I'm susceptible to criticism in the public eye more than others as my major basically implies that I need to be constantly judged. I don't mind it; honestly I'm used to it. But there are some parts of my life outside of the performing arts world that are also subject to criticism.
It's currently 11 p.m. on a Friday night and I'm going through my typical weekend night routine. I'm in bed watching TV and my boyfriend is at work. Our lives have transitioned into opposing schedules; I work during the day, he works through the night. Regardless of it being the school year or summer, the schedule continues. When I mentioned parts of my life being especially susceptible to criticism, this is where it happens the most. Some of my peers love to throw this in my face as if I don't understand what I signed up for. Yes, it's my boyfriend's job to serve young women drinks, and no, he doesn't work just for "fun money."
To some, surviving college means working. While I chose my series of jobs, my boyfriend chose his. And while I do sometimes sit here and think "Wow, this sucks," I'm proud of him for sticking through it. By the end of his shift, he reeks of beer and cigarettes, it's 5 a.m., his body is exhausted, and all that tip money goes towards tuition, dog food and car payments (I know, crazy).
While his job may be out of the norm, and while I don't recommend that every student pursues this dream, the fact of the matter is that this is life.
College life is not cheap and the restaurant industry pays.
Not every choice your partner chooses will be your favorite. Opposite lives like my and my boyfriend's test patience.
There's no doubt it's hard, but it's not impossible.
As Kelly Clarkson preaches, "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger," and situations like this are the perfect example.
