The most frequent question I’ve heard since I got to college is, what’s your major?

I answer: Journalism. I say it strong, proudly and confidently.

The responses usually vary and it almost always usually depends on the person. If it’s a fairly good human, I get an “Oh, okay cool. Good for you.” Or “What do you want to do with that?”

I appreciate those people. Shout out to y’all. (Yes, ‘y’all’ is a coherent word in my vocabulary and I will forever continue to use it and get it marked off in every essay ever. Hey, Texas girl!)

It’s the ones who all of a sudden seem to become real-world experts and begin with their senseless questionnaire. They begin in their condensing voices asking if I ever thought about a more “reliable” career? Isn’t that a dying field, they ask? Do I know how difficult a career in Journalism can be or if I realize how financially unstable I may become? Or, if I took the easy way out of college because every other major was too difficult?

Sometimes, I wonder if their egos are pressing too hard into their skulls where they can’t hear how ignorant they sound.

Of course, I’ve thought about these things. I don’t know many people who go into journalism for the money. But I do know people who go into journalism because it’s a passion. What people fail to realize is that there is no such thing as a guaranteed job when you graduate college. Whether you’re an accounting major or a theater major – nothing is ever guaranteed to you. Not your precious salaried waged job or your starring role on Broadway. It’s just not how it works.

I realize sometimes you may genuinely think you’re helping me or saving me from a big mistake. I can’t be angry for that and in a way I understand. But even if I am making a big mistake, let me find out for myself. If I fall flat on my face. It’s fine, but at least I tried. And I’ll just keep trying.

To those who don’t think Journalism is important:

If I’ve learned anything in my two years of college, it is that your degree doesn’t really mean anything, and what I mean by that is that you have to work hard to get where and what you want. Nobody is going to hire me because of my shiny new diploma – whether it’s in mathematics or creative writing. They’re going to hire me on my people and communication skills, my experience and my knowledge in my field. My degree may make me an asset but it’s not mine or your golden key to everything.

I’m working. I’m working to make myself valuable. I currently have four different writing jobs. I’m learning how to use different design programs and photography. I’m enriching myself in media and what I want to do and yet you ask if I took the easy way out? I was lucky enough to find a major and a career that I love. Every occupation is different – but don’t you dare undermine my career choice because it doesn’t fit your standards.

Journalism is not dead. Digital media is at an all-time peak, so I have no idea what you mean when you say journalism is a dying field. So many reporters risk their lives every day just to tell you what new tragedy has hit the world stage. Yet, my major isn’t valuable to you? How?

I think Journalism is for a specific kind of people. I’ve barely gotten my feet wet, but I love the way a newsroom works. I enjoy meeting so many different personalities during interviews. I enjoy telling stories and the process of it coming together. There’s never really any days off, whether I’m brainstorming story ideas, editing, writing, or covering an event – and I love it.

I’m excited for the career path I choose. That’s why I’m a journalism major. Now, stop asking.