Although my last year at Western has just begun, I can't help but have graduation on my mind. Not only am I making mental lists of the many things I must do before this bittersweet day arrives, but I am both terrified and excited for what comes after. But as this day creeps closer, I am finding less and less support from those around me, simply based on my choice of major.
America’s definition of success has always been twisted to me. By defining success only by the amount of money one makes in a given year, it is inherently impossible for every individual to be successful. This also shames and devalues the importance of other majors and fields of study that aren't considered to make a lot of money, making it incredibly difficult for students to pursue their interests.
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At this point, I am more than used to hearing how useless my social sciences major will be in the "real world." When I tell people that I will be graduating with a degree in sociology, I have come to expect the pitiful smiles and have learned to temper my own response in order not to come off angry or sarcastic. But why wouldn’t I be angry? Time and time again, I am reminded by my superiors and elders that they do not believe in the path I have chosen. They respond to my major with a concerned smile, and say, “Do you have a backup plan to make real money?” Not only is this incredibly disappointing for someone heading into the ‘big wide world', but I find it incredibly offensive that we base our success in higher education off of the prospect of earning money.
At the end of the day, I have enough reason to believe that where there is passion, there is success. So this is my shout-out to all the individuals who have been told their passions would not lead them to success. To the sociology, psychology, and English majors alike, and to the many college students still finding their passions: keep your heads up -- success is up to us.
