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16/f
lately i have been thinking about what career i want.i want to something that helps others, to tell you the truth, money doesn't concern me too much.That point of view may change as i get older, but i don't really think so.i've never really been in things for just the money. but aNyWaY... what i have been motivated to do is help people in other countries.one night i just thought about it and looked up some pictures and, the pictures actually made me cry.these situations that people in other countries are in for some reason really get to me and touch me in a way that nothing ever has before. to think that i am so fortunate to take a hot shower at night, or go out for dinner and party when these people can't even feel safe where they live because their back yard is a battlefield makes me feel so angry.I know people can only do so much to help, but i have decided that i want to be one who tries.I would like to become a form of nurse,then eventually put in an application to "Doctors without Borders". I know i have a hell of a long way before this actaully happens, so i wanted to know what others think about this plan.I want to do it, and i know if i try it will happen. the only thing my home.My dad can barely take it if i'm more than a couple hours away from home, hell, if i ever went somewhere like Africa for a year I honestly think he would get sick while i was gone.NO JOKE.Part of me wants to do this for the lives of others, the other part can't bare the thought of family worrying over me. I feel soo tied down. i know this is probably way over the top because this hasen't even happend yet and i'm only 16, but i've just been thinking about it lately. what do you think?
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Want to answer more questions in the Miscellaneous category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Activism?
You won't be 16 forever. Your family may always worry about you...but they will eventually learn to let go.
Start local ... there are plenty of community service opportunities in your own back yard. I know it isn't as dramatic as immunizing orphans in Africa - but you never know how you may change someone's life.
For example: My brother was handing out sandwiches to the homeless downtown one evening, and he was in the right place to save a toddler from getting hit by a truck.
If your parents are 'afraid' for you to be in this environment, drag them with you. Hopefully as they do these types of activities they will start to see and understand your passion.
Check out opportunities at local churches too. They often have community work on weekends that is local. It may be as simple as cleaning out someone's yard, or shopping for the elderly, but you are still contributing. Most churches also have a 'mission trip' every summer for their HS students. Ours goes to Honduras every year. I know of another that goes to Mexico, and another that goes to the Appalachia mountains. Again, your parents can go as chaperons if they fear for your safety.
See if your area needs a 'meals on wheels' volunteer. Sign up as a volunteer with the Red Cross. Find out if a ESL teacher needs an assistant.
Maybe you can't do what you want RIGHT this minute, but you can start taking the steps now. Volunteer at the hospital so you can get an idea about what Dr. and nurses do. Take a red cross safety course.
Go to college and GET that nursing or Doctor degree. Then if your heart is still in the same place when you are 21...you will have the experience and education to follow your dream.
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You are right you are only 16 and you still can not be sure what career path you will take but it is obvious you care a lot about others.
So one suggestion I have for you is something I myslef have tried. I startes a STAND chapter at my school. You could do the same with anyother charity or human rights group(STAND, Amnesty, etc...).
This will give you expirence and potentially internships and work expirence with some organizations.
If you still want to pursue nursing do nursing, you are a caring person and that is one major charecteristic in a good nurse. As for going away well you should wait and see how you feel about that down the road. You may still want to but you may not. You could have a family by then that you dont want to leave, or you may not and want to leave there is no telling what the future will hold.
Good luck!
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You sound like a very caring, intelligent young woman, and that's very refreshing.
I commend you on your desire to make the most of your life by helping others.
I can assure you that if you want to be a nurse and join Doctors Without Borders, it'll happen. Everything is more or less dependent on how much you want it and how much effort you're willing to expend in getting it. I'm living proof that you can do anything you set your mind to, even if others may be skeptical.
I think, since you are only sixteen, the best thing to do is focus on the here and now. Put that positive energy and desire to help into taking care of your own. It might show you just how much you can take when it comes to giving of yourself, and shape your future goal.
However, when the time comes to go to school and prepare for your career in nursing, you've got a decision to make: if your father's condition hasn't improved (and I sincerely hope that it does, as I'm very sorry he's not well), you may want to stay and care for him. You can still become a nurse and help people. You don't have to be in Africa to have an impact on the world around you... and if you'd still like to help out in other countries, you can always donate to charities that provide food, shelter and education.
If you still want to go, you have to be sure you can deal with leaving. You won't be at the top of your game if you're always worried about the situation back home.
Best of luck.
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Thank you in advance for changing the world! I believe you can do it! All great world changers began right where you are now! Your dad is more scared for him than you. He loves you and would probably break down if sumthing happened to you or if you got hurt. But he would also be really proud of you if you go whereever and are apart of bettering lives!now there is a rather large difference between USA and Africa so do your research! Look up different countries get in contact with the right people and ask every single question you have to make sure its something you want then talk to Dad and let him know you actually put some thought into it and hell come around.
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