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The Exiles


The author of Orphan Train returns with an ambitious, emotionally resonant ...
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Evangeline asks Dr. Dunne what he'd do if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?

Created: 10/14/20

Replies: 16

Posted Oct. 14, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

Evangeline asks Dr. Dunne what he'd do if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?

Dr. Dunne is unhappy being the surgeon on a prison ship, and Evangeline asks what he'd do, then, if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?


Posted Oct. 15, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
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pauj

Join Date: 04/26/14

Posts: 56

RE: Evangeline asks Dr. Dunne what he'd do if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?

When I was in high school I wanted to be an investigative journalist. I had my school picked out. My parents couldn't afford any of it and I didn't get any financial aid. If I could have had the self-confidence and knowledge of how to go about making this happen that I have now, that's where I'd be. I certainly don't have any regrets about how my life did turn out, though. But things would have been different if I'd had any idea of how to advocate for myself and find help outside of my family.


Posted Oct. 15, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
kimk

Join Date: 10/16/10

Posts: 889

RE: Evangeline asks Dr. Dunne what he'd do if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?

I think from a career standpoint, I ended up at a good place as a computer tech. I have a very linear mind that served me well over my employed years, allowing me to develop into a great trouble-shooter.

I think I would have made a good doctor, although I tend to have a short attention span so doubt I would have been able to complete the years of training necessary.

I WANTED to be a concert violinist, and although I had some slight success when I was young, it was only because I practiced a lot; I never really had the talent to go professional.


Posted Oct. 15, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Gloria

Join Date: 03/11/15

Posts: 120

RE: Evangeline asks Dr. Dunne what he'd do if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?

I was always terribly shy, so becoming a copy editor at our local newspaper was a safe bet for me because the number of people I had contact with was small.
But had I been able to overcome the shyness, I think I would have liked to become a lawyer and then a politician.


Posted Oct. 15, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
barbettet

Join Date: 10/01/20

Posts: 25

RE: Evangeline asks Dr. Dunne what he'd do if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?

I am happy to say that I would choose the same career and experiences all over again: high school English teacher. For thirty years I could share a love of literature and writing with students and help them connect to characters who were also finding their way through problems and defining their values.


Posted Oct. 15, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
candacef

Join Date: 12/02/15

Posts: 48

RE: Evangeline asks Dr. Dunne what he'd do if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?

I graduated from college with a double major, Elementary Ed. and Sociology. I was a teacher for 20 years and enjoyed it but if I could have a do over I would work with dogs in training or raising.


Posted Oct. 18, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
christinep

Join Date: 07/16/13

Posts: 45

RE: Evangeline asks Dr. Dunne what he'd do if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?

I think I would have been a librarian. I see libraries as places that hold communities together. The library has changed since I was younger, its not all about the books. Its a safe place to gather info and its open to everyone. That is very important.


Posted Oct. 19, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
elise

Join Date: 04/22/11

Posts: 101

RE: Evangeline asks Dr. Dunne what he'd do if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?

I started my college career studying nursing and changed my major to chemistry. I wish I would have stayed in some type of medical career as I think I would have enjoyed it. I have enjoyed my career in chemistry as well, but I don't think it was my calling.


Posted Oct. 19, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
carolc

Join Date: 02/03/20

Posts: 13

RE: Evangeline asks Dr. Dunne what he'd do if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?

If I could live my life over, I'd probably make few changes. I remember wanting to be a teacher since I was a young girl, and wanting a family. So, I have four children, six grandchildren, and taught elementary and special education classes for 25 years, and am now happily retired and volunteer for several organizations.
I've been lucky.


Posted Oct. 19, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
momo

Join Date: 04/03/19

Posts: 49

RE: Evangeline asks Dr. Dunne what he'd do if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?

If I could start over, I would invest in real estate at a young age and choose a career that pays me to read all day. It's hard to say now, because I am grateful that I have the opportunity to stay home and raise my children.


Posted Oct. 19, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
BayParkReader

Join Date: 01/18/17

Posts: 21

RE: Evangeline asks Dr. Dunne what he'd do if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?

I originally went to college to get a library science degree to be a librarian but met my soon to be husband so I dropped out to get a job and support us. My first job happened to be in a law office and I ended up as a paralegal and office manager. I can’t help but think how different it might have been if I was able to go back and finish my degree (by the time it was ‘my turn’ we were divorced and I moved to California). I’ve loved my life and spent a lot of years volunteering in my kids school libraries.


Posted Oct. 24, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Alaskareader

Join Date: 10/18/20

Posts: 10

RE: Evangeline asks Dr. Dunne what he'd do if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?

I was just as good in math and science in high school as I was in English and History, but at that time girls were not encouraged to go into those fields. I didn't really know what I wanted to be, so went into journalism since it lets you be nosy and ask a lot of questions. The ability to write quickly and clearly has served me well as I actually ended up being the director of several large science programs. I didn't know that "running things" would be a career choice that especially suited me, although my two sons tell me that it was obvious to them!


Posted Oct. 24, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Patricia Marie

Join Date: 10/24/20

Posts: 17

RE: Evangeline asks Dr. Dunne what he'd do if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?

I started out as an intensive care physician and practiced this for over 20 years. I then went back to get a degree in teaching and have taught high school science for 15 years, which I have loved.
If I were to do this all over again, I would do something in science maybe physical therapy or pharmacology or pathology.


Posted Oct. 28, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Navy Mom

Join Date: 04/12/12

Posts: 294

RE: Evangeline asks Dr. Dunne what he'd do if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?

I was a reading teacher for 38 years and still tutor an occasional struggling reader. I run a non-profit now that helps kids in needs and teachers. I probably wouldn't have chose those things except at the time I went to college it seemed practical for a woman to go into education... summers off and all that! It turned out to be the right choice for me. I do regret that I haven't travelled the world more and that I haven't been more adventurous. I guess that's why I read so much!


Posted Oct. 29, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Maggie

Join Date: 01/01/16

Posts: 434

RE: Evangeline asks Dr. Dunne what he'd do if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?

I am a retired librarian. I loved my occupation but also when I was younger i wanted to be an editor for a publishing company and also wanted to write. I keep a journal but not inspired to write the great American novel!


Posted Nov. 08, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
dianaps

Join Date: 05/29/15

Posts: 460

RE: Evangeline asks Dr. Dunne what he'd do if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?

I'm too old now for pipe dreams and I am quite happy with the life I have, the things I've seen and done and my children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even the three husbands I had. I live in the boonies with cats, dogs, miniature donkeys and lots of wildlife.
Life is good.


Posted Nov. 16, 2020 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
gerryp

Join Date: 08/04/20

Posts: 32

RE: Evangeline asks Dr. Dunne what he'd do if he could do whatever he chose. What would you choose to do, if you could start over and pick any occupation? Why?

I would not make any changes with my occupation.. I have been a nurse for, too may years to mention, I have had a large variety of jobs, I would not change it for anything...


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