Achieving Your Goals the Alarm Is Set

Achieving Your Goals

The alarm is set for 7 AM, but my little girl woke me up early today to remind me of the exam. I jump out of bed without a hint of grogginess and head downstairs to put on the coffee and help my daughter get ready for school. All the while I smile to myself and try to calm my nerves. Opening the kitchen window, I take a deep breath of the fresh spring air. I have visualized this moment for years, during which I studied diligently for my radiology certificate. Although I love teaching at public school I finally made a decision last year to fulfill the other half of my dream. Drawn to the health professions as well as to education, I know that I can balance my two careers without stressing out. I managed to secure a part-time job teaching at a private school so I don't have to give up my love for children while I pursue the vastly different discipline of radiology. In fact, balancing my two jobs will probably energize and challenge me in ways I never thought possible.

Ten years ago I never would have imagined being able to juggle so many different activities. Being a mother can be tiring, but is so rewarding. My dream of having my own family is finally fulfilled, and I can now concentrate more on developing my talents through work. I have enough money, and only needed to take out a small loan to pay for the radiology certificate program. High school seems like an eternity ago, as I spend four years at college and then prepared for my teaching credentials. All the while I knew that I would constantly strive to reach greater heights of personal growth. Accomplishing this next step by passing my exams today will feel incredible.

I take the eggs and bread out of the refrigerator and joyfully prepare a breakfast. My husband won't be waking up for another hour or so, and I don't bother to wake him. I know he has an important meeting today. While the eggs are poaching, I reminisce about my past some more. I remember when, frustrated by my dyslexia, I grew pessimistic about my future. I thought that a good career would never be possible because of the difficulties I had with some of my academics. Good at sports and a natural leader, I applied myself fully as a varsity cheerleading captain and captain of the varsity volleyball team. The challenges that my sports, which also included basketball and softball, posed prepared me for this point in my life. I managed to do well in school in spite of my setbacks and got into the college of my choice. My healthy body led to a healthy mind, and by the time I was in my early twenties I had grown infinitely more optimistic. Always surrounded by a supportive circle of friends and family, I sailed through school and had no trouble earning my teaching credentials. The personal pride I felt was shared by all who knew me, and everyone was equally as supportive of my recent decision to become a radiologist too.