As little children, everybody dreams about becoming a something. Some want to be doctors, lawyers, and police officers, while others want to be rock stars, famous athletes, and models. The majority of the time, that “something” changes again and again. Currently, my 14-year-old sister wants to become a famous hair stylist in New York, while my 10-year-old sister dreams of saving the bees, the caribou, and any other endangered species that she may learn about.

Years ago, my father asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I only had to think briefly before I could picture myself, a beautiful grown-up woman, donning a red dress with matching red heels, acting as a successful lawyer, and most importantly, serving as my dad’s boss.

This dream changed as I later pictured myself as a dancer, a veterinarian, a U.S. Marine, an Olympic figure skater — and a million other fleeting dreams.

The beauty of dreaming about becoming something is that it is always in the future. Nothing is set in stone and no dream is too big. There is always time to change your mind, try new things and find your talents.

But once it comes time to pick your “something,” suddenly, life becomes a whole lot scarier. As graduation looms only three weeks away, the unknown of what “somethings” we will become is on everybody’s mind.

My possibilities now seem numbered and my dreams are gradually becoming less and less extravagant. I have been losing sleep over a lack of scholarships, stressing about finding a job, and ultimately freaking out.

As my mom and I watched the chick flick “The Wedding Planner” on her birthday, I made a comment about wishing that I could become something glamorous and successful, like people in the movies. Her response surprised me as she explained how my possibilities were limitless — I could become anything that I wanted to be.

This seemed extremely clichéd at first, but as I thought about it, I realized that she couldn’t be more right.

Us graduating seniors are at the most exciting time of our lives. Our possibilities truly are endless. We have nothing holding us back or tying us down. The next few years of our lives are going to be completely about us, and our world will revolve solely around our dreams and making them a reality.

It is at this time that the doctors, lawyers, police officers, and celebrities that you dreamed about becoming are made. Now is where dreaming turns into becoming.

So, instead of looking at the great unknown as a frightening thing, look at is as the most exciting time of your life. Go where you want to go in life, and find your “something.”

Courtnee Cartwright is a senior at Grantsville High School.