When you're an art student it can be hard making art that's assigned, not inspired, however it's still yours but not your idea. It's hard seeing the look on other's faces when you say you're majoring/focusing in art. You know the look; the polite, fake smile while behind it you know they're wondering how you'll ever get by. It's hard being in an art class, looking around and seeing other students who are way more advanced than you are when you're trying to better yourself. It's hard being placed into the stereotype that all are students are weirdos. But this is the life of an art student.

For those who know me, I have such a deep appreciation for art that burns within my soul, and hurts but also is satisfactory enough for me to never give it up no matter what people think or say. Which brings me to today. I was recently told by my parents that I need to pick a different career path other than art because they think I'm wasting my time taking art classes that, in the end, won't transfer and wont matter. My parents have always been supportive of my art, but thought of it as just a hobby of mine. Now that they're realizing this is what I want to do for the rest of my life, that seemed to rattle their cage. But they're right, art is a really hard field to get into and you have to be really good at what you do if you're going to make some money. But I don't care. I'm so discouraged because my biggest fear is settling for a job that I hate and am miserable in but get's me by. I'd much rather be scraping by doing something that I love for the rest of my life. So for those of you who are in the same or even similar situation as me, here's what I have to say:

No.

I don't have to pick a different career path if I already love what I'm doing. I don't have to give up what I love most because society says it doesn't pay the bills. I don't have to settle for a career I'm going to hate. I don't have to be ashamed when people ask me what I'm majoring in. I don't have to conform to this glorious cubical idea that society has made to look like the promised land. I don't have to compromise for my happiness when I already know the key to it. I say no.

You can do whatever you want to do in life. You don't have to settle into a job you hate just cause it pays the bills. You don't have to give up what you love because your friends, parents, or society tells you so. Do not lose sight of what's important of life. Because if you let it go you will never get it back. Don't let go of the things that are a part of you. Live your life the way you want it to be lived.