1. "You better find a rich husband!"

Why. Why. Why. Why would you tell me that!? First off, I'm not going into social work for the money. I am absolutely in love with my major and I wouldn't trade that for the highest paying job in the world. To me, money really isn't everything. Second, social workers with a masters degree can make anywhere from 50 to 70 thousand dollars a year! Let me put that in perspective for you. Almost 66 percent of Americans earn less than $41,212 a year, so yeah, I think we're doing OK.

2. "Are you sure you can handle all of that?"

Are you sure you can handle sticking your fingers in some kid's mouth every day? Are you sure you can handle sitting behind a desk and doing paper work every day? Then yes, I am sure I can handle social work. Like I said before, I'm in love with my major. I don't know a social work major who isn't passionate about social work. And of course I will come across some heart wrenching situations but a social worker's job is to help people out of those situations. I look forward to the joy that will come from helping others. Not to mention the amount of training and education I will be receiving that will prepare me for any professional or emotional challenges. I will be overly prepared for anything the field throws at me so please stop asking.

3."Why would you want to take babies from their families?"

This is the most frustrating thing for a social work major EVER. 1) Not all social workers work with children. There are so many fields outside of child protective services! 2) Social workers in child protective services are not "baby snatchers"! They aren't just tearing a family apart for no reason. The social worker always has the best intentions for the child and family. 3) Educate yourself on the career before you start accusing someone of something so horrible. My major is incredible and if you give it a chance I promise you'll respect it too.

4. "Wow... you must be like a really good person?"

As a fellow social work major always says, "I'm a social worker... not Mother Teresa!" I'm not pursuing social work to have a reputation as a "good person." I'm pursuing social work to make a difference. I'm a normal person that has a passion for helping others. Don't get me wrong, this isn't the worst thing someone's told me but I also don't want anyone putting me on higher pedestal because of my major. Everyone, regardless of major, is striving for success and to make a difference.

5. "There's so much burnout in the field... Are you ready of that?"

I'm going to spend at least five years in school and thousands of dollars to spend the rest of my life doing something I love. I don't plan to burn out and I don't appreciate your lack of confidence in me. I don't go around telling biology majors they need a plan b career because they won't be able to handle their profession for a long period of time so why is it fair for someone to tell me how I'll handle my career? If I haven't said it enough, I'm in love with my major. I am passionate about social work. Stop trying to change my mind and start supporting me, it'll make both of our lives easier.