When I was a little girl I wanted to be a botanist, then a lawyer, then an astronaut.

In reality, I had no clue what I wanted to be.  I think I’ve finally figured out I want to do my undergrad in broadcast journalism, and then possibly pursue med school.  It’s taken me up until maybe two months ago that I figured this out. And, I’m a senior in high school.  I looked around to my peers who had it all figured out: what they wanted to major in, what college they were going to, and frankly began to get uneasy.

But, think, who do I want to be? What do I want to do AFTER college? For me, its travelling, its seeing new things, its helping people and writing that I enjoy. So, I somehow formulated “ANCHOR.” And I’ve been going in that direction since. Try narrowing down to a field of careers/majors.  Knowing you’re field will help you direct your pre-req’s during college.  I’m feeling cliché probably because there isn’t a formula to answering “who do you want to be.”  The best way is experimenting. Want to be a music producer? Help a garage band.  Want to be a doctor? Help out at a local hospital.  Get in there, and check out that career. There has been quite a few of careers that I thought were “THE ONE” that turned out to be not the one.  Whatever you’re thinking, check out this website: http://collegeprowler.com/

Another thing I’ve seen already happen, is where to go.  Why not go BIG? If you want to stay in your own state: awesome.  But, don’t be bound. I’ve applied to a lot of schools, some that I haven’t visited yet, and some that I’m dead set in love with.  Always aim high, and always embrace the feeling of potential.

So, I think I know what I want to do.  But, a field of journalism has so much more to offer than just being a news anchor or reporter.  I CAN DO ANYTHING. And so can you.

Melissa Prax is an active student and athlete. Her introduction to film and editing began when she took an Interactive Multimedia class at Grand Valley High School/ Ashtabula County Joint Vocational School. (See Grand Valley's Profile ) Her involvement in the class led to her election and win of SkillsUSA northeast Ohio regional president. Every few months she writes a student column for her local newspaper, The Star Beacon. After high school Melissa is looking forward to double major in broadcast journalism and nutrition.