Often I talk to people about my dreams as a child. I tell them about how when I was a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut. I went to Space Camp in Birmingham, Alabama and I loved it so much, but I found out I wouldn't be able to be an astronaut if I couldn't ride roller coasters with loops in them.
I was too much of a chicken.
But that didn't stop me. I wanted to be an Aerospace Engineer. I worked well with Legos, I love math, I was smart in all subjects, an I had this amazing feeling every time I thought about building the first ship to Mars and being the first person or woman on Mars.
Not only did I love thinking about it; after watching documentaries and informational videos about Mars and how to build ships, I designed my own.
About a week later, NASA came out with their new design.
It was basically the same exact thing. It was a sign telling me I know what I have to do.
I went to college at 14 years old. I took extremely hard classes for "high school" to get me ready for the real college experience, and at 15, I was fully immersed in college classes. I tutored adults that were attending the college as well.
I lost some hope due to a biology class with a teacher who practically hated me. I ended up with my first C ever. But he told me that I should not give up on my dreams. He knew I was smart, and told me a C in his class was practically an A.
I started looking into other colleges and universities that I would go away to.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology was one I wanted to go to, but the tuition was extremely high for me, and very far away from home.
Then I found Florida Institute of Technology. Aerospace Engineering is one of the majors. I was so happy I finally found the place for me.
Until I saw the price tag.
I looked into other colleges. I hoped I would find somewhere that was less expensive.
I found Florida Southern College. They had emailed me about classes once, so I gave them a shot.
I discovered that FSC is the #1 private college in Florida for Elementary Education.
I had always loved working with kids. I tutored kids in school, I helped at a summer school, I even helped my teachers in the classroom.
I realized that I was extremely smart, and that I would love to be an Aerospace Engineer. I have a passion for it.
But I also realized that I could use my smarts and help children. I could raise kids up in my classes and influence them to be the change in their societies. My classroom could be the deciding factor as to what they want to be when they grow up.
The next generation needs extremely smart, talented, and creative teachers.
So I will postpone my 6 figure salary until I am older, and accept my $30-$40,000 salary for now.
I will go to Mars one day.
But for now, I will be taking my students to places they didn't even dream they could go.
