Unlike most college students I dread the question "What is your major?" – not because I am not proud of my degree, but because of what often follows – "What are you going to do with that?", furthered with "Can you make money doing that?"

Every time I receive these questions, while I know giving an answer won't do much to deter the already negative views about my chosen career, I try anyways, watching as curiosity alters to forced smiles.

I can see it in their face – they don't think I am going to make it.

And while I know it isn't purposeful, I can't help but feel a little hurt.

Despite what most people believe, being a dance major isn't all tutus and tiaras. Not only are our days filled with countless hours of dance classes and rehearsals, we are also expected to complete 3-4 hours of cross training every week, along with the requirement of maintaining a 3.0 GPA in all academic classes. In short, our department works very hard – just as hard as all the other departments on campus.

Dance outside of college isn't easy either. No matter the countless hours of practice we put ourselves through, there is always someone younger and better that could steal the job just by walking in the door – alongside the contradictory standards of each ballerina having to be impossibly thin, yet strong.

Admittedly, I understand why people look at my like I have four heads when I confirm I am a dance major. After all, it makes little sense to pursue a career that is accompanied by a significant amount of baggage.

However, I wish people would at least try to avoid questioning the validity of my major based on how much money I will make.

I did not choose to pursue a degree in dance with the hopes of making a lot of money; I chose to pursue it in hopes of using my passion to make a difference – in both my life and the lives of others. I chose this career because I can't imagine a life without dance as a form of expression, an outlet that has allowed me to work through the trials of growing up, such as breakups or stress from school. I chose to pursue this career because it has allowed me to grow as a person and an artist through the opportunities I have been given to explore the capacities of my body and the ways in which I can convey messages that I am passionate about. I chose to pursue this degree because of the thrill I receive from the satisfying applause of audiences and the serene feeling that comes with the stage all to myself surrounded by darkness, ready to be filled with the endless possibilities, I as one dancer, can singlehandedly fulfill.

Despite what people believe, we need people in the arts. Art is healing, enchanting, and makes us see ourselves and the world in different, better ways.

I chose to pursue this career because dance is important to me – not to make money. And so far, I believe I have made the right choice.

And no one can convince me otherwise.