Thanks, But Writing Is So Much More Than A Hobby To Me | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Thanks, But Writing Is So Much More Than A Hobby To Me

You can't have "Kayla" without "writing."

49
Thanks, But Writing Is So Much More Than A Hobby To Me
Kayla Quinn

In the sixth week of my third semester as a Creative Writing major, I still hesitate when people ask me what I'm studying at school.

I'm not one hundred percent sure why that hesitation is there. I know the answer whenever the question is asked; it's crouching at the tip of my tongue, ready to leap out at a moment's notice, but I find myself biting it back.

I know a big part of it is the fear of that dreaded "what are you going to do with that?" or even worse, "I didn't know that was something you could major in". "That" being what most people see as a hobby.

There is truly nothing more discrediting than having someone say to you that your passion is just a hobby, that all the hard work you've put into this thing you love is being passed off as easy skill.

I hate that I'm even a little bit dependent on outside validation. I'm not going to stop what I'm doing because one person, or five people, or hundreds of people don't think I can.

I've always been a good student on paper. My grades in school were good, I always showed up to class, participated, and went the extra mile to make sure I was doing the best work possible.

But it is in my writing classes, the workshops I'm taking, the visiting authors I'm talking to, and the department events I'm attending where I've learned more than any other class before had taught me.

I'm so, so unbelievably lucky to be studying what I love, and I did go into this field knowing that whatever future job I have won't just be "writer". I'm learning creative skills I can take with me in any job I go for.

Writing is part of who I am. Writing these articles every week isn't just a hobby; it's practice, skill-based learning with something I love more than anything else in the world.

I am a creative writing major. It is a real major, not simply a hobby. I am studying to be a writer.

Maybe as soon as I embrace that, the hesitation will go away for good.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

The Unwritten Rules Of "Talking"

What is "talking?" How does one "talk?"

5347
girl holding phone
NYCPRGIRLS

Now that it seems “talking” is the new way to date, and will stay that way until another idiotic term is used to describe the people who can’t settle down and just date someone, I feel as if it’s time to go over the unwritten rules of “talking.”

Rule 1. Having feeling without feeling.

Keep Reading...Show less
The Stages of Having FOMO in College
iamthatgirl.com

Are you one of those people that gets super upset when you miss out on anything? Well, you may have FOMO, or fear of missing out. In college it’s not hard to experience FOMO every once in a while. You just love doing everything and anything, so hen you have to miss out on something it's the worst possible thing in your mind. Whether you’re sick, have to work, or have so much work to do you could cry – FOMO will hit you hard in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774831
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

1556
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments