As college students, we are faced with many tough decisions. From the more casual decisions (Should I go to class today or get 2 more hours of sleep?) to the more serious, life-changing decisions (Should I have a more steady job or follow my passion, living paycheck to paycheck?). There is an emphasis on how college is supposed to be the time where you “figure stuff out”, so to speak, and do it fast, before time runs out. And don’t forget, you have to not only “follow your dreams”, but also please your family, be financially stable, and find something you actually excel at. Most of the time, these categories do not even overlap. It is stressful, to say the least, to pick which category you are going to give into the most.

Even without the influence of a worrisome parent, I have found that many students have an internal struggle, and even fear, of not being able to provide for their children what their parents have provided for them, and they feel that they have to sacrifice their own dreams in order to live a better, stable life. While all of these concerns are certainly with warrant, I feel as if a lot of us are missing the main point. Whatever religion you practice, or life mantra you follow, most of us believe that there is some greater purpose to life. Some believe it is to spread their belief system to the masses. Some believe it is to find your bliss. Some believe, it’s to maximize your pleasure while on earth. Whatever you believe, there is a common thread that holds all of these purposes together: happiness, fulfillment, and altruism.

1. That you, yourself are happy and spread happiness to those around you. 2. That you are content. Everyone strives for satiation, whether it is in matters of love, food, career, spirituality, or something else. We all want to feel full. 3. That you create the same effect among other people, or “share your bliss” with those you love and care about. Most of us find contentment in making others feel content (“Your happiness is my happiness. Your sorrow is my sorrow.” type stuff). I honestly believe that the only way to achieve all three of these main points is by first doing for yourself, and then by helping others.

If I lost you at “bliss” let me give you a short version of what I’m trying to say: you will never find happiness if you are constantly trying to please others. If your passion is music, yet you settle for a desk job to be financially stable and to appease your parents, you might think you are doing the smart thing, but in the long run, it might not be. You will never truly be happy sitting at a desk all day and the “what ifs” will constantly be nagging at you, creating an internal un-fulfillment and sadness, which will ultimately radiate to the people around you. While the money might be able to provide you with temporary happiness, like luxurious cars and fancy suits, it will never provide you with long-term, satiating happiness. If you, however, were to follow your passion, although it might be harder temporarily, in the long-term, you will be more fulfilled.

Isn’t there a quote that goes something like “do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life”? You might be constantly searching for gigs and always tight on cash, but if you love what you do, you will be happy no matter how much money you have, and that will attract happiness in other aspects of your life. It is the law of attraction: “like attracts like.” Be happy, and you’ll attract happiness. Be sad, and attract sadness.

Now, please don’t get me wrong. I’m not, by any means, saying to drop out of college and join a rock band. An education will always be beneficial to you, regardless of what you choose to do with your life. But, if you are on the fence between choosing to major in your passion or a quote on quote “smart” major, maybe you should take a chance on yourself. Afterall, life is what you make of it, and you only have one life on earth to make your mark on the world. Don’t waste it on attempting to appease others or on following the crowd.