On Work
When I was a little girl, I didn't want to be a princess.
Nothing against tiaras--rather, I lacked a proclivity for planning ahead, and, perhaps, the optimism that lets one dream. When I grow up... wasn't on my radar.
Later I'd say astronaut if asked, or airplane pilot, or The Incredible
Hulk. The college years shook up my plans, though one could argue I'm nearing that last goal (Amy strikes most muscular pose here). After trying on an urban planning major, I graduated with a BA in theatre and a minor in communications. And although personality tests told me I should be a florist, I've tried most everything else, it seems.
As my blog description indicates, I have many interests. I'd argue they're all related on a basic cellular level, though you might question that if you caught me browsing through job ads. I head toward Social Services first, think to myself I can do that, then glance over at Construction. There's something about the phrase "must be able to lift concrete" that gets me every time.
But for a while now, if you asked me what I want to be, I'd whisper in your ear that if somebody'd let me, I'd work at the Y.
The Y is my second home, my church, my neighborhood bar, all wrapped up into one. I love the mix of people gathered in one place working toward the same goals; and because I love being right there with them, I allowed myself to dream big, and applied for a position.
On November 16, I will become a wellness coach at my local Y. I'll be in the first line of trainers that meet with new members, orienting them to the equipment and basic exercises and meeting with them regularly to keep them on task with fitness and nutrition. I'll get to walk the floor and coach and encourage the folks working out. Maybe--I'll have to check the job description--I'll even get to take to task the men who leave 45 pound plates on equipment and walk off.
I'll still write for fun and for pay, and I'll still keep with my theatre gigs, but I have a feeling I'm settling into a vocation, what I want to be now that I'm grown up but still growing.
Nothing against tiaras--rather, I lacked a proclivity for planning ahead, and, perhaps, the optimism that lets one dream. When I grow up... wasn't on my radar.
Later I'd say astronaut if asked, or airplane pilot, or The Incredible
Hulk. The college years shook up my plans, though one could argue I'm nearing that last goal (Amy strikes most muscular pose here). After trying on an urban planning major, I graduated with a BA in theatre and a minor in communications. And although personality tests told me I should be a florist, I've tried most everything else, it seems.As my blog description indicates, I have many interests. I'd argue they're all related on a basic cellular level, though you might question that if you caught me browsing through job ads. I head toward Social Services first, think to myself I can do that, then glance over at Construction. There's something about the phrase "must be able to lift concrete" that gets me every time.
But for a while now, if you asked me what I want to be, I'd whisper in your ear that if somebody'd let me, I'd work at the Y.
The Y is my second home, my church, my neighborhood bar, all wrapped up into one. I love the mix of people gathered in one place working toward the same goals; and because I love being right there with them, I allowed myself to dream big, and applied for a position.
On November 16, I will become a wellness coach at my local Y. I'll be in the first line of trainers that meet with new members, orienting them to the equipment and basic exercises and meeting with them regularly to keep them on task with fitness and nutrition. I'll get to walk the floor and coach and encourage the folks working out. Maybe--I'll have to check the job description--I'll even get to take to task the men who leave 45 pound plates on equipment and walk off.
I'll still write for fun and for pay, and I'll still keep with my theatre gigs, but I have a feeling I'm settling into a vocation, what I want to be now that I'm grown up but still growing.
You make working at the Y sound like a lot of fun. I, too, had a hard time deciding what I wanted to do. I became a bookkeeper by default, but would have preferred to do other things (something that pays better to begin with). LOL Thank you for dropping by my blog and leaving a message. It made may day.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was little I wanted to be an International spy. Didn't work out.
ReplyDeleteToo bad you work with numbers but don't see them coming in, Eve!
ReplyDeleteAnd Mo, it's never too late for a career change...
Heya, Amy, I've been catching up with your excellent writing here. All your diverse interests--absolutely fantastic. Would have never guessed how you would branch out so many ways when I was in your house in IA, watching you cook curry. I was sad to hear about Theo's saga with diabetes--he's so lucky to have such good parents to help him learn how to live well. . .and I'm so happy you all were alert to catch it.
ReplyDeleteGo, you, with all your wild, gorgeous boldness. And an excellent birthday, too.
Congratulations on your new job!! You're awesome and an inspiration to me. I completely understand your feelings toward the Y and all that it has to offer. It has been all that to me in the past too. I love your passion and The Y is lucky to have you on board!
ReplyDeleteWe're delighted with your new job at the Y! I remember you telling me 1 1/2 years ago that this is the kind of job you'd like, and I"m glad it worked out. Perhaps you can work being a florist in there somehow--stick flowers in weights or something. Anna was once told by a personality test that she should be a horse trainer, despite the fact that she's been on a horse all of about twice, and both of those were slow-walking trail rides out west. (We wished for greater speed, however, when we saw a grizzly along the trail!)
ReplyDeleteAwwww...so good to hear from all the ladies. Thanks for visiting.
ReplyDelete