Finalizing a Decision

Well, I'm positive that I found the most suited career for me! After taking many surveys and scanning through dozens of college websites, finding my career choice has been the most rewarding. The end of my research led me to the answer of the popular question, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" My answer? I want to be a speech-language pathologist. 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Speech-language pathologists, sometimes called speech therapists, assess, diagnose, treat, and help to prevent communication and swallowing disorders in patients." An SLP (speech-language pathologist) is the result of combining a teacher, a therapist, and a doctor to help patients reconstruct their lives, essentially. There are several reasons why I want to be an SLP. First of all, my main career goal was always to help people, and being an SLP could provide one-on-one assistance that would allow me to help others in need. I feel as if that is a more direct way to help others, instead of designing billboards or planning out commercials (something I was hardly interested in before). Secondly, SLPs need to become familiar with sign language and deaf culture, since many of their patients are unable to hear or clearly communicate. I have had a growing interest in American Sign Language for a while now, and I have recently chosen to take classes at West Valley to enhance my signing abilities this summer. I am intrigued by deaf culture and I believe that immersing myself into it will broaden my perspective on a uniquely common lifestyle. Lastly, I think that this is somewhat of an unpopular career choice, and the need for speech-language pathologists is growing. I would definitely enjoy working in a field with such passion and dedication, since it suits my personality well.  

Before I am able to assist the deaf and the mute, I shall continue my research and begin my journey into the world of sign language and deaf culture. 

Transitioning My Thoughts

Last week, I had a job interview for a position as a recreational summer day camp leader for Campbell. My interviewers asked me as a final question, why I want to work with children. And I felt pretty stumped by that question, to be honest. I have always had a connection with children, since I have a lot of experience babysitting young children such as my brother. I told them that having gone through summers at their camps helped me distinguish my stronger social skills and develop friendships that have been so far long-lasting. I said that I wanted to be a part of those memories for numerous children, and that I wanted to be a positive influence on their young lives.
My parents have told me on numerous occasions that I get along well with children. I think I have mentioned this before in one of my earlier entries, but for years my friends and family have been saying that I have motherly traits, and few have even called me "Mother Kayla". Plus my personality reflects one of a mother. I guess I work well with children because I have this very soft side, one that feels the need to protect and nurture. And those gentler qualities of mine apply to almost every friend or family member of mine, or someone I care about deeply. This is why I wouldn't mind caring for children, because I can put myself into the work. I don't have to put on an act and pretend that I care, since I will automatically. A job that anyone can feel comfortable in and have a stable, relaxing environment should be top priority for most people.
However, I can't clearly think of a career that I can see myself managing, if involving children. I definitely do not want to be a doctor of any sorts, and I can't be a babysitter forever! Like I said in my first blog post, motherhood would be considered but I don't really want to raise my own children, unless I adopt.
Speaking of adoption, this isn't really focused on children but adults as well, but perhaps working as an adoption caseworker would be a suitable career for me.
I would need to basically check out the lifestyles and personalities of parents that are looking to permanently adopt children, and continue on to each family's case. This involves several one-on-one sessions with the parents and the child, but it would be wonderful to help piece together a family.
Perhaps I don't want to work with only children, maybe I need to work with families. The concepts of home and family are very important to me, and it breaks my heart that people everywhere come from broken homes and families, or are currently living in those types of situations. I think my social skills with adults and children are very strong, and with years of education developing these abilities, I think I could prove myself worthy of being an adoption case worker.

All I really want to do in life is help people, and if bringing families together is a way of contributing to my society, then by any means I'll do it.

A Bit More Than "Arts and Crafts"

I've always liked art. I have always thoroughly enjoyed art museums or galleries and seeing famous and local works of art. I went to Florence over the summer, the location of Renaissance art and fabulous Italian culture. So maybe you can imagine all the classic and modern artworks that surrounded the area. Plus this year I started getting back into art classes and putting some creativity of mine to use. I'm not saying I want to be a famous sculptor or painter, but perhaps I can do something just as meaningful. I aim to please, you see, and if I can't do that through birthday cards and gifts, maybe I could through designing logos and managing advertisements.

For my career project, I looked into graphic design, a very important field since we are constantly surrounded by various forms of graphic design and order. Recently my friend told me that he had met a graphic designer at his work, an he said that it was difficult finding a job after college, but I wasn't going to let that discourage me. After doing some research, I came to realize that many qualities that a graphic designer must have are such that I have admired and appreciated for a while. Graphic designers are hard working and flexible with their work. Now I wouldn't say that I am always hard working or flexible, but when it comes down to art I am.

