Animals have always been my thing. I just have a knack with them and have always been comfortable around them - especially farm animals. So it may not be surprising, then, that when I grow up I want to be a farm vet. But now if I had a form of work outside North America, I would choose one of these careers:

A missionary vet:

Ever since I was younger, I have struggled with the decision whether I should be a missionary or a veterinarian. And so you can imagine how happy I was when mom mentioned the words “Missionary vet!” If ever given the chance, when I am older I would love to set up an animal hospital in Africa. Missionary vets treat animals - usually goats or other animals that poorer people might have.  If I ever do have a vet clinic, it would be for farm animals.

A matron:

I would like to have an orphanage in Africa. To run and be the maker of a small orphanage would be a dream.  I would have a dormitory for boys and one for girls. Sometimes it is very hard to adopt a child but if I ever have an orphanage I would try as hard as I could to make it easier for the parent to take their child home. The reasons why I want to do this are because first of all, I love children. Second, I want to give kids a good home. Third of all, I just want to do it - is there any reason why not?

Having international experiences will be very helpful to me, if either of these dreams come true. For the past six and a half years, I have lived in Germany, and am slowly learning the language. I have adapted to Germany which to me is foreign, coming from Alaska. But now I call it home. So if ever one of these dream careers come true, I should be able to adapt, as I have learned to adapt to living in Germany.

Katie Wellman is a member of the Youth Travel Blogging Mentorship Program

Photo courtesy and copyright Katie Wellman