Throughout Thanksgiving, I was faced, as many other students were, with the dreaded question: What do you want to do with your life, Sarah? Well, let me tell you, Odyssey readers: I HAVE NO IDEA.
Upon speaking with my college advisor about my lack of interest in basically any particular major, she told me to analyze my chosen major/minor and everything on my resume, and why I have them. So I did: I am an International Public Policy major (whatever that means), with a minor in Spanish (I can kind of use it drunkenly or to find the bathroom), I write for the Odyssey (mostly just to complain), I am in a sorority (can't make a career out of that), I interned for the FDA (I fetched coffee), and I worked for the YMCA (ya girl needed a summer job to go see Beyonce in concert). So please tell me, Mrs. college advisor, what career track do you see to be suitable for these items? Because I sure as hell can't find it.
And I know what you're thinking: What do I want in life? Obviously, I want the same old mumbo jumbo - to be happy - I don't know about you... but to me, that means unlimited access to mozzarella sticks or buffalo chicken dip, a couple not-bratty kids, a husband that makes me laugh and orgasm, and a job that not only intellectually fulfills me, but most importantly, fulfills my soul and makes me a better person. Is there a major for that?
I have been enrolled in the same track since I was a freshman, but how was I supposed to know what I wanted at 18 years old... when all I had ever known was the small confines of my PA town, when my priorities were limited to finding a prom dress and planning my senior week? And of course, major changes are a thing, but by the time I realized I might not be as excited about my major as I had hoped, it was much too late to change. Changing a major means that a lot of the classes you were previously taking, have all gone to waste now. Hence, more classes, more semesters, and guess what? More money that this girl does not have. So, what's a driven, but lost girl like me to do? All I know about myself is that I like talking to people, I love helping people, and I want to make the world a better place. What courses offer this kind of training? What major prepares me with the steps to nurture these desires?
Engineering, Literature, Theatre, Math, even "making money", etc. - these are all accepted passions... but what about human decency, being good, helping people? Are those fair ambitions? Is that something to strive for? Because, frankly, that is all that I aspire to; that is the only thing that I can think of that will fuel the fire in my heart. Being good, being decent - why isn't that a skill that I can put on my resume? Why aren't their courses taught in empathy, understanding, talking about our damn feelings? In fact, it's almost like these qualities are discouraged.
We are taught to do "whatever it takes" to get that job. Success is the most important thing. And I hate to sound like an annoying white girl who just wants to sing "Kumbaya" and hold hands, but come on - Can we be good people, too? For 18 years, our parents want to make us good people, right? And then, we go to college and learn these cutthroat strategies. Why isn't my empathy a valued skill to an employer? Why am I more marketable if I am overly-competitive or cunning? Why is it that the qualities that give me shame might make me more money, but the qualities over which I gleam with pride are detriments to my worth as an employee? And most of all, why can't I find a major or even a professor who will explain to me why this dynamic exists, let alone, how to possibly overcome it. Undoubtedly, competition is a good and healthy thing, but it should not be the only thing. I am not selfish, cunning, nor contentious... but I am ambitious, zealous, and wholeheartedly determined to do well for myself and for others.. Is that enough for employers? Because it is enough for me.
Perhaps, my talents and passions are not competitive and I have too many feelings to succeed in the corporate business world. Or any job that might make me any real money. And of course, money is important, but in my opinion, it is not most important. What is most important to me? The magnitude of my integrity, the fulfillment of my magnanimous aspirations, the stimulation of my intellect and imagination, and the unconditional love of my family and friends. That is all - I genuinely cannot conjure up anything that I value as much as these things. And I can't imagine that I am the only student on this earth who feels this way, too. And to you people: sorry homies, there ain't a major or career path for us right now. But do not fret, my friends..
A message to any potential Deans or Professors of any university: It would be life-changing if any of you might read this and actually consider creating classes about how to be good. Some of these classes might include: Human Decency 101, Communication and Inclusion at Work 1010, Compassion and Empathy (for all fields) 100, Honorable Success in Business 2010 (PRE: Comm/Inclus. in Bus 1010), Corporate and Government Workplace Rapport 101, Philanthropy and Prosperity 1010 (PRE: Hum Dec 101), Listening Skills 101, etc. I could definitely come up with more.
Most students love school, and a lot of them, although I am not one, do love their majors. However, we are all, as students, forced to take General Education classes that have nothing to do with our chosen fields.. Let's throw in another Gen-Ed class from which all majors can benefit; I mean, after all, honor and integrity aren't exclusive to certain fields or people. But who knows? Maybe 9-5 work days won't be so bad, or corporations will run more smoothly, or hey, maybe we as students might even start to truly love our majors if we learn how to succeed honorably in them. Just a thought.
