What gives you the right?

I had the pleasure of talking to some PR students at Metro State last night and it got me thinking this morning about a story I told them.

Back in high school, when I first met my high school counselor to develop a college/career plan, I had every intention of being a wacky DJ or a television camera operator. But when my counselor looked at my grades, my experience (keep in mind I was a sophomore in high school) and my test scores, she told me it was too late to think about television or radio and that I should consider a career as a telephone repair man or a forester.

Fast forward 15 years to the present day. I have almost ten years of professional experience, I graduated with honors from the University of Minnesota, School of Journalism, am enrolled in Augsburg's MBA program and am enjoying a healthy career. Here's my point: No one has the right to tell you "you can't."

Now, they may have the right to tell you they think "you shouldn't" but you have the right not to listen. Pursue your dreams! You may surprise yourself and you'll shock them. I may have enjoyed being a telephone repairman or a forester, but it wasn't my dream.

After working for a radio station and volunteering for several public television stations, I have since made the choice to pursue other career opportunities including this blog. Make no mistake, there were people who tried to talk me out of spending time blogging, but I am glad I didn't listen.

Do yourself a favor, follow your dreams. Do others a favor, don't squash their dreams.

I am stepping off my soap box now. Thanks.