As some of my sixth period peers already know, I mentioned that I used to make (and still do) elaborate birthday cards and decorated gifts. Every card I have made has been unique and different from the last, and I always put a ton of effort into it. I put in several hours of my time to sketching and writing out these cards and drawings, which would normally delay my sleeping schedule severely, but I wouldn't mind. I think that drawing with various typography styles as an outlet of my creativity really helped me mature, as well. All the hours spent alone in my room past midnight gave me much time to think and plan out my ideas and even my future (as ridiculous as that sounds). I was able to experiment with different artistic concepts, and I've discovered a few abilities I didn't know I had. The reason why I have always made a huge effort to satisfy others through my home-made and personalized cards is because I like to see what others think. I'd like to believe that I am open-minded, so I am always eager to hear what people have to say about my little presents once given to them. Especially when they are excited and express joy when they receive them; those reactions are the best types!

What many people don't realize is that a bunch of the cards have secret meanings behind them. Little details I add on either display inside jokes or fond memories. I am proud of myself for the ability to add more depth to drawings and doodles then what the eye can see. And I believe that reflects myself; I try to say or show certain things that would make others think twice and look beyond the surface of ideas. That is what a graphic designer is like. They work to advertise an idea or a product or even a company, in a creative yet memorable way, and in ways where you would look back and be surprised at what wasn't noticed before.

I've been in this corny little card-making habit for years, the earliest I can remember was being ten years old. I started creating posters and working the Paint program on the computer in celebration of my family's birthdays or my parents' anniversaries. As I got older and became immersed into different cultural ideas and styles, my little scrap drawings greatly improved (at least I like to think that they did). And since then I continue to make improvised illustrations and furthermore expand my creativity levels through drawing and sketching. Whether I do that through an art class project or an anniversary gift, I love to express myself by this unknowingly recognized form of art. I hope one day I can have a job maybe similar to this, so I can still be artsy yet maintain and improve my other abilities as well.

Documenting a Lifestyle

For those that have known me for a few years, then you probably know that I thoroughly enjoy writing. I have been writing various forms of poetry and even stories since elementary school, and to me it feels much bigger than a hobby. It's more than just words on paper or on a computer screen; it's the way language can be portrayed as art. However running is the activity close to my heart, as corny as that sounds. I enjoy running long distances, which is an activity I got into in June 2011. I ended up joining the school's cross country team that year, and I have grown to love and remain an active and supportive athlete through it. However I don't only run for school competitions, I have signed up for other races as well. In September 2011, I ran the 5K (3.1 mile) Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in San Francisco, and after that I felt very inspired to sign up for longer distances. In October, I ran my first half marathon in Downtown San Jose, which was a continuous 13.1 mile run. This past Thanksgiving I ran the Turkey Trot 10K (6.2 miles) again in DT SJ. I also signed up recently for another half marathon in San Francisco for this coming April. My point is, I thoroughly enjoy running, whether that is for a challenge or just for fun. I doubt I could ever pursue a career as a professional runner, however I still want to run. (My current goal is to run a marathon before I graduate high school.)

If a professional running career is too far from my reach (most likely), I'd still like to encourage others to get up and go outside or run. So far I have persuaded about five or six students to join cross country or participate in a city-held race.
IMPORTANT: Anyone's running ability isn't based on how fast one can run a mile or how many miles they have completed, but how hard one challenges him/herself to reach a goal. If you see a runner struggling, encourage them. It really makes a difference.

I often find very motivational stories and tips in running magazines such as Competitor and, my favorite, Runner's World. Most of the authors/writers in these magazines are runner themselves, which give me a thought. I love writing and running, why not combine the two? No, that doesn't mean running a mile and writing a poem, mind you, fellow reader.
The people who work for athletic magazines have a common goal: to positively influence and help other athletes. I think of myself as an enthusiastic person, one that thoroughly enjoys helping others, too. Besides, I'm sure my writing capabilities are worthy of being published in a magazine, especially if I still have plenty of time to improve.
If I were a writer for an athletic magazine, I'd work to motivate others and persuade as many people as I can to get up and go outside. Plus it would be nice to document my various running encounters and experiences, too. Perhaps this is my dream job or just an idea, I've still got time on my hands, along with numerous opportunities awaiting me.

Photos include: Me and some cross country teammates, and another of me post-13.1 miles.

