How have your dreams changed compared to when you were little?
Take a moment.
Pause.
Let the thought settle.
Is that dreamer still there, or have they grown into someone else entirely?
Remember that big, bold dream you had as a child? What was it? And how has it grown or transformed as you’ve journeyed through life?
This was the question I posed to Elaine Phan, a 19-year-old biomedical sciences student at Texas A&M. Her response was a delightful mix of whimsy and practicality, reflective of the gentle humor that defines her.
"I wanted to be a librarian, have a zoo, lots of animals, live in Europe—Italy or France—and have no kids."
Fast forward to today, and Elaine’s dreams are decidedly different.
"Now, I want to be an optometrist, build my own family, and live close to my mother and siblings."
I couldn’t resist telling her:
“You know, you could still be a librarian with a zoo, even as an optometrist.”
She smiled, the idea not entirely impossible in her mind.
What strikes you about Elaine is not just her evolving dreams but the depth of thought behind them. Although Elaine’s childhood dreams of a zoo and a European escape feel distant now, she realizes they were rooted in the same curiosity and care that drive her ambition to improve others’ lives through optometry.
Optometry wasn’t always on her radar. It was her mother, during a heart-to-heart brainstorming session, who helped Elaine connect her struggles with poor eyesight and her grandfather’s blindness to a career in optometry.
"My mom told me to think about my struggles and turn them into my passion."
It was a revelation, one that became the foundation of her college essay and ultimately her chosen path. Elaine’s close relationship with her family is a recurring theme in her life. Her admiration for her mother—who moved to the U.S. at 18 with a single suitcase and no knowledge of English—is palpable. "She’s the strongest woman I know," Elaine said, reflecting on how her mother juggled work, college, and raising a family. This strength, it seems, has been passed down.
Elaine’s empathy shines not just in her personal life but in her career aspirations. Noticing when others are struggling—a skill her mother modeled—has become a defining part of Elaine’s character.
“Whenever someone seems off, I address it right away. Communication is key.”
It’s clear this quality will serve her well as a future optometrist, seamlessly combining scientific expertise with genuine compassion—a blend that, sadly, is too often missing in health care. But Elaine is more than her career aspirations.
College has been a transformative experience, teaching her the joys of connecting with others.
“I used to be okay being by myself. But now I’ve realized how much I love meeting people and hearing their perspectives.”
Elaine’s perspective offers a glimpse into the dualities Gen Z navigates daily: boundless creativity paired with societal pressures, openness about mental health juxtaposed with the silent burden of comparison. She spoke passionately about the need for better guidance in the education system, particularly in large public schools where students can feel lost.
“The standards shouldn’t be lowered; instead, students should be helped to reach them.”
She also lamented the lack of practical life skills taught in schools, from financial literacy to resume building, noting how these gaps leave young adults unprepared for the realities of life—a sentiment echoed by many of our guests.
It leaves us wondering: how long will it take for the education system to pick up on the hints we’ve been dropping and start teaching the practical skills that truly help us navigate the complexities of modern life?
Elaine’s generation, in her view, is marked by creativity, openness about mental health, and a strong sense of activism. But she also recognizes the darker side of societal pressures, particularly those amplified by social media.
"It’s hard not to compare yourself. You see someone in their 20s who’s a millionaire, and you think, ‘Well, I got an A on my exam, I guess.’”
Despite these struggles, Elaine’s vision for her future stays clear and steady.
She dreams of owning an optometry practice, supporting her family, and finding joy in everyday life.
"I just want to wake up happy," she said, a simple yet profound aspiration.
And isn’t that what we’re all chasing? Happiness—our own, unique version of it.
Elaine’s story is another reminder that while our dreams may shift as we grow, they don’t vanish; they adapt, taking on new shapes that reflect who we are becoming. Dreams evolve not because we abandon our younger selves, but because life invites us to grow in unexpected directions. True happiness, Elaine reminds us, is not found in clinging to a single vision but in embracing the journey’s surprises.
For Elaine, the little girl who once dreamed of being a librarian with a zoo hasn’t vanished entirely. That childlike wonder lives on in her passion for discovery, her love for animals, and her desire to create a life full of meaning and connection.
Her story makes you wonder: How much of our younger selves still influences us today?
As I reflected on our conversation, I couldn’t help but think about the courage it takes to redefine happiness as we move through life. To embrace the idea that joy isn’t just a destination but a series of moments—a dinner shared with family, a conversation with friends, the spark of inspiration in a quiet library, or the satisfaction of helping someone see the world more clearly, literally and figuratively.
Elaine’s journey is still unfolding, and so is yours. Dreams change, perspectives evolve, and life, unpredictable as it is, continues to surprise us.
So I’ll leave you with the same question I asked Elaine: How have your dreams changed since you were little? And perhaps more importantly, which of those dreams are still within reach?
Hear more stories like Elaine's on Uncharted: Your Sidekick for Life Podcast where we tackle topics such as mental health, the challenges of higher education, and the crucial issues Gen Z faces today: from career decisions to personal identity. Our approach combines expert perspectives with real-life stories, featuring a mix of industry professionals, thought leaders, and genuine Gen Z voices.
This blog was written by Anais Schmidt, one of the hosts of the Uncharted Podcast. Anais is also an aspiring musician. When not in her studio, she tours Europe with Monte Mai.
If you would like to join the conversation email us at anais@foundingup.com
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