Personal Narrative: When I Grow USndrome

Simply being invited to become a member of the National Honor Society is a privilege. It’s not necessarily surprising to me that I was invited but rather gives me an exhilarating feeling. A part of me now knows that my sedulous efforts have finally paid off. Throughout my high school career so far I’ve exhibited the four pillars, which are scholarship, leadership, character, and service. This organization administers a plethora of opportunities that has an impact on the students and the lives of others especially. To be accepted into the National Honor Society would motivate me to contribute even more to not only our school but also the community.

Many have experienced an encounter as a young child where they are asked what they want to be when they grow up. Answering that question may be easy as a kid because your mind is filled with thoughts of being the unimaginable. As you grow much older, those ideas begin to depart from the mind and you are suddenly more aware of what is and what is not possible in this world. When beginning the most important years of high school, you stop and rethink your career choice numerous times, stressing on who and what you want to be. Many adults such as teachers, counselors, and parents will emphasize the importance of knowing where you want to be in the future during high school, sometimes even middle school. It became imperative that one chose their

All throughout school, students are ask what we want to be when we grow up. Many of us know or have a pretty good idea, but others have no clue what they want to pursue as a career in life, whether it be furthering their education at a university or attending a technical school. There are other students that plan to start work right out of high school. Either way we all have a plan, and the purpose of this paper is to inform you of mine. I personally struggle in making big decisions like deciding what to do with my life, but then I realized I have been asking myself the wrong questions. Instead of asking what I want to be when I grow up, I asked myself what do I want out of life? what are some of my goals that I wish to achieve? This led

Growing up the main question a child is asked is, “What do you want to be when you grow up? “ , and most kids respond saying a doctor, lawyer, or a cop. In reality not everyone sticks to their first idea, and it’s slim that they actual start working in the chosen career. In my case, I have always wanted to work as a social worker or a therapist, but I realized it wasn’t in my budget. Therefore, I have decided; as well as, grew interest in being a dental assistant for a pediatric office.

An accomplishment or event that marked my transition from childhood to adulthood was being accepted to the Alpha Kappa Alpha Debutante Cotillion. The Alpha Kappa Alpha Debutante Cotillion is a six month program for ladies that are juniors or seniors in high school in order to equip and stimulate them to pursue higher education, academic excellence, and personal development. While doing the program, thirty-four other girls and I attend educational workshops, activities, community service outings, and rehearsals. At the end of the six months, the members of the program attend an elegant ball where we are presented to the community and awarded a scholarship.

College is an extremely terrifying experience, especially when someone doesn’t know how to maneuver around or choosing the right course or class. Furthermore, it was a great privilege to receive that first letter from The National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS)., Knowing that I’ve been accepted into an honor society that chose someone like myself out of several other qualified students on my campus. That letter gave hope and inspiration for someone like myself the strength to overcome any obstacles, in addition, to being welcomed into this tremendous family that reaches far and wide to help students like myself to accomplish our goals and dream, especially being in the first generation to attend college especially an older adult continuing my

Adults are always asking me what I want to do when I graduate high school or what I want to be. Not until the ending of my Junior year did I know the answer to that question. I’ve

As a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, my academics must be my highest priorities. However, even before I received the invitation to join the community of honor students and alumni, I was keen to educate myself. Unlike some, I did not continue my formal education immediately preceding high school. My family lacked the resources to get me there, so I had to work for it; I had to want it. The time between my schooling was spent working hard to eventually work even harder once I could afford to. Days off were spent reading countless books at public libraries—reference and recreational—dabbling in anything I

One of the most memorable moments since being an IDSS major would have to be my induction into Alpha Iota Sigma Honor Society. This day was one of the highlights of my life because it was the first formal recognition I had receive as an adult. When I received the email from Professor Winn initially I thought to myself that I wasn’t really concerned with getting honored for my grades. At the time the only concern I had was finishing up my last few classes and graduation. But, a week or so after receiving her email I began to think about how for 15 years I had been working so hard to complete my degree and that was something worth recognizing. I called my spouse to let him know of the invitation, and he encouraged me to participate, and agreed

“How can I know what I want to do when I grow up at this age?” I wondered. It seemed ludicrous to have such a question in fourth grade, but we had it, and my time was running out. I felt nervous, angry, and joyous at

Some people grow up knowing exactly what they want to do; I, on the other hand, do not know exactly what career path I am going to take, but I have learned that is okay. I went through most of high school presuming that I had to have my life planned out by my senior year and I recently realized that was an unrealistic expectation to put on myself.

Many underestimate the power that a singular event possesses and the extent at which it can alter one’s mindset. Often times a shift in the method of thinking and processing information, the act which drives our entire being, signifies a “coming of age”. Reaching a pivotal moment in time where not only do those around you recognize the transformation, but you also fully embrace the alteration. In layman's terms, transitioning out of childhood conjures thoughts and ideas that evolve from the foundation of one’s life. For me, the potent mixture of a short-lived period of blissful innocence and a pressurized home environment led to the culmination of a desire to succeed.

Throughout my life, one question has plagued me during icebreakers, uncomfortable family gatherings, and standardized tests: what do you want to be when you grow up? I went through the standard set of responses as I grew up (ballerina, Rockstar, astronaut, Godzilla, etc.), but when I finally got to the age when what I answered actually mattered, I found that I really had no idea. I antagonized over the question, trying to work my way backward: What did that question even mean? Was it just to find a job or a career, something that paid the bills, or something that truly made me happy? For much longer than probably advisable, I put off answering The Question. Thankfully, the universe felt generous enough to drop some pretty obvious hints my way.

“The hardest part about growing up is letting go of what you were used to, and moving on with something you’re not.” Growing up can be fantastic. Growing up can also be scary. Many people do it on their own time. Others must do it quickly. Some have a nurturing family and a wonderful environment in which to do this. Others still are not as fortunate. The point is that everyone’s situation is different, unique. No matter how similar one situation may seem from another there are countless other things that affect how a child might grow up. One’s own life may seem perfect to those on the outside looking in when in reality, there could be a constant struggle that is known to few or even none. For myself, growing up was something that had to

Throughout grade school, I struggled with what my future would hold. I had an idea about what I wanted to achieve. For example, I know I did not want to live pay check to pay check, but I didn’t have a clue about how to achieve that. My entire life my mother taught me to work hard for what I wanted, and then I could reap the benefits later. I didn’t want to wait for later. I wanted to have my cake, and eat to. I knew I love books so maybe I could become a writer. The school Counselor suggested I take a career vocational test to determine what would work best for me.