[img]958|left|Alex Campbell||no_popup[/img]Dateline Boston — I was in a technician’s office today; her job was to do ultrasounds. I noticed that the office had soft lighting. I asked if that was for a relaxing atmosphere or so she could see better. She said it was so she could see better, but she had thought about putting in a waterfall machine for Fung Shui. The office was very small. It had a sink, a computer, the ultrasound machine and a table with a pillow on it. It was, if you can believe it, homey.
I find other people’s jobs fascinating. Who decides to become an ultrasound technician? I asked UltraTech. She said, “I always liked looking at things, and I could spot things that no one else could, like a crumpled up dollar bill on the sidewalk.” I continued, “So why do ultrasounds instead of being a detective, for instance?” She said that what she had really wanted to do was be in the Air Force and fly planes. Her father, who was a male chauvinist pig (her words, not mine), told her she’d never get a job in that field because she was a woman.
I Can Fly
[img]983|left|||no_popup[/img]She went on to tell me that she read an article in a magazine about a woman who built two airplanes and flew them at the age of seventy-six, after her husband died. UltraTech said, “If she could fly a plane at seventy-six, I certainly can! I will, one day.” I encouraged her to follow her dream. We talked about having a passion for something, and how lucky you were if you had one.
I’m one of the lucky ones—I have a few passions. My parents never said I couldn’t do something. They encouraged me to do what I wanted. I followed my passion, and I have worked with children in various capacities for twenty-four years. I have a passion for photography. I sell my photographs at art shows twice a year. I also have a passion for writing. I do it on a regular basis, and my dream is to do it fulltime. I want to publish a book. Or two. Or three. And I will.
Parents, please don’t squash your child’s dreams. Let them fly, literally or figuratively. Readers, follow your dreams. It’s never too late. Your dream can be big or small. Maybe you want to paint that old desk in the garage and actually use it. Perhaps you dream of getting a college degree. Whatever it is, follow your heart and your passion. You only live once —make the most of it!
Ms. Campbell may be contacted at her new address, snobbyblog@gmail.com
