When I was younger, I used to desperately aspire to be Nancy Drew. I idolized her intellect, her seemingly constant traveling, and her endless determination.
Before her there were Mary Kate and Ashley, of course. I would roam around my neighborhood with one of my friends, pretending to solve crimes. This largely consisted of us, or maybe just me, imagining our neighbors were on America's Most Wanted. I have one very distinct memory about these pretend games involving a man mowing his lawn, two bicycles, and giggle fits turning into fear when we had finally convinced ourselves he had buried a body in his own front lawn.
My imagination was not always tied to solving mysteries. Oftentimes I would create elaborate tales about far away lands in which I was a leader (not always a princess). I had an imaginary pet that I took care of and nurtured, and I shared an invisible friend with two of my childhood best friends.
That sense of wonder, imagination, and curiosity in the world seems to be killed when we "grow up." We are expected to learn "truth", discard dreams for facts and figures, and adhere to a sometimes stifling notion of reality.
Perhaps Peter Pan had the right idea when he claimed he never wanted to grow up. Staying in Neverland and flying doesn't seem like such a bad idea.
I am applying for jobs now, and I move further and further away from my Neverland with every submission. Through education I wonder, I imagine, and I remain curious.
Through research, readings, and writing, I fly. I am anxious about graduating and leaving for even a brief period of time, and I know I will yearn for the comfort of a classroom, the anticipation of hearing your professor's opinion of a thesis, the way sociology helps me understand and process the confusing and surreal world around me.
When I am older, I desperately aspire to be _____. I idolize their...
intellect,
constant traveling,
endless determination,
dedication to the community,
curiosity in the world around them,
and how they never left their Neverland.
