[TriciaR]

I always wanted a horse ever since I remember seeing my first one. When I was in my 30's I realized my dream and ended up with more than one. I remember my first horse - her name was Strawberry - and since I couldn't afford a saddle when I bought her I rode her bareback. She was such a good horse and after several years I bought a young horse and trained him myself. I read a lot of books and attended many seminars given by well-known horse people. I still ride and train to this day at 69.

What a beautiful story—thank you for sharing it with us @Grayling55 ! I love that you not only realized your dream of having a horse, but also went on to train and care for them yourself. Strawberry sounds like she was such a special first companion. Do you have a favorite memory from your years of riding and training that still makes you smile today?

 

[pearlsgame setwin]

This is a very true story; When I was twelve and in the 8th grade I was sitting doing my "seat work" was what it was called back in the sixties. I was busy answering questions when a thought came into my mind. At that time I decided that I was not going to get married, never dreamed of it. Along with that decision I debated what I would as a professional woman, either be a lawyer or get into the accounting world. I had always had a daydream of going to Alaska for years. That was as far as I was going to plan my adult life.
Well many years later I just was layed off at the age of 59 after 40 years in accounting and reaching "auditor" through promotions. I had a very good severance package and the federal government offered two years of retraining for people who had their jobs sent out of the country. Time passed a couple of months when I heard how the training worked. Pick a school and a major. All I had to do is pass all my courses and did not have to pay a penny. Great opportunity! I then decided now is the time to take the major of Commpter Forensics. It fell under the law category and I was so happy. I passed all the requirements and even made the Dean's list. During the time between learning about retraining and the start of school, I joined a couple of charitable organizations and a club, It worked out that my school schedule and the organizations meeting times never caused any isssues, So I proceeded that when I graduate I would be under the approval of my financial advisor that I can retire at 62 (I had that planned long before 8th grade.
Then one day once I earned my degree and started collecting my SS benefits I was out driving wondering about a job, did I really needed to so I took inverntory of my stage in life. It was then that I had accomplished what I wanted in the 8th grade, It was my turn to answer to no one but me and do all the things I thought of doing. As soon as I discovered this fact, I said to myself, no more work if I can help it.' and my entire outlook changed straight into permanent happiness, I accomplishedf everything I dreamed of and then a little more. It was a great day and fourteen years later, I am still happy and doing what I always wanted to at such a young age.
So yes, I acheived everything I had dreamt of in 1966.

 

[Gayle B.]

Yes and no. My dream was to be a pilot in the military. Nope, they said no bc I am a woman. Then I chose to be in a military band. Again, nope bc I am a woman. I did graduate school 1/2 year early to enlist as soon as I turned 18. I trained hard and was very skilled. I married another military guy. We will be married fo 53 years come September 10! I was never going to get married, ever! I did live a dream of sorts in my job and my marriage!

 

[Gayle B.]

This is a very true story; When I was twelve and in the 8th grade I was sitting doing my "seat work" was what it was called back in the sixties. I was busy answering questions when a thought came into my mind. At that time I decided that I was not going to get married, never dreamed of it. Along with that decision I debated what I would as a professional woman, either be a lawyer or get into the accounting world. I had always had a daydream of going to Alaska for years. That was as far as I was going to plan my adult life.
Well many years later I just was layed off at the age of 59 after 40 years in accounting and reaching "auditor" through promotions. I had a very good severance package and the federal government offered two years of retraining for people who had their jobs sent out of the country. Time passed a couple of months when I heard how the training worked. Pick a school and a major. All I had to do is pass all my courses and did not have to pay a penny. Great opportunity! I then decided now is the time to take the major of Commpter Forensics. It fell under the law category and I was so happy. I passed all the requirements and even made the Dean's list. During the time between learning about retraining and the start of school, I joined a couple of charitable organizations and a club, It worked out that my school schedule and the organizations meeting times never caused any isssues, So I proceeded that when I graduate I would be under the approval of my financial advisor that I can retire at 62 (I had that planned long before 8th grade.
Then one day once I earned my degree and started collecting my SS benefits I was out driving wondering about a job, did I really needed to so I took inverntory of my stage in life. It was then that I had accomplished what I wanted in the 8th grade, It was my turn to answer to no one but me and do all the things I thought of doing. As soon as I discovered this fact, I said to myself, no more work if I can help it.' and my entire outlook changed straight into permanent happiness, I accomplishedf everything I dreamed of and then a little more. It was a great day and fourteen years later, I am still happy and doing what I always wanted to at such a young age.
So yes, I acheived everything I had dreamt of in 1966.

I’m very impressed by your dream and how you achieved it! Congratulations!

