From Disappointment to Purpose
I’m known for my determination. If I want something, I ____1____ for it; I refuse to give up until I succeed. Over the years this attitude has worked well for me and helped me achieve my goals. ____2____, when I wanted to be on the dance team at school, I learned all the dances and practiced until I could hardly ____3____. And when I wanted money for a new computer, I washed cars, babysat, and walked dogs for all my neighbors.
____4____ this year everything changed. I had set my sights on a summer ____5____ that I was determined to get at the Water Zone, because the employees there could go on the water rides after their work and get free food at the snack bar. It was the ____6____ job to have on hot summer vacations. So just as I had achieved every goal in the past, I set out to ____7____ the job. I completed the application in my neatest handwriting, carefully prepared for my interview, and gathered a pack of recommendation letters. I was certain that nothing ____8____ keep me from my dream job.
But after my ____9____, the manager of the Water Zone told me that he could hire only those with experience in water safety. I was ____10____. I felt like a failure.
On the last weekend before school ended, my teacher, Mrs. Keller, asked me ____11____ I would be interested in the kids’ summer day camp. I decided that I had nothing to ____12____, so I called the manager and ____13____ an interview. She was ____14____ by my babysitting experience and employed me. In less than a week, I had completely ____15____ about wanting to work at the water park. Each time I comforted a little boy who missed his mother or a little girl who needed to help tying her shoes, I felt I was doing something ____16____. I realized that I had discovered my life’s ____17____: to work with children. I now have a new goal. I’m going to study to become an elementary school teacher.
Sometimes in life we don’t get ____18____ what we want. Our dream guy or girl may not be interested in us. The coach may not select us for the team. A certain employer may not choose to hire us. It’s natural to feel ____19____; I sure did. But I also learned an important lesson. Occasionally, when we don’t get what we want, something even ____20____ is waiting for us around the corner!