So what do you want to be when you grow up?

I'm lucky. See, I'm getting a do-over at life. It's embarrassing to me to admit it, but yeah, that's what's happening. It's not a complete do-over. I start at the bottom of a pretty steep hill, and I've got to push myself up it. But at the same time, I am fortunate to have the chance to walk away from being a Corporate Drone and do something that has more meaning for me.

When I was a kid, I had a single ambition in life. I wanted to be a vet - a large animal vet. Particularly interesting in light of this article from Monday's New York Times. It talks about the lack of large animal vets, especially in the more isolated farming communities. No kidding - this is exactly what I wanted to do: be an old fashioned, James Herriot style 'farm vet'.

Of course, my do-over isn't so expansive that I get to go back to vet school. I don't really even want that. I think it's sad, really, that a child is pushed from so young an age to say what s/he wants to be when s/he grows up. My husband wanted to be an astronaut. Maybe I'd be in a bizarre love triangle today if his eyes didn't go all wonky in the third grade.

So what is my 'do-over'? Well, it's me taking stock of what I have to my name (specifically my multiple degrees) and where I can put those things to best use for me, my family, and my community. I know that step 1 is passing the bar examination, not an easy feat for those without a 9-year lapse between school and the sitting date. Beyond that, I don't know what the steps will be.

I plan to do a ton of exploring of fields. I'm not looking to join a big midtown firm. I am, however, looking to practice law that has some direct (positive) impact on people's lives. Any thoughts out there?