Every time I tell someone my major, I get a look of skepticism followed annoyingly by the exact same questions. Every single time. I get that people do not understand what a performance degree is, and I am a big pusher of "educate before you hate," so I have come up with the seven most used questions, the appropriate responses, and alternative questions that should be asked, instead of the insulting questions people think to ask.

1. "What do you plan to do with a (insert performance focus) degree?

The day I stop encountering this question is the day I accomplish world peace on my own. Obviously, I intend to perform, whether it be in a classroom, on a stage, or in front of a group of people while giving a presentation. In my opinion, performance degrees are the most applicable degree to take with you as you enter the work force. We have the ability to schmooze and charm our way through tough situations and the ability to improvise and think on our toes. Not to mention the great ability to look effortless while doing so.

Alternative question to ask: "What is your dream job?" or "What would be your ideal job when you enter the work force?"

2. "That is the easiest degree, because you don't have to write any papers, right?"

Of course we have to write papers. We have to write papers on books such as The Empty Space by Peter Brook, which any non-performer would find confusing to read. We also have to write papers over countless plays we have to see and scripts we have to read. Not to mention the assignments we have for classes like Oral Interpretation, Script Analysis and Dramatic Literature and Criticism to name a few.

Alternative question to ask: "What sort of classes do you take?"

3. "That sounds easy; all you do is act out plays right?"

If your definition of "act out plays" involves the hours of scene analysis, memorization, rehearsal and critiques that we get from our peers, professors and director; then yes. We have to analyze every sentence we say, every movement we make, as well as who the character we are portraying really is. We have to develop a "sense of self" for our character, while breaking down the characters psyche. Every thought or action made by the character must have a purpose, and we are responsible for finding that purpose.

Alternative question to ask: "That sounds intense. What kind of work goes into your skill?"

4. "At least you don't have to do math."

Ha! I didn't realize you were a comedian! We have to fulfill a technical aspect of performance, which usually involves working in the scene shop. Fun fact: carpentry, even in the smallest amount, involves a lot of math. There is a reason carpenters always say "measure twice, cut once." You also have to pay attention to the fact that the blade of a saw will take off at least 1/8 of an inch. And creating the perfect arch to go above "Up right, door 3" takes quite a bit of calculation, especially if it needs to be replicated numerous times.

Alternative question to ask: "Do you take the required math classes?"

5. "So you will basically be some sort of waitress your whole life."

Not necessarily, but I love your show of confidence in me. There are a ton of different jobs that performance majors can acquire. Performance degrees involve the ability to charm, entertain, think on your feet, be well spoken. I am also very handy with tools, extremely creative, and well versed in Literature, all while being able to act my way through any conversation. Need an example? Currently, I am acting like I care about what you have to say about my career path. This is fun, right?

Alternative questions to ask: "What kind of jobs do your peers who have graduated, currently have?"

6. "Did you ever think of minoring in performance, so that you could earn a degree that can get you a job?"

I have never really followed the idea of "Major in what you're good at; Minor in what you love." Besides, every degree, whether in biology or micro-economics, is going to face a difficult transition in to the working world. There isn't a single degree out there, that guarantees every person who earns it an immediate job. Luckily, my chosen degree offers me plenty of options as to jobs where my performance degree will be of use. If I have bad luck finding a job where I can perform on stage, there are tons of jobs that will allow me to perform in a board room or in front of a class. But please, tell me how many options your bio-genetics"degree will offer you when you start looking for a job.

Alternative questions to ask: "What is your minor?" "How do you plan to use your minor to help further your career in your intended field?"

7. "What is your back up plan?"

Back up? Well, I actually plan to be "back up" on Beyonce's 2017 world tour, but that is a secret I'm not supposed to tell yet. No, but really. What is the answer you are looking for? What can I say to you that will get you to go pick on someone else? Is stripping the answer you want? What about the term "exotic dancer?" Will those make you stop questioning what I am going to do with my life? Obviously I plan to perform, and I see my degree as having a wide range of opportunities that can fulfill my every hope and dream. So no, I do not have a back up plan; but I also don't think I really need one. I am still in college, working on earning this degree. I don't think I need to think about my back up plan until I get closer to my senior year. Until then, I am going to continue believing that I have what it takes to be a successful performer.

Alternative question to ask: "What is your dream performance job?" "How can I help you to ensure you achieve all of your hopes and dreams?"