Yes, I decided to come to Lehigh, a predominantly business and engineering school.

Yes, I am taking classes that are enjoyable yet challenging.

Yes, I am a journalism major.

Yes, I am a real student with real goals, a hard work ethic, and determination.

Yes, I have feelings too.

And yes, I am just as able and intelligent as those engineers, doctors and businessmen.

It is shocking and definitely frustrating how many times people have physically reacted to me saying that I want to major in journalism. I have had people ask me why I chose to attend Lehigh of all places because this school is known for its success with business and engineering. I have had people laugh in my face because they don't believe journalism could possibly get me anywhere in life. I have had people look at me with skepticism and almost with pity, as if they are afraid to break it to me that I will struggle to find a job and be well off in the future. I have had people give their opinions of doubt and anxiety for me, even though my education is my choice, my future and my life.

It was reassuring to know that I had the support, confidence, and respect from the people closest and most important to me. My parents have always wanted what is best for me and my future. Naturally they pushed me to focus on mathematics and the sciences. Although it took some time, they approved of my decision to pursue journalism because they noticed that the hard work I put in delivered successful results and they wanted me to be enthusiastic about what I was learning.

I chose to follow my interests and passions, to study and work towards what I truly want to do. I am aware of possible failures or obstacles, but struggles in life are inevitable and I have to learn to overcome them on my own. I would rather do what I love and be happy, even if it means I'm not wealthy and living luxuriously. Granted, it would be nice to have no financial worries, to have a huge fancy house, to have a beautiful car, to have all the luxuries I wanted. But that's not what life is all about. I can be just as wealthy and successful, and probably much happier. I don't need the money to prove my success or intelligence.

Throughout high school, I struggled to manage my stress with my social life, sleep and extracurricular activities. I was frustrated because I was expected to take classes I didn't enjoy and learn topics I found no interest in. I had to take the SATs, the ACTs, and other standardized tests. I was never a good test taker, but I was always able to put in the work and eventually understand what I was learning. I personally don't think standardized tests do a good job of evaluating intelligence or ability.

Jobs in the real world require hands-on experience, interpersonal skills and quick thinking. These skills cannot be shown or learned through tests. My journalism and economics double major with a business minor will give me the knowledge and skills to be successful in the work field and in my personal life. I am finally taking classes that I really love about topics that I'm passionate about. I have noticeably less stress now because I'm not worried about grades. I know my grades don't define my intelligence, and I have accepted that it's okay to not excel in everything.

I am excited about the future and my continued progress with my major in journalism. Who knows what I will experience, who I will encounter, and where I will end up. I have the motivation and determination to discover and gain more knowledge for my academic success. Lehigh offers me an enriched and diverse education, as well as resources from professors and peers to better myself as a person and student.

At this point in my life, I really couldn't ask for anything more.