I am an RTF (Radio/Television/Film) major, and I've learned that when you're a part of the College of Communication and Creative Arts, everyone has their own opinion of what you really do and sometimes it can be frustrating. If you study something creative, there are a few things that you experience because of your major.

1. When people ask you ‘What are you going to do with that?’

It always pains me to have to answer this question. Just like any other major, you don't know exactly what job you will do. Some people end up in completely different fields than what they studied.

2. When you're expected to have a “backup plan”

Again, I don’t have to double major in math or history just so I can feel safe from unemployment. A Lot of people even in high-demand fields have trouble finding a job.

3. When you have to take STEM classes that you could not care less about

Like, in what life scenario am I going to need to know that the Mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell? For some reason, I still remember that. I would rather my brain be filled with actually useful information.

4. When you have to shell out a million dollars for the equipment or software that you need

Usually, software is discounted for students but I would rather not take out a loan just to be able to afford a camera and a microphone. God forbid it breaks, because that would just absolutely ruin your retirement fund.

5. "Are you going to be famous or something?"

Even though I feel like most RTF majors hope to be recognized in some way it would be ridiculous for us to expect to be the next Spielberg. And, no, I’m not signing a napkin because you think you may make money off of it 30 years into the future.

6. "How many languages do you know?"

I am terrible at learning languages, but when you tell people you study communications, they think it is interchangeable with linguistics.

7. "Can you draw me/put me in a video?"

What makes you think I’m going to prove my skills to you by using you as my focus? I don’t have to prove anything to you.

8. When your professor says ‘Make a video/art for my class’

This is usually the worst work in the world because, for the most part, the topic they give you is the most boring thing ever, but the professor thinks they are doing you a favor by forcing you to use something you are good at to work on something so cringeworthy.

9. “What city are you moving to after you graduate? Jobs for you are only in the city.”

A lot of jobs in communications can be in the city but most of the time (thanks to technology), much of it can be done over the phone or at home. The notion that business revolves around city life is completely false.

10. When people think you're lazy for picking a communications major

I picked my major because it's something that I am interested. Engineers think the same way. To believe I am taking the easy way out is complete garbage, because most of the time people in communications have to rely on their creativity while a lot of other majors simply have to rely on memorization and instructions to get them the degree.

No matter what your major is, there are always misconceptions that people have. It's up to you to change their perspective concerning how important you can really be. Make sure you do not what makes everyone else happy, but also what satisfies you.