"Don't worry, you can always change your major."
Every college student has heard that sentence about a thousand times. If you've been in college for any amount of time, you know changing your major is easier said than done and stressed over. However, sometimes changing your major or picking up another minor opens doors you didn't see just yet. This happened to me, and I am so glad it did.
When I started college, I was a theatre major. In the middle of my sophomore year, I panicked. I thought that I was going to be living in my car forever, so I switched to English. I instantly felt better. I still didn't know what direction I was going, but now I was on the road to being...a teacher? What could I do with an English degree anyway? (Hint: a lot of stuff, I just didn't know it yet.)
The Inspiration
It took years for the realization of my desired career to hit me, but the process began in 2009, when I saw "The Proposal." Sandra Bullock as Margaret Tate was my new hero. I had no idea about anything in the publishing business, but as soon as she walked on screen, I knew I had to be her, ASAP.
Look at her. She smirks power. I'm in my 20s now, and I still don't think I could wear such a slick pony tail with that much confidence. She does this all while sipping her unsweetened, cinnamon light-soy lattes. I went to bed dreaming of people IM-ing each other, "The witch is on her broom" when I walked into the office. (That's normal, right?)
It was somewhat decided. I definitely had to go to college so I could become Margaret Tate. My plans became a little more refined a few years later on a lazy Saturday watching TV. Somehow, I'd made it through my entire middle school and most of high school life without seeing "The Devil Wears Prada."
The experience was similar to when I saw "The Proposal." But when Meryl Streep entered as Miranda Priestly, I got visible chills. This was Margaret plus an upgrade. Even the coffee demand got an upgrade.
What really made me idolize her was the moment where she schools everyone on the entire runway-to-department store process.
"...it's sort of comical how you think that you've made a choice that exempts you from the fashion industry when, in fact, you're wearing the sweater that was selected for you by the people in this room from a pile of stuff."
That my future career choice was inspired by two movie characters might seem silly to some, but it really shaped what I wanted for myself. Of course I don't want to become so egotistic that coffee becomes more important than people's lives, but to be self-supporting and so self-assured would be fantastic.
The Reason
After I changed my major, I got a job as a tutor. I helped people learn the different formatting styles, as well as basic grammar rules. Working side-by-side with the authors only added to the uniqueness of the job. I felt a sense of responsibility I'd never felt before. When I realized I could do this important work and possibly get to dress like Margaret and Miranda, I was sold.
Needless to say, I'm incredibly excited about being a writer for Odyssey. The editors here have helped me so much already. I can't wait to learn more and see what opportunities are ahead!
