I honestly can’t remember what I wanted to be when I was five. Maybe I had a dream job back then, maybe I didn’t. But if I did, it has completely faded from my memory. What I do remember, though, is that as I got older, my ambitions started taking shape, influenced by the world around me.
In grade school, I wanted to be a radio DJ, a policewoman, a lawyer, and a teacher. Each of these dreams was sparked by something specific. Listening to the radio made me admire how DJs could entertain, connect with people, and introduce great music. Watching TV, I saw police officers as brave, strong, and always standing up for justice. Lawyers fascinated me with their ability to argue, persuade, and fight for what was right. And being in school every day made me appreciate the role of a teacher, someone who could inspire and shape young minds.
These changing dreams never felt like uncertainty to me. It wasn’t about not knowing what I wanted—it was about discovering what was possible. As a child, every new experience had the power to shift my perspective. One day, I’d be convinced I wanted to be one thing, and the next, something else would seem even more exciting. And honestly, I think that’s how it should be.
It’s interesting to look back and realize how much outside influences shaped my ideas. The media played a huge role—radio and television made different careers seem exciting, larger than life. And of course, school itself showed me the impact of teachers firsthand. None of these ideas came from nowhere; they were built from what I saw and experienced.
Even though I didn’t end up pursuing all of those childhood dreams, I don’t see them as wasted thoughts. They reflected something about me at the time—what I valued, what excited me, what I imagined for my future. And in some ways, those influences are still a part of me. I may not be a DJ, but I still love the power of words and communication. I may not be a policewoman, but I admire strength and fairness. I may not be a lawyer, but I still care about justice and standing up for what’s right. And while I may not be a teacher in the traditional sense, I appreciate the importance of sharing knowledge and helping others learn.
I think childhood dreams aren’t really about the exact job title. They’re about the qualities that draw us in—the creativity, the excitement, the purpose. Over time, those qualities stay with us, even if they lead us in different directions.
So even if I don’t remember my dream job at five, it doesn’t really matter. What matters is that I kept dreaming, kept exploring, and kept figuring out what truly inspires me. And that’s something I hope I never stop doing.
What about you—do you remember what you wanted to be when you were five, and has it influenced who you are today?
Such an interesting read, I do not remember what I wanted to be as a kid, but I relate very much to the idea of a variety of interest pulling in lots of directions. I similarly think being a DJ would be awesome. I have always loved music and being able to evoke emotions with songs is fun to do. I am in the process of seeing about becoming a teacher. Still in the very early stages, but I always loved school and thrived in that environment, so much so that I hated to leave it and join the “real world.” I don’t know what my future will bring, whether I will become a teacher or whether some other road will open before me in the near future, but all I know is I have recaptured that dreamer within me lately that feels like it was dormant for many years and I don’t want to lose it again.
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