With a high school freshman and sophomore living here under the Big Top, lately there is much talk of plans for the future including colleges and career paths. Both Zoë and Abby have made it clear that they intend to go on to college.
Good!
Abby has stated that she thinks UC Santa Barbara might be where she wants to go. Why? Because her two best friends want to go there too. She’s only 13 so we shall see.
Zoë, on the other hand, isn’t quite sure so she is thinking of taking care of her college prerequisites at a community college close to home. No shame in that so says her community college educated mama. Still we are encouraging her to check out other choices.
The biggest challenge and stress for both of them is they are not sure about what they want to do when they grow up. We try to reassure them that it is okay because it is the rare young person who truly does know exactly what is their chosen career. Yes we get the expected eye rolls when we tell them this. We’re parents so, really, what do we know? I try very hard to restrain myself from saying I told you so when their guidance counselor tells them the same thing.
So for now we talk about interests and potential career paths and colleges and universities that might be the right fit. Last night was a perfect opportunity as we watched the Dirty Jobs Marathon on the Discovery Channel. There are so many choices such as:

• Haz-Mat Engineer
• Mushroom Farmer
• Fuel Tank Cleaner
• Zookeeper
• Blacksmith Ferrier
• Insect Breeder
• Worm Dung Farmer
• Avian Vomitologist
• Thoroughbred Horse Breeder

Yes, they are thoroughly disgusted as only teenagers can be.
Okay, maybe none of these will be considered.
It was the Thoroughbred Horse Breeder’s job that pretty much clinched it for the girls. I guess collecting horse semen and artificially inseminating mares just isn’t something they are interested in.
Frankly I am a little bit surprised since these are the same kids who seem to enjoy examining ear cheese. Go figure.