“Two roads diverged in a wood. I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” – Robert Frost

I have been attempting to take the road less traveled, as I want to make a difference by being unique and full. Unexpecting classrooms, artistic careers, empathetic hearts, and listening ears are the path that I choose to trudge forward on. But are there only two cut paths in life? That sure is what it seems to me.

As a senior, the pressure is at an all-time high; the wind is swirling and whirling. It seems as though it is a must to have a final decision about a career you want to pursue. Yes, adults talk about how once you graduate, your jobs and career paths will change. While it is great and reassuring that you are not stuck in the murky glue of one occupation, I still feel confined. First of all, I don’t want to only be able to do one occupation: definitely not one at a time.

The ultimate dream for me is to have multiple unique sources of income. I don’t want to be confined to the 9-5 cubicles that hoard the cities. I want to have a flexible career, and I wish I wouldn’t receive eye-rolls and mimicked laughs anytime I express this desire. I want people to know that this isn’t just a dream. It’s happening; I’m making it happen right now. I have two successful family members who are their own boss in multiple successful businesses. I know it’s possible; I just wish it wouldn’t be so shamed upon.

Maybe they are just jealous; it is proven that hurting people are notorious for hurting other people. Some people just want to take off with any jet plane they see in the sky to get out of all the paperwork. Home-based businesses, small businesses, and freelance services are just as hard. Starting from scratch can be scary, but it is worth it. While I have incredible role models for following my dreams, I still crave more.

Although my career plans take me into flexible studies and allow me to enter the field immediately, I will have to engage all my energy and time into this craft. I am restricted from going on road trips, start-ups, or maybe even returning home for extended periods of time. Entering the working world absolutely scares me. Recently, the opportunity to move out feels more like imprisonment than freedom. It has been harder to connect with my class, as they are jittery with anticipation to spread their wings.

I want to be able to be a kid for a little longer because, in youth, there are endless opportunities to play, explore, and create. I don’t want to be restricted by my play. When choosing between two options, A or B, I wish there were more activities lining the path than just walking. Instead of all or nothing, I wish there was an acceptable dish of “a little bit of everythinga�� that would be the perfect cure for my palette craving adventure and play.