Longed ambitiously
Else clues• Aimed
• Aimed ambitiously
• Aimed for, with to
• Had ambitions
• Had dreams
• Had high hopes
• Hoped for
• Longed
• Reached for
• Set goals
• Sought (after)
• Sought status
• Strived toward
• Strove
• Tried for lofty goals
• Was ambitious
• Yearned