The Boundless Dreams of a Kid

Calvin & Hobbes (most worshipfully borrowed from Bill Watterson for fair use).

I have always loved architecture. As a child, I discovered the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, and became utterly fascinated by the shapes, colors, and functions of all buildings. I spent countless hours drawing futuristic projects and planning entire cities teeming with skyscrapers. I dreamed of designing structures that would stand the test of time and inspire people. 

I did work hard and ultimately achieved my goal of becoming an architect. I studied diligently, gained valuable experience, and passed exams. Early on, I secured jobs with some prestigious firms and worked on notable and challenging projects. I have enjoyed a truly rewarding career and am proud of what I have accomplished and have been a part of. 

But sometimes, I do wonder about how things might have been different. What if I had followed another path? As kids are inclined to do, I often dreamed about leading an exciting—dare I say—glamorous grown-up life. Perhaps as a heroic spacefaring astronaut?  Or perhaps as an adventurous marine biologist, a dashing and determined fossil hunter, or a record-setting professional hockey player? What if I had pursued one (or more) of my other childhood passions? 

Astronaut Buzz Aldrin on the moon, July 1969 (photo by fellow astronaut Neil Armstrong).

Astronaut

I was born in the era of the space race. I grew up watching the Apollo moon missions on TV and reading about the adventures of the astronauts in magazines. I was amazed by their courage. They had the "right stuff." I wanted to be one of them. 

I imagined myself wearing a spacesuit and boarding a rocket. I experienced the thrill of liftoff and the surreal sensation of weightlessness once in orbit. I saw the Earth from above and the sparkling clarity of the stars suspended in the limitless blackness of space. I traveled to the Moon and Mars and distant galaxies beyond. 

I knew pursuing the dream of becoming an astronaut would not be an easy path. I knew it would take years of training, education, and physical fitness. The journey would be fraught with risks and sacrifices, but the allure of the cosmos was undeniable. 

Photo by NotBurtsBees, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Marine Biologist 

I was captivated by the ocean. I watched documentaries about the underwater world and its many exotic creatures. I was inspired by Jacques Cousteau and his expeditions on his research vessel, the Calypso. I wanted to be like him. 

I imagined myself diving under the waves with dolphins, sharks, whales, and more. I felt the wonder of discovering new species and habitats. I saw the beauty and diversity of coral reefs and kelp forests. I explored the depths and mysteries of the sea. 

I knew becoming a skilled marine biologist would be challenging. I knew it would require years of study, exhaustive research, and fieldwork. I knew it would involve challenges and dangers. But I also knew it would be immensely rewarding to help expand knowledge about the diversity and complexity of oceanic ecosystems. 

Paleontologist Paul Serrano (Photo by Oregon State University, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

Paleontologist

My fascination with Earth’s prehistoric past ran deep. I was spellbound by books on dinosaurs and their fossils. I was fascinated by the size, shape, and imagined behavior of such fantastic, long-extinct beasts. I wanted to be a paleontologist, a contributor to the understanding of the evolutionary history of life. 

I imagined myself wearing a safari hat while patiently digging in the dirt. I enjoyed the moment of excitement upon finding a fossilized bone, tooth, or footprint. I saw the history and evolution of life on Earth. I revealed ancient and extinct worlds. 

I knew becoming a paleontologist would not be a straightforward path. I knew it would require years of learning, analysis, peer-review, and publication. I knew it would demand patience and perseverance. But I also knew the study of ancient life would be gratifying beyond imagination.

(Photo by Keith Allison from Hanover, MD, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)

Professional Hockey Player

Like virtually every other boy growing up in Canada, I was passionate about hockey. It wasn’t merely a sport but a way of life. My brothers, friends, and I played hockey in the street every day after school. We would watch game after game on TV, while attending other must-see contests in person to cheer on my favorite team (the Vancouver Canucks). I wanted to be like the skilled and rugged players I followed as a young fan.

I imagined myself as a player in the National Hockey League, not unlike my childhood heroes: Gordie Howe, Jean Beliveau, Bobby Orr, Bobby Hull, and the other stars of the era. I felt the adrenaline of skating at full speed as I weaved among defenders and scored the game-winning goal. I saw the teamwork and strategy of the game. I was an ardent student of the skills and tactics of the sport.

I knew the path toward NHL stardom would not be an easy one. I knew it would require years of relentless practice, dedication, and raw talent. I knew it involved keen competition and the risk of injury. But the exhilaration of hockey at its highest level enthralled me. 

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These were some of the dreams I had as a kid. They were not all realistic, but they were fun and inspiring. They showed me the possibilities of life and the power of imagination. They shaped my personality and values. They made me who I am today. 

I don't for even a moment regret choosing architecture as my profession. I love my career and I'm grateful for it. But I also won't forget the other paths I could have taken. I still enjoy learning about space, the oceans, dinosaurs, and watching hockey. I still imagine what it would be like to be an astronaut, a marine biologist, a paleontologist, or a professional hockey player. 

I think that's the beauty of being a kid. You can dream of anything and everything. You can be anything and everything. You can have boundless dreams.