“You can be anything you want to be!” – Parents

It’s fun to ask kids what they want to be when they grow up. They’re always so confident! If you would have asked me when I was little, I would have told you, “Pocahontas!” or “Alicia Keys!”

What do you want to be when  you grow up?

“A COWGIRL!” was what I truly wanted to be. It was a dream of mine. I didn’t know the specifics or if I qualified, but in my mind a cowgirl was a girl who lived in the country (Cleveland, AR), wore cowgirl boots, and played the guitar. I will never forget the day I received my first pair of snake skin cowgirl boots. YES, SNAKE SKIN! When I tell you that I tried to wear them with everything!! I tried.

I was so determined to learn how to play the guitar so that I could really be a cowgirl. I received a guitar from my Aunt Ruth and Uncle Warren one year and I was the happiest future cowgirl in Cleveland, Arkansas. It came with a learning guide, but who needed that? *strum strum* Not I.

While working towards my cowgirl dream and being a full time elementary student, I dabbled into the fashion world. I told my mama, “I want some pants that make noise!!” (windbreaker pants). Aside from being a cowgirl, the “pants that make noise” were something I needed in my life. I ended up getting them and Y’ALL, my little heart was the happiest. I had my pants that made noise WITH the jacket AND my snakeskin cowgirl boots. Fashionista! I dressed myself for school one morning in that specific outfit and my mama was like…

Needless to say, she was hating on my swag! I was about to step fresh in my all pink pants that make noise, with the jacket to match, and the exclusive snakeskin cowgirl boots! Let me tell ya! I would have been like…

I never did become a cowgirl and my cousin broke the strings on my guitar. I guess it didn’t matter because I didn’t know how to play it anyway. Couldn’t tell me that though! The cowgirl life just wasn’t for me, I suppose. After that, I decided that I wanted to be a teacher until I realized that I wasn’t fit for that. So after that, I moved on to wanting to be a pediatrician, then a biologist. Now, I’m a graphic designer!

One thing I can say is that I always remained determined, even if my dreams seemed silly or far fetched. In my mind, I was going to be what I set out to be and nothing or no one was going to stop me, except my mama when she didn’t let me wear my stylish fit.

Kids, stay focused. Stay determined.

Question…

What did you want to be when you were little? I want to know!