Dreams and Detours: Embracing Life Twists

By Liz Picardal, November 8, 2024

When I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a flight attendant. They always looked so elegant and traveled the world, which seemed so exciting to me. But when I shared my dream, I was told I wasn’t tall enough. So, I shifted my aspirations and said, ‘I want to be a doctor. I love their uniforms, and I want to help heal people.’ But again, I was met with discouragement—I was told that becoming a doctor would be expensive, require years of intense study, and passing a difficult board exam. Undeterred, I said, ‘Alright, then I’ll become a nurse.’ But once more, I was told that it would involve similar challenges, like working long and demanding hours. Still, I was determined to try.

I ended up leaving my province and moving to the big city to study psychology, where I discovered a passion for philosophy. However, my first year at the university took a toll on me. My body struggled to cope with the air pollution and the smoke from the transportation vehicles I encountered while commuting between my dorm and campus. Having grown up surrounded by greenery and fresh air, my body was overwhelmed by the city’s environment. My doctor advised me to take a break, so I returned home to recover.

With my plans disrupted, I thought about becoming a banker. But since I didn’t enjoy math, I decided against studying accounting. Instead, I chose to stay in my province and study computer science, thinking it was a good balance of math and logic. In the end, I did end up working at a bank, but not in computer science. Even so, I found satisfaction in my work and realized I had a passion for problem-solving and helping people. I even thought, ‘Maybe I should have pursued law—I could have been good at that.’

When it came to my children, I wanted them to choose fields that would offer stability and growth, like computer science. But I never discouraged them from following their own paths. My daughter chose nursing, and my son chose engineering, and I respected their choices. I’m incredibly proud that my daughter will complete her nursing studies by the end of this year and graduate next year.

Looking back, I realize that life doesn’t always follow the path we imagine for ourselves. We can have dreams and plans, but sometimes fate guides us elsewhere, taking us to where we’re truly meant to be. It’s important to remain open, flexible, and grateful, knowing that every twist and turn in our journey is a part of our growth. I’m grateful for where I am today, for everything I’ve experienced, and for all that is yet to come. Life’s unpredictability is its greatest teacher, and it’s how we respond to it that shapes our story.