Why are we so quick to judge other students by their major? I have had a shocking number of people make rude comments to me after I told them I was a Graphic Design major. People have asked what my parents thought about it, why I went to an expensive college just for art, and what do I do with all my free time since I have an “easy major.” Another time I was sitting in the library studying, and when someone at my table asked my major, he immediately blurted out a comment. He laughed and told me that I would never find a job or make money. He later said he was joking, but the fact that he felt so compelled to first diminish my major out loud spoke volumes.
I have since changed majors and found that people are much more accepting of my new major, Psychology. It is still not considered as “hard” as other majors, but since it is not as creative as a pure art track, people seem to think it is harder. But people’s negative comments took a toll on me. They led me to second guess my choice and wonder if I was pursuing a dead end job. I constantly was talking to my parents and advisors trying to figure out what to do. Ultimately, I would like to say that others comments didn’t push me to change my major, but I think they were definitely a factor. It is hard to constantly be pushed down just because of the path I wanted to take in life.
This led me to question why people put other majors down. Especially since the negative comments I received were from students at the same school as me. We all had to pass the same standards to get into the school, and then there are additional requirements within the different programs. I even sit in class with some of the people that have made negative comments. Everyone that is at the school has proved that there is something about them that qualifies for them to be on that campus. But still, negative statements were made. I think it’s that people want to feel better about them, but it is not an acceptable excuse.
It is understood that by putting other people’s appearances down, it won’t make your looks any better. In fact, it shines a negative light on you. But for some reason, people are always trying to compare college majors, as if one major is the easiest of them all.
The truth is that every single major is hard in its own way. The artistic majors like graphic design, fine art, fashion design, or theatre are not “easy.” And guess what, you probably couldn’t walk into the art studio during finals week and produce the same quality work that the art majors could. It takes time, practice, and skill to be able to accomplish projects that look effortless. Just because there is not advanced math or sciences involved, does not lessen the process and hard work in any way.
People should be able to go after any major or career they feel fit. The diverse options of majors and jobs make it so that there is a home for everyone. There is a passion for everyone, and that should be celebrated not diminished.
It’s in your best interest to let people pursue whatever major they see best for themselves. You want your doctor to be passionate about their job, or the movies you see to have the best actors. Let's say you start a company a need a logo; you’re going to want a designer that is educated and knows how to create it. God forbid, if you get arrested, you want the best lawyer that actually cares about his or her work to defend you. If you work in a large company, you more than likely will be meeting with other people to collaborate. An advertising campaign encompasses diverse people from photographers, data analysists, campaign managers, and more. You won’t be dealing with only people in your career field for the rest of your life.
Eventually, everything evens out, and no matter your career, you will at some point need to turn to someone with a different career for some form of help. So while we are all in college, don’t feel the need to lessen others achievements and efforts. No major is easy, so respect that. So next time someone tells you his or her major don’t put it down. Instead, compliment them and be kind.
