My dream job

Growing up I thought it would be so cool to be a photographer for National Geographic. I looked at a couple of art schools when I was a junior in high school, but settled on a liberal arts collage instead. I didn't have the confidence to pursue my passion, professionally. The ironic thing is that while working my other dream job as a park ranger, I was asked to participate in a photo shoot for a National Geographic article on kayaking in Voyageurs National Park. That day was the best and worst of my life. I'd only been in a kayak once before so by the end of the day I had to be towed behind another kayak because my muscles weren't conditioned. I was a limp, frozen noodle when I was returned to the dock twelve hours later . My sweet husband had my robe heating in the dryer for me and a bubble bath waiting. While I soaked my aching body I replayed the day in my head: Eight hours of paddling, being photographed in one of the most beautiful places I've ever been, watching a double rainbow arc above our kayaks, sharing the history of the park with the writer, being paid to "help" with this once in a lifetime adventure, looking up in awe at the autumn colors way up high on the sheer cliffs..... So what that for a week I couldn't lift a pencil or push open a door without excruciating pain. This was National Geographic!!!!

It would take months for my excitement to be crushed to a pulp as the article got bumped month after month. I never did get to see any of the 45 rolls of film in all their glossy glory, perfectly place amongst the pages of National Geographic Traveler, but I don't need them to remember that glorious day. They're tucked safely away in my heart.

I wouldn't change a thing about the path my career has taken. If I hadn't gone to that small liberal arts college I never would have gone to Voyageurs National Park for an internship. I wouldn't have met the love of my life and I wouldn't have my precious children. Who knows what I'd be doing right now. I do know that I couldn't ask for a better job. To stay home with my kids and get paid to create keepsakes for other people? Not too bad for a geography major.



What was YOUR dream job?