 

[Czech7985]

I worked in the field of Radiologic Technology for several years. At about age 33, I became dis satisfied with the field and wanted to go back to school. It was t the job as much as much as where I was working. Too much office politics and rule, policy changes. Also a supervisor I did not like. Where I lived, no option to get a job in same field but different facility. An unplanned pregnancy forced me to continue working at this same position until I retired at age 68. By the time I was again in a position to go back to school and get into a different field, would not have been practical. By the time I would have graduated, I would have been about 45 or 46. So, no I did not get to follow my dreams at age 34.

 

[GaryBlake]

I really appreciate you sharing this story @GaryBlake — it sounds like you put a lot of thought into that dream before deciding to take a different path. Having the voice for radio is such a gift! Do you ever still get the chance to use that talent, maybe in community events, storytelling, or even just for fun with family and friends?

I do not, but people still tell me they don't need to see me to recognize me if they hear my voice!

 

[TriciaR]

This is a very true story; When I was twelve and in the 8th grade I was sitting doing my "seat work" was what it was called back in the sixties. I was busy answering questions when a thought came into my mind. At that time I decided that I was not going to get married, never dreamed of it. Along with that decision I debated what I would as a professional woman, either be a lawyer or get into the accounting world. I had always had a daydream of going to Alaska for years. That was as far as I was going to plan my adult life.
Well many years later I just was layed off at the age of 59 after 40 years in accounting and reaching "auditor" through promotions. I had a very good severance package and the federal government offered two years of retraining for people who had their jobs sent out of the country. Time passed a couple of months when I heard how the training worked. Pick a school and a major. All I had to do is pass all my courses and did not have to pay a penny. Great opportunity! I then decided now is the time to take the major of Commpter Forensics. It fell under the law category and I was so happy. I passed all the requirements and even made the Dean's list. During the time between learning about retraining and the start of school, I joined a couple of charitable organizations and a club, It worked out that my school schedule and the organizations meeting times never caused any isssues, So I proceeded that when I graduate I would be under the approval of my financial advisor that I can retire at 62 (I had that planned long before 8th grade.
Then one day once I earned my degree and started collecting my SS benefits I was out driving wondering about a job, did I really needed to so I took inverntory of my stage in life. It was then that I had accomplished what I wanted in the 8th grade, It was my turn to answer to no one but me and do all the things I thought of doing. As soon as I discovered this fact, I said to myself, no more work if I can help it.' and my entire outlook changed straight into permanent happiness, I accomplishedf everything I dreamed of and then a little more. It was a great day and fourteen years later, I am still happy and doing what I always wanted to at such a young age.
So yes, I acheived everything I had dreamt of in 1966.

What an incredible journey—thank you so much for sharing it with us @pearlsgame setwin . From making that decision as a 12-year-old in the 60s to building a successful career in accounting, retraining in computer forensics, and then embracing a happy retirement—you really did bring your early dreams full circle. It’s so inspiring to hear how you achieved what you set out to do and even more. Looking back, what part of that journey are you most proud of?

 

[TriciaR]

Yes and no. My dream was to be a pilot in the military. Nope, they said no bc I am a woman. Then I chose to be in a military band. Again, nope bc I am a woman. I did graduate school 1/2 year early to enlist as soon as I turned 18. I trained hard and was very skilled. I married another military guy. We will be married fo 53 years come September 10! I was never going to get married, ever! I did live a dream of sorts in my job and my marriage!

Thank you for sharing your story @Gayle B. — it’s such a powerful reminder of how dreams can take unexpected turns. Even though some doors were closed to you, it’s wonderful to hear that you built a meaningful career and a marriage that’s lasted nearly 53 years—congratulations on that incredible milestone! Looking back, what do you feel was the most rewarding part of your time in the military?

 

[TriciaR]

I worked in the field of Radiologic Technology for several years. At about age 33, I became dis satisfied with the field and wanted to go back to school. It was t the job as much as much as where I was working. Too much office politics and rule, policy changes. Also a supervisor I did not like. Where I lived, no option to get a job in same field but different facility. An unplanned pregnancy forced me to continue working at this same position until I retired at age 68. By the time I was again in a position to go back to school and get into a different field, would not have been practical. By the time I would have graduated, I would have been about 45 or 46. So, no I did not get to follow my dreams at age 34.

Thank you for sharing such an honest reflection @Czech7985 . It sounds like you navigated a lot of challenges and made sacrifices along the way, especially when life took an unexpected turn. Staying in a role for so many years despite the difficulties shows real strength and commitment. Looking back now, are there parts of your career in radiologic technology that you still feel proud of or grateful for?