I certainly had no idea that my life would turn out as it did. I look at others and often wonder how they arrived at what they do in life — the whys of who they are. How did this man become a ditch digger while that one is a baker, a salesman or a brain surgeon?

Opportunity must play a role, as well as privilege and education, but is that the whole answer?

We ask our children “What do you want to be when you grow up?” but I wonder how many people planned on doing what they’re doing? How many had it planned for them?

Parental influence explains the professions of many. Parents want their children to have their own values and interests, and sometimes they’ll pass on the family business or family traditions. Generations of cops and firefighters have kids who grow up to be cops and firefighters. Children of entertainers frequently become entertainers themselves. So, some children do follow in the footsteps of their parents, doing what they see their moms and dads do.

But children can flounder for many reasons. Poor kids might lack educational opportunities or parental guidance. But even privileged children can suffer in the educational system. If their parents single-mindedly push them to achieve straight A’s and get high qualifications, they might miss out on the real purpose of education. Shouldn’t children be encouraged to explore how they fit in society as they grow to maturity?

I was fortunate in that I had the opportunity to take my education all the way to college. But I would be lying if I said there was any kind of planning going on for my future. I lived day to day, concerned with grades, tuition and the many challenges facing me: peer pressure, changes in my body and the problems that face every growing teenager. I lived completely in the now, the future was something that I assumed would take care of itself. And I suppose it did. Even though every day had uncertainties, the future still unfolded.

Today’s youth have the added pressures of social media and a fast-moving society. Our values are changing. Many people seem to be more concerned with fame and wealth than finding the best place for themselves in society. Young people want to be movie stars, rock stars, sports stars. They won’t admit they don’t have the talent to chase their dream — until reality tells them they need to earn a living.

Perhaps I am not seeing the bigger picture, however. Life is full of natural disasters, wars, surprises and mysteries. It might be a dull world if people walked along one path and never left it.

Did you plan your life? (Beverly A. Jackson)

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