1994 ME: So you're me in eleven years, eh?

2005 ME: Yep. I'm just about to graduate from law school, just like you're about to graduate from high school.

1994 ME: Cool. So I'm going to go to law school. What else have you done? Where did you go on your mission? Whom did you marry (you ARE married by now, aren't you?)?

2005 ME: [Answers all the boring catching-up questions]

1994 ME: Hey, I don't suppose you could tell me, oh say, who won the 1998 NBA finals, could you?

2005 ME: I don't want to talk about that.

1994 ME: Okay. So why law school? I can't say I've ever really thought about that as a serious option. I mean, my brother's going to start law school in the fall, but I'm not sure that's me. I'm certain I'll go to some sort of grad school, but why the law?

2005 ME: You know, a lot of people have asked me that over the last three years, and I'm still not exactly sure. Sometimes I feel like when it came time to pick, it seemed like the best idea around at the time. In fact, the choice was really either a JD or an MA in arts administration. I think even you'll agree that I made the right choice between those two.

1994 ME: Well, you'll make more money this way, that's for sure.

2005 ME: That's true. But also, I think it will allow me some freedom in career options as I go throughout life. I mean, I'm taking a job at a law firm this fall, but I'm not convinced I want to do that forever. I might want to teach or get into university administration. I might work for (or even start!) a non-profit organization. Who knows where I'll be in 10 years? The law degree is a lot more flexible. With an arts administration degree, I'd be kind of stuck in arts administration.

1994 ME: All right, now I know you're me. All I can do is hold doors open so I can make my decisions about what to do with my life later. I have no idea what to do with my life. You're trying to tell me that I still won't have things figured out eleven years from now? That I essentially will never stop holding doors open for myself, rather than going through them?

2005 ME: Now hold on there, tiger. I've gone through plenty of the doors you held open for me. Actually, I did a double major in college because there were so many open doors I found I could go through two at a time. I appreciate that. And that's kind of what I'm doing now for my future self. So yeah, you could say that I still just try to hold doors open so I can make decisions later, but I have made quite a few important decisions.

1994 ME: Are you happy with the decisions you've made?

2005 ME: Yes. Especially the personal ones. Shelly is a wonderful person. You'll realize it too (about a year and a half after you meet her). Professionally, though, I still don't feel like I've arrived at my final destination yet. I still don't know what that is.

1994 ME: Well, don't ask me. I was hoping you'd know. You've had enough time.

2005 ME: Another good point. But sometimes I guess it isn't about finding a final destination. I'm happy with where I am personally, spiritually, educationally, and even professionally for the time being. I know where I'm going in the eternal scheme of things, and where I wind up along the way doesn't matter so much to me.

1994 ME: So you're saying I should stop worrying about it and just go with the flow?

2005 ME: Not necessarily with the flow. Find what interests you and follow that. Take a risk or two. That's what got me out to DC and to Harvard, and I think we turned out rather well. I wouldn't change any of my decisions.

1994 ME: Thank you. Hey, do you still like jazz?

2005 ME: Dude, you don't even know what jazz is. You've got a lot to learn.

1994 ME: Sounds like I'll still have a lot to learn in eleven years.

2005 ME: Yup. And I wouldn't have it any other way.