Best Mistake I Ever Made

I've never known what I wanted to do with my life. I've always been good in everything I put my head to, but the pundit, "Jack of all trades and a master of none" has seemed to describe me to a 't'. In school I was interested in many subjects, science, math, history. I still am. I loved reading, writing, creating art. I still do. So when I graduated from high school and headed off to college, I had no idea what to major in. I was expected to choose one area to study, when I had a vast curiosity about almost anything? It was no easy task.

I began as a psychology major, which didn't last long. I was told many times how good of a listener I am, and I got the idea of possibly using that 'gift' to help children. Bingo! A child psychiatrist, that's what I'd be. Well, long story short, once I took a few classes, I soured on that career path. Although I love the study of the mind, the brain is a complex organ to understand. I also disagree with a few major concepts of the science. So I switched to another career goal.

My next choice was to become a pediatrician. Good transition, I thought. A more well understood science, and I could still help kids heal, physically instead of mentally. Well, another drawn out saga shortened, I couldn't handle the pressure. I remember how hard chemistry was, and the sick feeling of dissecting animals. I couldn't imagine carving into a human body that way. So, this time I took a year off from school and dove into the real world work force.

I got a job as an office clerk, where I worked my way up. It lasted for three years. At first, I stayed because of the easy commute. The longer I stayed with that company, the more money I was earning. My hard-work ethic served me well, and soon I was offered the opportunity for further advancement. I turned it down. I discovered in my time off from school, that the one constant in my life has always been reading and writing, and by settling into a business career where creativity is at a minimum would leave me the chance of being bitter.

When I went back to college, I delved into communications. I worked at the university's FM station, I took writing courses; I learned in class and on the job. I loved every minute of it. Once I graduated, I didn't have much experience, though, and that left me shut out of a lot of opportunities.

There I was, unemployed and depressed. I had no direction, I had no one to turn to for help, and I expressed my frustrations through writing. I've kept a journal since I could remember, and I filled reams of blank paper with my ramblings. Funny anecdotes, happy memories, sad, angry feelings…it was all captured in my half print, half script messy hand writing. With all my free time, I continued to write. I wrote a small auto-biography. I wrote articles on the internet. I began a blog. I kept at my writing pursuits, even when it seemed hopeless. Soon, my perseverance began to pay off, and I became published. I've been writing ever since.

Oftentimes, I reflect back on my past and wonder if I would do anything different. After all, if I had started college as a journalism major, I could have established a career by now. My answer is always no. Though I'd be able to erase one small regret of a delay in my career, I would have added many more in its place. I learned what I like and what I don't, what I believe in and what I stand for. I learned a lot about myself. How could change any of that for money's sake?

I am glad I had the good sense to choose the untrodden path. Some may look down on my choices and say, 'What a waste of time. You could have been successful by now.' I can smile and say, 'What luck I had. I tried many things, and found what I loved. And that is success.' I've discovered my soul's desire. I'd like to leave a legacy, and I can do so by writing, even on a small scale. Journalism makes me content, and in a world of uncertainty, you need to take happiness where you can get it.

What makes each of us unique and stronger in life is our experiences. I am proud that I made the best mistake of my life by taking chances. I took the bumpy road instead of settling for the easy street. A full life is one where we make many mistakes, and learn from as much of them as possible. Perhaps my search for my place in this world will be unending. If that means more opportunities and experiences, good or bad, then I hope it is.