Something about babysitting and taking care of kids has always fascinated me. The feeling of knowing someone so little looks up to me is rewarding. The feeling of being able to help out a family is unexplainable. The younger generations have a special place in my heart.  Especially babies. When I smile at the screaming baby in its mothers’ hands in the grocery store line. Or, watching the child peep its head out of the booth behind me. The curiosity of children inspires me to open my eyes to the world. In my eyes, children hold the world together like glue. Constant peace. No worries. And constant curiosity.  

I always begged my mom to have another baby. I wanted someone to take care of. She always said “I don’t have time,” or she’s “too old.” I would say “I'll take care of it like it’s mine.” I never got a baby sibling like I begged for, but I did get a job that filled the hole. 

As I traveled through high school I was constantly asked the question “What do you want to be when you grow up?” There was nothing I hated more than this question. I never had an answer, and it felt off saying something I was not sure of.

After school, I had a babysitting job. I went from school to the house where the mother was frantically trying to get work done and keep the boy in check.  The boy had severe down syndrome. I never knew what I was going to walk in on when I arrived, but I knew a smile on my face could change his mood. Between sudden outbursts of swears or throwing his glasses across the room, I always had to stay positive, and I loved it. I loved watching his  mood changes. I loved being able to sit down and ask what was going on. I loved knowing that I changed a bad day to a good one. There was nothing I loved more than doing homework with him. Watching the questioning look on his face, and being able to answer his questions was something very special. 

As I sat there, I thought about school and my day, reflect on my life. While it was chaos, it was also peace. And, I began to think about the question that constantly haunted me. I researched on my phone. Talked to the mom about her job and thought about some more. Little did I know, the answer was right in front of me.

 Helping kids with or without special needs  and making them feel better is the ultimate goal. I have been learning and practicing everyday the traits needed for a pediatric nurse, for the past four years. To be able to walk into work everyday with a smile on my face and transfer that smile to a child, would complete my life. 

I feel very confident in my dream. I finally knew how to answer the question “what do you want to be when you grow up,” and respond with confidence.