I'm a firm believer that I can do or be anything I want in this world. And I am a strong believer that anyone can do or be anything that they want to.
My dad and I have this conversation once in awhile. It takes on many avenues. It turns intellectual and sometimes political. I feel very fortunate to be able to have these kinds of conversations with my dad. He stands on a very high pedestal in my life. He is why I know that I can do anything I set my mind to.
He grew up in rural Northern Minnesota. Small town home, two sisters and two parents. How can I forget his pet rabbit, Pinky, too. Mom had somewhat of a drinking problem. Dad worked full time at his optometry clinic that he started. My dad lived a "normal" life. Was an average student. No frills, no yearly family trip to Mexico. Not a lot of money. Not poor but not middle class. His mom died before he graduated college. This childhood that he tells me about is not the childhood that I have had.
My Dad went on to optometry school just as his dad did, and eventually took over the family business. I don't think there was much direction that was given to my dad and he figured out his path on his own. He worked hard in college, got good/average grades, and is still a doctor. One of the best optometrists in Minnesota, actually. He went to average colleges and still came out successful. He's created a brand for himself and has been practicing for over 25 years. He created a career and life that was better for his children, and one day I hope that I can do even better for my children. My dad always says he wants to see me succeed even more than him.
His childhood and my childhood were different from each other and they are both different from anyone else's. He had his challenges, I have my challenges and you all have your challenges whether it is obvious or not. But no matter your circumstances, I truly believe there is a way for you to achieve your dreams. I am aware there are people that are set up for success and money and don't have to do anything and there are others that work endlessly and tirelessly and are just getting by. It might take others longer to achieve dreams and there might be obstacles (And I'm not saying that's fair, at all), but you can. I have heard amazing stories of individuals turning a life that was unfavorable into one that they love and stories of people doing something they never thought they would be able to do. Go be an astronaut, a celebrity, a teacher, a business owner, a farmer, a stay at home parent, a chef, the next Steve Jobs, or the next president of the United States (Because anyone would be better than who's running right now). You don't have to be the smartest, wealthiest, most educated person to do these things. Will it maybe help? Yes. It is always necessary? Most definitely not.
My dream is to be a doctor. An OBGYN. I want to help and treat others everyday that I work. I want to deliver babies and bring new life into the world. I want a job that is for the greater good of other people and benefits not only me. I want to end my day knowing that I changed a life. My dream is to be a successful doctor. One of the best, and someday I believe that I will be.
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