Rachel Dickey Morris is not where she thought she’d be, but this is good.
Rachel Dickey and I have been friends since she was 15 and I was 17. I was the TA in her “baby” drama class, and she took my lucky brother to a homecoming dance. Rachel made an impression with her free-spiritedness, complete lack of a filter when speaking, and willingness to appear in her underwear in public. As an adult, she has created such a beautiful life with her husband and kids, you’d never guess how much she loves Depeche Mode and vampires.
When you were 17, where did you think you would be by your current age?
When I was 17 I was too consumed with being 17 to ever consider what I would be doing at 33. I thought 33 was old and boring (which it kinda is). I was a carefree, self absorbed teen who had never been in love, experienced grief, owed any debt, or had any real responsibilities, and of course I knew everything. I remember thinking I was at the top of my game, and I kinda was– for being totally clueless. I had some idea about going to college, but that was it. What I really wanted most at 17 was to have a boyfriend.
Where are you in actuality?
I currently live in San Francisco, and I am still amazed that I live in such a cool city. I have just had my second child, and I am blissfully happy. Because I had no set expectations I did all sorts of things in my 20′s. After college I packed up and moved to Lake Tahoe on a whim and ended up waiting tables. I am very proud to say that I was able to support myself in that profession. I learned more about hard work as a waitress than I did in college. No matter what kind of degree you have, if you forget their ketchup, you’re screwed. I followed a boy to Reno, Nevada and worked at a casino nightclub. I ended up marring said boy. The one thing that has been consistent in my live is my love and support for the arts. I have continued to work in the non-profit arts world since I graduated from high school. I currently work at the San Francisco Opera, which sounds fancier than it actually is.
What’s great about where you landed instead?
Landed? I don’t feel as though I’ve landed at all. I have a brand new baby, things are just beginning!
What’s challenging about landing someplace different than you’d imagined?
Well I didn’t have any set goals about where I would be so I’m constantly surprised. I did go to college and I did get myself a boyfriend. I grew from both experiences. I never really had huge expectations about having a family, which is currently the is the main focus of my life. My experiences have made me a more appreciative and empathetic person.
Where do you hope to be 10 years from now?
Ten years from now I hope to be rid of the child car seats that are now occupying the back seat of my Honda. Yes, I will probably still have a Honda (hopefully an electric Honda). I hope to be making more money, take vacations, continue to love my wonderful husband and have well behaved children. Other then that it’s up in the air! When you keep your expectations basic you can achieve your goals and have plenty of room for surprises!
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