“What do you want to be when you grow up?” That is the question we are asked as kids. What I’ve learned now is that we don’t just become something at some point in life and that’s it. According to Michelle Obama, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. It’s a forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self. The journey doesn’t end.

So it’s not really about what you want to be, but more WHO you want to be. So, who do I want to be? That’s the question I pondered during this project.

Now that’s a pretty heavy question. 2 weeks ago I don’t think I could’ve given you a good answer. There were a few key moments in this project that shifted me. One pivotal moment for me was reading Michelle Obama’s compelling autobiography, “Becoming”.

I took away so much about resilience, perseverance, and what it takes to be strong in this world. This life is full of unexpected challenges and setbacks, it’s how we approach and deal with them that really defines who we are. If life is a journey and you see obstacles as roadblocks, then you won’t get very far down the road. You can read my book notes here or just read the book for yourself and see what meaning it holds for you. 

Another key moment that changed my perspective was my inspirational interviews. I had to choose someone who inspires me and have a conversation with them. There are so many people that inspire me. I’m blessed to have so many good people in my life. So many people have played pivotal roles in shaping my journey: remarkable coaches, unforgettable teachers, a supportive family, encouraging teammates, and truly amazing friends. I couldn’t gotten to where I am today or where I’m going without them.

I ended up interviewing 2 people: One was my dance teacher when I was younger, and the other was my current hockey coach. Their outlooks on life, their job choices, and their emphasis on mental health are some of the factors that make them inspiring to me. You can learn more about my important interview takeaways here.

Part of me wonders if one day I will be on the other side of the interview, sharing my journey as an inspirational figure. A positive influence on others: That’s the type of person I aim to be.

Those were probably the most impactful activities for me, but I was also inspired by a TED talk by Sam Berns. Unfortunately, he isn’t with us anymore, but his life philosophy still resonates with lots. He had a really rare disease called Progeria. It is a genetic condition that causes rapid aging in kids. Watching his TED talk, I originally felt bad for him. But I learned that he didn’t want people to feel bad for him. He wanted them to know that he lives a very happy life. And here are his 3 tips on how to live a happy life.

1. Embrace what you can do: There are always opportunities for joy and fulfillment. Don’t dwell on what you can’t do.
2. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and encourage you to be the best version of yourself. 
3. Be a forward thinker. Always have something to look forward to. Even if it’s just a small thing. By setting goals for yourself, you will be more motivated and have a better sense of purpose. Also, you’re more likely to bounce back in the face of setbacks and keep working towards your aspirations.

I hope to follow his advice throughout my life.

Here’s how I synthesized all my learnings in this project.

I have no idea what I want to be in this world, what I want to study at University, what career I want to pursue etc, but at least now I have a clearer understanding of the person I want to become.

I aspire to be someone who lives a life with purpose. I want to live my life happily. I will do this by pursuing what’s meaningful to me and living a life aligned with my values, not someone else’s. 

I am committed to embodying strength, resilience, reliability, and authenticity: constantly embracing the opportunities for improvement.

I want to be someone who cares about others and invests time and effort into making meaningful connections, but then also knows how to take good care of myself. I also aim to remain open-minded, welcoming diverse perspectives, and standing up for what I believe in.

I want to always appreciate the simple things in life and cherish every moment. 

Right now, I don’t really want to grow up (and have to pay taxes). At the same time, I know there’s a world that needs our passion, curiosity, and fresh perspectives.

 My aspiration is to be the kind of person others look up to and even interview as their inspirational figure. 😊

Lastly, inspired by Michelle Obama, I’m determined to embrace my story—“Even when it’s not pretty or perfect. Even when it’s more real than you want it to be. Your story is what you have, what you will always have. It is something to own.”

So, here’s to a life lived with purpose! And cheers to embracing all the adventure and obstacles that await, and all the remarkable chapters yet to unfold!! 🥂