The first time I even thought about becoming a librarian, I was a theater major in college. My dorm was right across the street from the local public library. I loved books, and I needed a part-time job to supplement my allowance from my parents (for books and school supplies, of course!) So I thought, what a great idea! I'll go get a job at the library.
Well. When I asked the librarian at the desk how I could apply for a job, she condescendingly told me "You need a master's degree to work in a library." At the time, I felt foolish. In retrospect, I know she was being unreasonably snooty; obviously, I was asking about being a part-time page, and at that time I didn't know the terminology. However, it put a bee in my bonnet that I was going to "show her" and get my master's degree so I could work in a library.
Fast-forward several years (and a Marine Officer Candidate School misadventure) later, and I had my M.S. from the University of Illinois in Library and Information Science! It would be two more years before I finally landed a full time professional librarian position, which I've held for over 12 years. Now I only wish I knew that woman's name from that first library, so I could tell her that I followed her "helpful advice".
