What Did You Want to be When You Grew Up?

As long as I can remember, I struggled with what and who I wanted to be when I grew up.  I was a fairly smart kid in school, read a lot, but was a bit shy. My report cards were usually all A's (except for math).  But when we had a  a project at school,  I would have an idea of what I waned to do but my mother would make me do something else.  Most of my childhood, I felt I could not really be me. I always was doing what someone else wanted me to do.
As my high school graduation was soon coming, I told my mother I wanted to go to college and become a teacher.  She told me I wasn't smart enough to do that, after all, I didn't have the talent to even do a bulletin board!  And, college is just for girls to find a husband.  So, being the daughter that wanted her approval, I went to school for two years --almost getting an associates degree in business.
I still felt like teaching was what I was supposed to do and after my children were born, found myself easily teaching them and enjoying the "teachable moments" of life.  For several years, when they were all in school, I was a substitute teacher and started thinking about going back to school but it was overwhelming at the time with four children and my husband's ever-changing work schedule.
As life moved on, I found ways to satisfy my desire to teach.  I also realized, I was creative. I have written a book and been published in a paper crafter's magazine several times.  I have run day camps for hundreds of cub scouts, vacation bible school and now I do summer camp with my grandchildren.
I am sad my mother couldn't see that in me.
There are no regrets that I didn't get that teaching degree because if I had I am sure my life would have been so different and I am happy with how things have turned out.   But every time I go into a classroom, I am in awe of the learning centers, calendar corner and the bulletin boards and I know I could make GREAT bulletin boards!