There is a spectrum of potential reasons, or Why's, for doing something.
In this understanding, aspiration is a vehicle through which we accomplish an inspiration.
One might say, "I want to help heal people's bodies, so I aspire to be a doctor."
The academic journey of college, and Medical school, is part of the fulfillment of that aspiration, which in turn fulfills the inspiration.
A great deal of resources on this Freeway of Aspirations is to be found in the areas of Job Placement, Occupation Planning, Career goals, Vocational Assessment, Vocational Rehab.