“What Do You Want to Do When You Grow Up?” and How I Learned to Answer It

You Don’t Find the Answer by Thinking, You Find It by Doing

The biggest and most important mindset change for me was turning my thoughts into action. I was really scared before leaving to study in the United States. I wasn’t sure if I would like it or if it would be the right decision for me. It turned out to be the best decision of my life.

Unlike most people, I chose a university in a small city in northern Iowa. The smaller size allowed me to take advantage of opportunities from the very first semester. Access to different professionals was incredibly easy, and unlike at larger universities, I was able to build close relationships and network with so many talented people who genuinely wanted to help me with my career. Not once did anyone say that I couldn’t do something because I was a first-year student.

I had interests, ideas, and maybe even dreams, but nothing that felt certain enough to say out loud. I attended everything: fairs, organization meetings, webinars, and events. I talked with academic advisors, career services, seniors, alumni, professors, and organization leaders. Essentially, I talked to everyone. The Fulbright name especially opened doors to conversations, collaborations, and opportunities that went far beyond financial support.

The Fulbright name especially opened doors to conversations, collaborations, and opportunities that went far beyond financial support.

After all those conversations and experiences, it was at sporting events that something truly clicked for me. During football, volleyball, and basketball games, I kept seeing the media teams on the sidelines, taking photos, managing communications, and producing highlight videos. Those high-energy videos that hyped everyone up before games caught my attention. That’s when it clicked. I have always loved sports, but until now, I had never considered it as a career option.

Environment Matters

Once I secured an on-campus job related to my major, Digital Media Leadership, I was able to pursue my passion. I am forever grateful to my boss, who saw potential in me even as a freshman international student who had never held a camera before, let alone used Adobe software. Within the first week, I was already in charge of a new project. She supported my interests in athletics, giving me experiences that aligned with my passions and helping me make the most of the job.

I truly don’t think I would have found my passion or accomplished any of these things within my first year without the care and support of the people at this university. The small size made networking easier. You truly discover what you want when you’re in an environment that believes you’re capable of it.

You truly discover what you want when you’re in an environment that believes you’re capable of it.
 

The Question That Used to Scare Me Now Excites Me

I used to think I needed a fully formed plan. What I actually needed was exposure, action, and the courage to step into environments that challenged me. The question “What do you want to do when you grow up?” no longer feels intimidating. It feels exciting. Now I know that the answer isn’t something you decide once. It's something you build.

Fulbright Finland is built on the idea of “Together Shaping the Future.” But before you shape the future, you have to explore your own. Sometimes that starts with leaving what’s familiar and stepping into something new. My year as a Fulbright Finland grantee has shown me that the size of a university doesn’t define the size of its impact. Sometimes, it’s the smaller places that offer the biggest turning points.

My year as a Fulbright Finland grantee has shown me that the size of a university doesn’t define the size of its impact. Sometimes, it’s the smaller places that offer the biggest turning points.