I could tell you but it was about 20 years ago. It was a book about every different career choice you could imagine. And it was set up alphabetically. My guess is you could google it and find something similar. Thanks for reading my article!!
Good Luck, Leslie