When I was 3 I wanted to be an explorer.

To travel with a monkey, a backpack, and a map.

To discover things once hidden,

and be back home in time for my nap.

When I was 5 I wanted to be a vet.

 I’d be able to save the lives of every pet.

From the doggies to the kitties

And the bunnies I thought so pretty.

When I was 8 I knew I’d be a dancer.

As I did my taps and my Grand Jetés,

flying across the room and 

Landing in my plies.

When I was 10 I had decided, 

Karate was my dream.

To kick my way through opponents

And break boards in a white Gi.

When I was 12 my mind changed,

I knew singing was my destiny.

With a voice shaky and untrained

I thought I was amazing unquestionably.

At 13 I just wanted to die

I couldn't imagine future plans or dreams.

I spent most nights crying and pleading

But my life just kept on preceding

At 14 I’d decided

a politician was my destiny.

To change bills and laws

for the betterment of my country

At 15 I wanted to be a housewife

And lounge around all-day

To be PTA president

With a husband making bank

At 16 I wanted to be famous

for what it didn’t matter.

My aim was to be remembered

maybe as a model or an actor.

Right now I’m seventeen 2 months and one day

and as for my future plans I honestly couldn’t say.

But hopefully, no matter where

my future will take me,

I’ll remember all the steps

on this journey that made me.