"So, what're you majoring in?" Ah, the dreaded question that seems to be brought up anywhere and everywhere possible- at family dinners with relatives you haven't seen in years, during those cheesy introduction exercises professors force upon you on the first day of class, and even just running into an old high school teacher. Though I'm in love with the career path I chose, and I'm quite confident in where social work is taking me, there's nothing I hate more than the negative comments and baffled looks I receive after sharing with others what I've decided to do with the rest of my life. No one should feel ashamed of their passion. So, next time you run into a social work student, please consider finding an alternative for the following four comments. (And maybe even throw in a "thank you" because they deserve it)

1. "That's not where the money is"

Wait, really? I had absolutely no idea what the salary of a social worker is. It's not like I really looked into the major I chose, or anything. But seriously, beyond the sarcasm, I think I speak for all social work majors when I say it's not all about the money. Social work may not be the most rewarding job in regards to dollar signs, but changing lives and making the world a little bit of a better place is enough for us. Knowing I'm in love with the field of social work brings me peace when the rest of society is so focused on adding another zero to their salary.

2. "You can't help everyone"

Yes, social workers are completely aware of this. Once you understand that the goal of social work actually isn't to help everyone, you will understand the profession and its purpose all the more. We just yearn to make a difference; whether that means we change one life or a thousand.

3. "I wouldn't have the heart for it"

And that's exactly why you aren't the one pursuing a social work career. Think about it, not everyone "has the heart" for business, pre-med, or teaching. If all of us were passionate about the same profession, that'd be a major problem, right? So yes, a lot of people don't have the heart for social work, which is totally fine. We don't need an abundance of mediocre social workers; but rather, we need a finite amount of outstanding ones with roaring passion.

4. "That seems like an exhausting job"

Isn't every job exhausting after awhile? Sure, social work is a bit more emotionally draining than most other professions, but those going into the field are dedicated and committed from the get-go. If you haven't figured it out yet, social work is one of the most selfless careers out there. That being said, the fact that we may feel burned out, frustrated, and run-down from time to time is completely expected, and guess what? It's even okay to feel that way. Social workers aren't superheroes with the ability to block out the emotions we don't want to feel. We're human and we're allowed to have bad days here and there, too.

Just know that nothing you say to social workers or social work students comes as a surprise. We are aware of all the troubles that come with being a part of the profession. We are also aware that no matter how many struggles come our way, the positive aspects will continue to outweigh the negative. Next time, please have an open mind and heart to those who sacrifice their time and energy day in and day out in order to change lives