Going to college is a big deal in my family. My dad was forced to take night classes after he had my brother – at a very young age – and my mom never could, so the fact that I could have a regular college experience was a reason to be proud.

When I was in sixth grade, my teacher made us do a life-plan presentation. In it we had to do a collage of the things we wanted to achieve in our life. I still don’t know how they expect us to know these things at the age of 12, but I did it.

I said I wanted to be happy, have kids and be a dentist. Why a dentist? I don’t really know, but I used the same answer for three years. Until one day I realized what I really liked.

It was during my sophomore year in high school when I found out I wanted to study communications. I’ve loved reading for as long as I can remember. I was that girl in the class who can write a 3-page introduction for a research paper in 30 minutes. And I love to talk to people, get to know them, have debates…

I was happy with my choice, but everyone around me was not.

Everyone wanted me to “do better”.

My dad wanted me – I think he still kind of does, to be honest – to be an engineer (it was his dream to graduate as one, but his path took him in a different direction). My brother supported him (he actually graduated as a mechanical engineer).

And my teachers wanted me to dedicate my life to whichever subject they taught me. “You’re good at biology, study medicine”. “You’re good at accounting, why don’t you study economics?”

What pushed them to try to change my mind? Communications is the kind of major that doesn’t get you anywhere in Venezuela (where I grew up). You may find a job in the area, but not with a good enough salary.

I doubted myself for a little bit, but then I realized nothing mattes unless I want it to matter.

So dear seniors in high school, or person who wants to study, don’t let others influence your passion. If you want to be a doctor, don’t let others tell you it’s a lot of work. If you want to pursue a degree in any field, then go for it.

Don’t try to find a “good” major and don’t let others tell you your decision is a “bad” one. Instead, focus on following your passion. Focus on getting a degree that you love so much, it won’t ever feel like you’re working.

Just focus on finding the “right” major and ignore everyone else.