Finding my “career” has been something I have struggled with since
I was young. Always interested in a large multitude of things, it has
always been a question of where I would focus my time and energy and
which one of my interests would I make profitable for me. Most of family
has always encouraged me to follow my passion, but there has always
been an underlying tone of pursuing a career that guaranteed a job, even
if it didn't necessarily appeal to me. Majors such as engineering,
economics, and business have always been ones that I was encouraged to
take, while when I wish to pursue the arts, there has been a level of
skepticism involved. However, this trip truly has liberated my mind from
the idea of financial gain. Sure it would be great to be financially
secure, but I would much rather live a happy, adventuresome purpose
driven life. There is nothing I fear more than sitting at a desk for the
rest of my life, regardless of the financial benefits. Experiencing a
little bit of traveling on this trip, I know that I will continue this
exploration of this world. I only have about 60 years left on this earth
if all goes well, so that is 60 years to see every corner of the Earth
from the highest mountains to the jungles of the amazon. Raised on
Indiana Jones, the travel channel, and fantasy novels, I have grown to
love an idea of adventure, of excitement. However our culture tells us
to ignore this idea, to only live through the characters of the movies. I
must try to fight against this notion, and strive toward this
purpose-driven life. One where I am truly happy, not simply financially
secure. This time in Africa has helped me to realize, money has little
to do with happiness. I have met countless co-workers and friends, many
who live in Khayelitisha, and have little, but show amazing joy and
passion for what they do, and are truly happy. Happier than most of the
wealthy I know back in the states. Therefore, though this trip has not
helped me specifically decide on a future career, it has established the
philosophy in my mind that I will live and a choose a career according
to what makes me happy, not anyone else.
No comments:
Post a Comment