Advice on how to succeed

Here is how it works.
To each one a certain role
may be assigned.

The scientist gets his degree
that tells him what
he is to do.

The historian is told
in receiving his degree
perhaps to teach
or to further discover.

Some people get their English
degrees and are told to teach.
(It is not important who
tells them – these things are assumed).
Others in this field go on
to get advanced degrees
and are told to write
and comment upon things.
These are the ones who
will appear in Anthologies
the writers and poets who will be
read, commented and discussed
by students.

This is the way things work.
Everyone’s assignment and directions in how
to self-actualize is to gain
awards in the execution of their
roles.

But things aren’t that simple
for everyone.
Some are never told,
“This is your role,”
or which might be easier,
“this and nothing else, is your role.”

For me, first my role
Was that of scientist and Engineer:
creator, designer of things.
Then it was Social Worker,
applying Psychological Knowledge
and skills to healing minds…
All the while I was poet
and writer.

All these competing roles…
am I less of each
because of so many
roles?

Greatness alludes me.
Who am I?
I wonder…