The earliest recollection I have of what I wanted to be when I grow is probably elementary school age. I wanted to be a stewardess. This was before we had to call everyone a "flight attendant".  This was a short-lived dream for two very big reasons:  First I had a growth-hormone deficiency, and despite growth hormone replacement shots, I was eventually told at about the ripe old age of about 11, that this was as tall as I was going to get- 5'2.  To be a stewardess you had to be 5'7. I was devastated - my life of glamour and travel died before it even started.  Years passed and the airlines dropped that requirement along with other discriminatory requirements. Regardless I discovered reason number 2) Turns out I have horrible motion sickness. I have to take a Dramamine every time I get on a plane! 

Later, in Junior High I remember that I wanted to be a stage make-up artist after checking out a library book on stage make up, and digging the make-up that the band KISS wore! I ended up taking art courses all through-out Middle School and High School so in High School I  had then set my sights on art and wanting to be an art teacher just like my favorite school teacher I ever had at James Madison High School - Mr. Keith Stephens.  I recall speaking to him my senior year about this to which advised me that he didn't recommend it and explained the "challenges" of dealing with "youth" :) and to pursue art but in another area.   I enjoyed art, and my classes, but I didn't think I was good enough to make money with my art, and also concluded that very few really good artists made any money, and those who did - earned it after they died!  At the end of the day, I left High School without any focus or direction which is not a good starting place!