I’m an english major. & yes, I do want to be a writer.
Well, actually I’m a communications major with minors in creative writing and social media. But if I wasn’t already in too deep, you bet I would have switched to english. Anyway, that’s beside the point.
Whenever someone asks me where I go to school & what for they visibly show the rollercoaster of opinions on their face. “Wow! UMichigan is such a great school! You’re going to be so rich and successful!” quickly transitions to disappointment when I tell them I want to be a writer. I was even once asked why I wasted my money going to Michigan for “that.” Way to make me feel good about throwing all of my hard earned money down the drain. Thanks!
& honestly, I resent that. I’d much rather spend every cent I have on doing something I enjoy rather than drudging through microbiology (no hate if you’re into that, just not for me). But really, where is this look of disapproval coming from anyway? What? I won’t be a millionaire. Darn. Or is it just that people think I’m too dumb to study something else. Maybe next time I should respond “I want to be an english professor, but I also got a 5 on my AP calculus test” when asked what I want to be.
I guess I just wish that people would be happy for me for finding something I really enjoy, rather than being disappointed because it doesn’t live up to what they think is sufficient.
& I know I’m not the only person who feels this way.
How about we try to celebrate passion over success. enjoyment over notability. Give it a try?
