Answer from "rocketscientist", an Aerospace Engineer:
Sort of. I am an aerospace engineer - I build aircraft engines. When I was in 7th/8th grade, I liked airplanes and I liked figuring out how things worked. For example, I fixed the mechanical typewriter in my house when it broke and I liked watching my dad fixed the car - even though he wouldn't let me help out. My dad would also take us to the airport to watch the planes land and take off. But I didn't realize I wanted to be an engineer until I was in high school - because I realized I liked fixing things and figuring out how things work.

Answer from "Marsh Maven", a Marine Biologist:
Yes, I did. I have always wanted to be a marine biologist for as long as I can remember. Marine life and playing in the water was something that always interested me, and it was that passion for it that made me want to pursue my career. I have changed the focus of my work and career somewhat over the years, but the general area of study has not changed. If it is something that you really want to do, then you shouldn't be afraid to try and pursue it, no matter how old you are. The more you get into activities related to a desired career, the better off you will be down the line. And don't be afraid to change or alter your plan either: if you do a few things here and there and find that you really don't like it as much as you originally thought or it is not as interesting to you as you first thought it would be, then you have plenty of time to focus on something else.

Answer from "airnancy", an Environmental Engineer:
When I was in 7 or 8th grade I knew that I was interested in science and environmental issues and I liked doing math too. I have also liked hiking and camping since I was a little kid and my interest in environmental issues is connected to that. However, I had no idea how my interests might turn into a job and I had no idea what an engineer did until I was in high school and the older brother of one of my best friends was in graduate school at the time and told me I should be an engineer and told me that a degree in engineering would make it easier to get a job than a degree in chemistry! I am so glad he took an interest in me and the colleges I was thinking about attending.

Answer from "vet_in_04", a Veterinary Student:
I was actually in between becoming a writer or becoming a vet when I was that age. I didn't decide that I wanted to be a vet until high school. I don't think I knew enough about different careers to officially decide on one when I was in middle school.

Answer from "Wings", a Biologist
This is a good question. No. But I liked growing things (plants), and I liked cooking, both of which were fore-runners of things I do now (grow plants and insects in the summer and do chemistry in the lab).

Answer from "Newton", a Ceramic Engineer
No, I did not know what I wanted to be when I got older. I have always liked science and math. I thought science was really interesting. Science classes helped me answer a lot of questions I had about the things around me. (The stars, the earth, how a TV works, how a lightbulb works...etc). I knew I wanted to continue doing something in science but I did not know what. Right now I am a ceramic engineer. (I work with glass and ceramic materials.) At work I learn something new almost every day and I really enjoy it.

Thanks to Sara from Healey Middle School for submitting this question!