History, Present, and the Unknown

Hello my name is Ana.  I graduated in 2004 as a dental technician, and after working for a couple of years in the dental field, I realized that teeth, dentures, crowns, and bridges, were not my passion. One day after work I sat in my couch and began analyzing my life, I discovered how much I disliked my job, and how much I complained about it. I kept complaining for the next year or so, until one day a little voice inside of me said "you need to stop complaining and start doing something about it!" I felt like a switch inside of me had turned on. Days later I enrolled in Oxnard College, a little hesitant at first, you see, I forgot to mention that I was born and raised in Mexico and the school system is a lot different than it is in the States, so it was a little challenging to figure things out. I was trying to figure out what classes to take, and my boyfriend suggested that I take a child development class, he explained to me what it was about, it sounded interesting, I thought it would be a good experience and it would help me be a better mother, if I ever had children, so I signed up for it. I enjoyed that class so much, and at the same time I discovered my passion. I realized how much I like children and how much I enjoy teaching them new things. I had finally found my passion.

             I am currently taking prerequisite classes at Oxnard College in order to transfer, hopefully soon, to California State University Channel Islands and major in Liberal Studies. I am still complaining about work, but I see that dislike in a different perspective, I see it as a motivation, it makes me try harder, it makes me want more. I am not going to lie, sometimes I feel like giving up, I am sure some of you know what I am talking about, I have a full time job and I take night classes, it is stressful at times, especially when there are essays due, or during midterms, and I can’t take a day off at work in order to study or do my assignments. All I can say is that I am doing my best. My present might not be full of excitement or adventures but I am preparing for a great future.

Every time I day dream about my future, there is a different ending, but they all end the same way …and they lived happily ever after. I see myself teaching and finally enjoying what I do, no more complaining about work. I will continue going to the dentist, but only twice a year for check ups and cleanings, no more eight hour shifts looking at others teeth. In the years to come I expect to be married and start my own family, I also look forward to spending long beautiful summers in Mexico, visiting my family and friends.