What do I want to be when I grow up???

Probably not the question you expect me to ask upon completion of my first week of school. I can explain. Really.

I want to be a YA Librarian. I love working with that age group, I love the challenge they present as they are traditionally reluctant readers and don't frequent the library as much. I love that when they are excited about something, they are really passionate about it, and that when they hate it, they don't shy away from telling you. I've worked with teens for years in many different ways- from teaching theater and dance to costuming local high school shows- they drive me nuts, but I like it anyways. So needless to say I went into this week of on campus residency with an idea of where I wanted to be when I graduated in two years. To be clear, I still want to work as a YA librarian, but boy did we do some really cool stuff this week.

Exhibit A:

Exhibit B:

Do you know what those are? Exhibit A- Darwin's On The Origin of Species. Exhibit B: First Edition Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Why are they cool? Firstly there are the obvious reasons. Secondly- I held them. Not only did I get to hold them and look through them, but I also saw a 14th century Italian Book of Hours, a teaching book of The Gospel of John in both English and Mohawk from 1804 that was used by missionaries, a book of Aquinas' Study of Rome that had Queen Elizabeth's seal on the front (meaning it was her book) and a page from the Guttenberg Bible. I was in history geek heaven for the hour that Professor Lavender showed us the books that Syracuse has in Special Collections. A few other students (who shall remain nameless) were dosing off or staring into space as Professor Lavender quizzed us on historic events. I on the other hand couldn't sit still in my swivel chair as I wracked my brain for the answers. Professor Lavender: "What happened in 1588?" Me: "Spanish Armada!" Needless to say, I was having fun. Suddenly a whole new path opened up. Special Collections. Cool, old books. Two things I love- history and books- all wrapped up into one

So where does that leave me. With more classes to take for one. I think I will keep my options open for as long as possible- taking classes that would be relevant in both potential career paths. I think that was one thing I took away more then anything else. That there are so many different opportunities for librarians and that for someone like me, who love learning, and who has really varied interests, Librarianship provides a career that can tap into almost anything. I finished my week slightly more confused about where I'm headed, but really excited about taking the journey to get there!