When I was in kindergarten, I was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up.

I said I wanted to be a pilot.

I no longer want to be a pilot.

Pilots have to operate vehicles carrying potentially hundreds of passengers.

I am not comfortable with high stakes in a position where there’s a long way to fall.

When I was in 2nd grade, I was asked who I wanted to be in the Wizard of Oz play.

I said I wanted to be the Tin Man.

I was not picked for the Tin Man.

The Tin Man role was a great desire for me, and I was jealous and upset that I wasn’t picked.

I am not comfortable with how I felt back then, even if I never acted upon those feelings.

When I was in 8th grade, my mother asked me what I thought about my older brother.

I said I wanted to be just like him.

I hesitate to say that with certainty anymore.

My brother is smart, but after graduating from university, it feels like he gave up on finding a job.

I am not comfortable with giving up while having so much potential.

I will not be a pilot.

I was not the Tin Man.

I am not giving up.