Have you ever sat there and told people what you are studying at University or College – and then they ask you the horror question “And then what do you want to do?”

I always know that the question is coming, yet stammer with the answer. It is almost like you can hear what they are thinking to themselves… We have been there, but that doesn’t mean that it gets any easier. Well, not until you come up with an answer anyway.

I never really knew. I went through so many ideas and career paths. One minute I would want to pursue a career in Human Resources, then a Teacher, then a Business Woman, then a Preservation Consultant. The list went on. My poor Dad, he always tried to give me encouragement and suggestions and I had him walk around open days and career development sessions. It wasn’t that I was fickle. I just couldn’t quite visualise it in reality. I felt as though I was letting people down by not having a goal and set career ambition.

Many people know early on either in school or through extra-curricular activities. By best friend always had a goal – she wanted to be a midwife. So, every educational choice beyond the age of 14 has been leading and preparing her for her now, successful career. The other end of the spectrum is my Geography partner from College who realised mid way through his Bachelors that he had chosen the wrong path, and then ended up finding his passion in Physiotherapy.  I fall into this second category. I had to go through the motions.

We all embark on a path which leads to our future – some people just have to take a zigzag path to see the experiences along the way. What is right for one is not as suited for another. While my friend at 14 was making her life choices, I was too young to have been able to do that. Even in College when I was choosing what to study when I went to University – I chose general subjects which I could explore and develop key skills from. Education gave me the time not only to think about what I want to do, but the tools and experiences to begin that journey of discovery.

It didn’t come straight away. I listened to what people thought of the articles that I had written for the Student Newspaper and University Magazine. I started to brainstorm ways I could develop my writing and methods which I could endeavour to get my features published. I revisited ideas over and over again until I realised something which was always there – My passion is writing.

So, here I sit. More secure, determined and – excited with my future in front of me. As soon as I realised that the impossible would in fact be possible, I got to work on my five year plan (I have never had a 5 year plan before!) I can now map out how I want to develop my passion of writing and ways that I can branch out and grow.

To those of you who have found your passion in life, I am so happy for you. To those of you who are still searching – it is just around the corner.