Another Mark on the Map/Intro

I guess you could say that I'm being a little late, since I didn't write a formal introduction. For some of you that have read my last post, I would just like to make it clear that this blog will not be dedicated to motherhood or parenting. I simply had an idea and chased that thought, and I am currently unsure of what type of career I would pursue. However my ultimate goal is to have a job that would benefit life, whether by helping residents of third world countries or those who need recovery after natural disasters, or even helping the environment in remote locations. I find importance in variety (whether that's a cultural thing or a matter of biodiversity) and safety for everyone around the world, and it would be a pleasure to provide that for all walks of life. I definitely wouldn't mind doing some exploration and traveling while doing so.

Moving on to other topics, I'd like to introduce another idea for future career options. So this summer was the first since 2008 that I was able to return to Europe. Doing so brought back so many memories from my trip to Germany, and it made me realize how much I enjoy traveling and how privileged I am. Not many people can admit that they've been to Italy and Germany before the age of eighteen, nevertheless I am so grateful.
My interest in travel began at a young age for me, since my mom has had several jobs that involved her traveling, my dad as well. Her expeditions all around Europe and Asia have inspired me to learn about the cultures and lifestyles of the people living in these foreign places.

Recently I have been exploring university options outside the United States, in countries such as Ireland, Italy, and even Australia. If I were to ever have the opportunity to travel to these unique countries and receive an education of a different type of system there, I think I would be able to increase my knowledge of culture. The best way to learn from something is to experience it yourself, right?

Over the years, I've had a growing interest in learning multiple languages. I already know Spanish quite well, but I would like to improve by traveling and possibly living in a Spanish-speaking country. If I had the chance to, I would like to return to Italy and learn Italian, since it's simpler and similar to Spanish (which I already know). Besides, I love the Italians' lifestyle and it would be wonderful if I was able to interact with them.

Finally getting to the point, I would like to pursue a career which will allow me to travel to foreign countries and help or work with its citizens. A job that would enable me to use another language to communicate with a larger audience would be preferable. Although one of my worries is getting the proper education, I think I would worry most about not having a "home" in my future. What if I'm such an avid traveler that I don't stay in one place for too long? I don't want to be a nomad but I still want to explore without being tied down to a house just yet. Being an avid traveler does have its advantages though. For example, all of the cultures and worldly concepts I could learn from and learn about, plus all the people I could meet. I've made friends from my trip to Germany and I still talk to them up to this day. I met some very nice people in Italy, which I will most likely meet again if and when I return. I think having international relationships with people could provide insight into others' thoughts and behaviors. Expanding not only my own judgment but my knowledge as well. Pursuing a life abroad is definitely a dream of mine, one that I hope to fulfill, so I can do my part to help the environment and all that exist in it, man and animal alike.

Is Motherhood a Profession?

As a child, I had told myself I never wanted to have my own kids. I grew up believing that having children will only hold me back, that taking care of little ones on a daily basis will complicate life. I told myself that my younger brother would be the one raising his own children one day. I was afraid of being an adult with too many responsibilities to be a fun loving and adventurous person. Plus it takes so much to be a parent; the responsibility is almost frightening. Imagine being the person that brings another life to this very populated world, being the person who decides upon the endless of choices of names that will title that child's life forever, being the person who introduces that child to any language, family, and culture. Perhaps this is what I am afraid of, becoming the one that will influence this unborn human's choices and values in life.

However, my whole life I have been told that I have motherly traits. In middle school, classmates would call me "Mother Kayla" because of my instinctive behavior and actions.  I agree with that statement, I do act the way a mother should. I care deeply for people, in a way that shows my need to keep them safe and happy. I take care of those when they're injured or sick, or when they need some "motherly advice". Even my own mother has told me that I'd grow up to be a good parent. She told me last week that I have a way with children, that I can be gentle and kind to them, and still keep adult conversation with their parents at the same time. She tells me that perhaps becoming a teacher will be something to strive for, if I still don't want my own children as I age. I do enjoy babysitting too; it makes feel like a role model, and the one that can be trusted with the lives of children. That's simply it however, being the temporary parent of children.

I always thought that "stay-home moms" were lazy, that they made the fathers work while they spent time with their children. It's really disappointing how I thought this once; I realize now that these mothers choose to help develop their children's lives instead of their own. Sure, motherhood will make a woman grow as a person, but deciding to raise her own kin instead of working a dream job is anything but selfish or lazy.  I think being a mother, or a parent in general, should be considered a profession. Especially since so many mothers have jobs, or multiple jobs, of their own and continue to be an active part in their children's lives. Making the choice to become a mother is as reasonable as wanting to become a doctor or a teacher, in my opinion.