I'm surprised it has taken me this long to actually write this. Let's be honest, though...I have been thinking about it since the first day I knew I would be getting a degree in Journalism.
I've thought of a million ways to kindly ask someone to just shut up, but I've come to this conclusion: You're not being kind when telling me that "I'm entering a dying field," or that "I have it way easier than everyone else."
After all, I have put in a lot of consideration on what I want do for the rest of my life. And that may not mean that I'm going to complete Medical school and become a trauma surgeon. I may not be making hundreds of thousands of dollars in the engineering field or doing ground-breaking research to build the next rocket. I don't want to be an Attorney, and I surely don't want to do anything that I'm not passionate about. So, just because I haven't found the cure for the common cold during my time in college, does not make my education any less valuable than yours.
I don't knock your passions. Don't knock mine.
So, here are my thoughts and advice to you:
1. Stop assuming you know everything about my field. Especially if you are not a part of it.
Yes, I'm a journalism major.
Before you go on, yes I know "what I'm getting myself into."
Dying field? No. Changing field? Yes.
That is all I'm going to say.
2. The best way to end a good conversation is by saying "You're taking the easy way out."
Person: What are you studying in college?
Me: Journalism.
Person: *laughs* I wish I was doing something that easy. I have a huge Organic Chemistry exam to study for.
*end of conversation* (jerk.)
3. News flash: you are not superior.
CONGRATS! You made an 87 on the hardest Chemistry test you have ever taken, or your professor just gave you extra credit in Calculus III. Try to meet my deadline for the four stories I have set to run in the paper next week. Then we can talk about you being superior.
4. It is not as easy as you think.
Deadlines on deadlines.
Interviews upon more interviews.
Edits...more edits.
So, remember all of this next time you have a conversation with a communications major. Are your pre-med classes going well for you? Fabulous. But don't bring me down in order to feel that you are greater. If you find that those classes don't support your strengths, but instead promote your weaknesses, maybe give something else a try. But, DO NOT major in Communications because you think it is the easy way out. Do it because you're passionate.
