What do you want to be when you grow up?
Such a fascinating question when you are a child - fireman, policeman, doctor, teacher, astronaut, etc. In reality, how many of us actually become what we wanted to be? Even so, how many actually even understood the question? I was the friend that didn't know what she wanted to do and definitely changed my mind a few times during college. I grew up on the verge of technology taking over our lives, increasing connectivity with people around the world and opening our eyes to so many possibilities that exist and are still being created. Most of my friends had a very good idea of their future and what they wanted to achieve. I always found it so strange that from a very young age we are asked this "life" question and we are expected to give an answer that not only does it make sense to others, but we actually achieve. (This is of course not to say, that some do actually achieve these goals).
Is it just me or how can you possibly choose what you want to do for the rest of your life when you are basically a child?
In college (after a few tries), I found my calling with hotels and the travel industry, however you quickly realize how all consuming the industry is - while everyone is on vacation, you are the busiest. That being said, it did not take away from such a rewarding experience and the ability to travel with the job and visit places that I would have never thought of. During my time there, we always focused on how could we be more efficient while still having a work/life balance. Working in an industry that never closes its doors, you are bound to be always connected via every technology platform - even if you didn't opt in - it was expected. All of a sudden, you are on this vicious cycle of not feeling okay to step away from work and what you "decided" that this is what you were going to do for the rest of your life. You have chosen this, you are responsible for your own success because you are working hard to build your future and "be what you wanted to be when you grow up".
"I am a painter and a golfer - I just happen to work in the hospitality industry".
I heard someone a long time ago explain that when people ask him: "What do you do?", he responds "I am a photographer and a runner". People then usually respond, "but what do you do for a living" and then he would say that he worked in the hospitality industry. Since the day I heard this, it opened my eyes to the fact that when we get this question asked typically people respond with their job title. However, I bring you this thought because when did it become okay that the answer to that "thing" you wanted to be when you grow up was a job? Personally, I wanted to grow up to be successful, bright, an artist and the best version of myself. I do believe that if each one of us thinks of the qualities we want to have when we "grow" up, your passion and devotion for what you "do" will follow.
We all change with time, we all evolve with those around us and look to reinvent ourselves - it is never too late. Mia wanted to be in fashion designer and found her calling in social media marketing as technology became more of a platform for business than anything else. Regina and Penelope (who you will meet later on) always wanted to be doctors and they both achieved success in the field. Shannon (you will also meet later on as well), fell in love with hospitality when her dad opened her eyes to the industry from a very young age. As I move to England soon, I have a decision to make to continue what I love to do or reinvent myself once again. Our paths may all be very different, packed of trials and errors and yet are filled with laughter, ambition and most of all, support for one another.
xo,
Valeria Michelle
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