First things first, I’m not a writer. I’m an art major, yet here I am. You’re probably wondering, "What is an art major doing writing articles on Odyssey?" Well that’s just it. The way I see it, Odyssey is an opportunity, not only for me but for everyone. It’s a chance to let voices be heard that normally wouldn’t be heard. It’s also a chance for people to connect and for us to learn from each other and about each other. Everyone one has their own personality and their own views and when we bring those together we can create a masterpiece.

RuPaul once said “Life is about using the whole box of crayons.” I like this quote because it can relate to life in general or things within our own lives. In the first sense, if you think about it, no two crayons in a single box are identical. Some may be similar but no two the same. And that goes for people as well. Everyone is different in their own way and that’s how it should be. Life would be boring and very unoriginal if everyone was the same. When we all bring our own uniqueness to the table that’s when life becomes beautiful. Just like in a painting or sculpture, the more colors and textures there are the more people that will be drawn to look at it.

Now, going from that note, it’s good to be different and to be unique but on the other hand, people need to start living their lives according to themselves. George Bernard Shaw once said “Life isn’t about finding yourself, it’s about creating yourself.” I couldn’t agree more with him. Life is full of choices and too often do we get pushed in these choices by circumstances or other peoples’ influences.

Now I’m not saying be selfish and that the whole world revolves around you, I’m saying that in some choices, such as our futures and what we want to do with them should be made with ourselves in mind. Going through high school and college can put a lot of pressure on people because everyone is telling us that we have to decide our futures in one single decision and it has to be good so we don’t mess up the rest of our lives. And even sometimes once we choose what we want to do, people criticize our decisions and tell us that we will fail life that way. I know this from first-hand experience.

Ever since I was a young kid I was into art and drawing. I suppose I knew that art was for me even back then but growing up I never put much thought into it. At least, not until high school came and people told me that I needed to decide what to major in for college. I had taken almost every art class possible in high school and the more I thought about it I thought it would be amazing to major in art because that’s what I love doing. I thought this was a good idea until I had people telling me that it was a horrible decision, that I wouldn’t find a job, or one that paid well and that I would end up on the streets trying to do my art. And like anyone would be, I was scared that I would end up like that.

Before college came I was about to go into physical therapy because I thought it was the adult decision and it would be a steady job. Well I have news for people; don’t make decisions to make other people happy. I thought about my choice at hand and decided that I was going to do art because that’s what I enjoy. I want to love my career even if it means not making a ton of money or having the best living conditions.

But honestly, truth is, there’s so much to do in the art field that people don’t see. You can be a photographer, painter, sculptor, work in the graphic arts, do animation, interior design, architecture, etc. Think about it. Who do you go to for weddings, graduations, senior pictures and other big events when you need beautiful pictures taken? What about when you are building a house or redecoration or doing renovations in your house? Or ever think about the work that goes into every advertisement that you see every day? Or all the amazing movies, animated and live action.

So many people don’t realize that art surrounds every aspect of their lives in some way or another. One of my all-time favorite quotes is “Earth without ‘art’ is just ‘eh’.” This is so incredibly true! If there was no such thing as art, life would be so boring, dull, and lifeless. And with that said, I hope to put the importance of art in perspective for people for those in the field to take pride in what they do, and for those not in the field to appreciate it more.

When it all comes down to it, life is short. And it’s especially too short to do anything that isn’t making you happy and enjoy life. When the power ball was up super high and everyone was buying tickets like mad I heard so many people talking and asking what others would do if they won. Of course you get the people that talk about how they would quit their jobs and but this and that and all of this other stuff but when I was asked I thought about it. I’m happy with my life and even if I would have won the money I probably wouldn’t change much about my life at all. I would still be going to my school and studying animation trying to get my dream job and doing all of it with the same people by my side.

The way I saw it, was that was a good question to ask people to see if they are happy with the way their life is. I mean sure, living situations and schooling and finances are difficult for me and many others but besides those things I think that’s a good way to see if you’re making choices to better yourself and your life. If not, you know that you need to make some changes. As said by so many people, we are in control of our happiness. I guess what I want to get across in this article is probably cheesy and overheard but not always followed. Follow your dreams and ambitions people. In the end of the day, you are the one living with yourself and your decisions, so why not do the best that you can?

And one last thing, keep your options open, take new opportunities, and break your comfort zones. Like I said in the beginning, I’m not a writer yet here I am. When asked if I wanted to be a writer for Odyssey my initial reaction was to say no and make excuses. But when I thought about it, I realized that this can be a new opportunity for me to expand my horizons and so far, just in writing this first article I can see that this is going to be one of the great decisions of my life.

So I leave you with the question; Are you happy with where you are taking your life? If yes, congratulations! If no, then try to think about why not, and do what you can to change that to a yes. Remember, you are the one in control of your life, so make it a great one!