In eighth grade, we read the book "Tuesdays With Morrie" by Mitch Albom. One of the main characters, Morrie, suffers from Lou Gehrig's disease, or ALS. One of the main lessons Morrie teaches us is that money and material things can not sustain a life. This book taught me to listen to my heart and follow my dreams. Although, in a society that predominantly focuses on making money constantly, this mantra can be daunting.

As a child, I grew up knowing I wanted to help make people happy. Although, like most kids, I changed what I "wanted to be" every other week. From a veterinarian, to a doctor, to an artist, I didn't focus on how much money I'd make if I went into a certain profession. As I got older, I began to notice that it wasn't as easy picking a career.

I realized that if I wanted to be self-sufficient and secure, I'd have to take into account how much my profession would make. But what ever happened to the young girl who just wanted to make a difference in the world? I constantly wonder why we pick our jobs that we will be in for the rest of our lives solely based on finances. Of course, as we get older we should consider how to support ourselves financially, although I can't help but think that a job that you love to go to everyday is just as, if not more, important than how much will end up in your bank account.

I want to be a Physician's Assistant, and not just because it "pays well." A job in which I am taking care of those who are sick and making a difference is a job that satisfies my childhood goal of making people happy. I know that if I work in a hospital and take care of children, I will be doing something that I love. I think we should all take into account what we've always wanted to be as kids. If it's something that excites you and propels you to be your best self, then you never know the success that can come from it unless you try.

If you want to be an astronaut, what's stopping you? In the past, people thought we couldn't walk on the moon or successfully perform a heart transplant, but it's been done, and who knows what will happen ten years from now? Follow what ignites a flame in your soul and strive to be your best self. You have one life, so make it unforgettable.