When I Was Five, I Was Definitely Going to Be a Librarian… Until I Wasn’t

Daily writing prompt

When you were five, what did you want to be when you grew up?

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When I was five, I just knew I was going to be a librarian. I have no idea why. Maybe it was the way they scanned books with such authority, or how they had this magical power to “shhh” a room full of children like Jedi Masters of Silence. Or maybe it was because I assumed librarians got to live at the library, and let’s be honest—tiny me thought that was peak luxury. Imagine living somewhere with air conditioning and unlimited books. That was my idea of opulence.

Then somewhere along the way, I had a full-on plot twist and became convinced I would be the first woman president. Yep. Move over, White House—I was already picking out my inauguration outfit in my head. It had shoulder pads, obviously.

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But that dream morphed, as childhood dreams tend to do, and suddenly I was determined to be a lawyer. I had big plans. I’d waltz into the courtroom in killer pumps, make impassioned speeches, and absolutely demolish anyone who tried to object. My mother, however, gently (read: firmly) talked me out of it. She reminded me that while I loved justice, I also had a flair for the dramatic. Something about me getting too emotionally invested and turning every closing argument into a dramatic monologue from a soap opera. She wasn’t entirely wrong.

So I pivoted. Band director. Because why not lead an entire room of kids with trumpets and flutes instead of a jury? I really looked up to my high school band director. I wanted to be that person for others.

Eventually, I circled back to the legal world, where I’ve always belonged—but with a little more realism and a lot more latte. I became a paralegal, which is honestly its own brand of superhero that feels like the backstage pass to the legal world. I get to organize chaos, untangle the messes, solve puzzles, and—let’s be honest—keep everything from falling apart, all while sipping my latte like a boss. And, I still get to help shape legal arguments, solve problems like a human filing cabinet with Wi-Fi, and organize chaos like it’s a competitive sport.

Do I regret not becoming president? Not really. (Have you seen what they go through?) I’ll take my latte, my laptop, and my legal briefs, thank you very much.

But hey—if they ever need a band-playing, book-loving, high-heeled paralegal-in-chief… I’m still available.

✨ Loved this little stroll down memory lane? You might also enjoy:

• Letting Go of Kid-Mom: The Bittersweet Shift to Adult-Mom – a real look at how our roles evolve (and why that’s okay).
• The Voguegenics Method: A 30-Day Glow-Up for Mind, Body & Style – if you’re still dreaming bigger, this one’s for you.
• Self-Care Tip of the Day Archive – because grown-up dreams need rest, boundaries, and a little bit of glow.
• The Gen V Podcast: The Real Glow-Up (More Than Just Looks) – want to reimagine who you are now? This is your sign.

👀 Curious about what the grown-up version of your five-year-old dreams could look like?
Join the conversation over on Instagram or Threads—and don’t forget to drop a comment telling me what you wanted to be when you grew up. Bonus points if it was something delightfully random like a bubblegum tester or professional mermaid.

🔖 Tag Archive You’ll Love: Self-Discovery

Dorey Duncan Scott Senior Litigation Paralegal

Hi! I’m Dorey Duncan Scott, a mother of three, wife and fashion entrepreneur. I started my career in fashion back in the early 90’s when I did print, still and runway modeling. I studied Fashion Merchandising, Music Business and Marketing, while also obtaining certificates in such industry-necessary areas such as make-up, styling and runway choreography. In addition, I had work as a spokesmodel for several brands, appearing in print and in person. As a former model, turned senior litigation paralegal, artist manager and on-air personality with a passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development, I bring a unique combination of style, strategic thinking, and legal expertise to my work. My years navigating the legal world have sharpened my attention to detail, while my experience and passion for fashion, beauty, and personal development drives my desire to help others feel empowered and help them in their journey toward self-empowerment. My experience in the fashion world has taught me the power of confidence. 

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