At a recent Minneapolis preschool graduation on May 13, soon-to-be kindergartners expressed their colorful and creative career ambitions. Their whimsical imaginations enchanted parents and passersby just as much. Four-year-old Harley Hickerson announced her goal of becoming “a pig who plays in the mud,” while her classmate, five-year-old Collins, declared she aspires to be a “wicked witch.” These whimsical answers perfectly capture the adventurous spirit and naiveté of childhood ambition.
The immensely ambitious notion of Harley Hickerson is realized every night. Her father reads her “The Three Little Pigs” every night as a bedtime story. This whimsical story has awakened her mischievous imagination. She imagines a life as an adorable pig, enjoying her days rooting in the mud with friends. Harley’s mother, Jenny Hickerson, praised her daughter’s originality on social media, labeling her “a true creative visionary.”
At the same time, Collins has been in the headlines for her unwavering dedication to pursue her second career of choice. By all accounts from her teachers, she has kept her love of being a “wicked witch” going for more than a week now. Collins’ mom, Kelsey Taylor Grimm, couldn’t help but giggle at the announcement. While other children dreamed of becoming doctors or educators, Collins decisively cultivated her improbable alternative.
“All the other kids said doctors, teachers, zookeepers…dream big baby girl 😂 in other news, might be time to turn off the @wickedmovie at home ☠️💚🤣” – Kelsey Taylor Grimm
Jenny Hickerson and Kelsey Taylor Grimm, pictured above, joyfully posted unforgettable scenes from their daughters’ graduation ceremony to Instagram. They really know how to convey the joy and excitement of the day! In academic buildings filled with tradition, the ceremony to confer advanced degrees was celebratory, happy, even jubilant. It also opened up a space for young kids to articulate their visions and aspirations in creative and playful ways.
