College is an incredible experience, full of learning and preparation for one's future career. While people go to college for different reasons, many majors suffer criticism that they don't deserve. As a dance major, I am constantly being questioned, poked and prodded about my "creative" college major and whether it's a good idea or not. While I am sure that many of these people mean well and are only concerned for my future financial stability, there are certain things that I'm tired of being told. This post goes out to my fellow arts friends: here are the things I wish people would stop saying to us.

1. "Oh, ____! What are you going to do with that degree?"

2. "You realize how competitive that field is, right?"

Thank you so much. I had no idea that I would have to work for my career just like non-arts majors do. You have opened my eyes.

3. "Big breaks in art are one in a million."

I am fully aware that I most likely won't become a millionaire from this career, but I will get to spend my life doing what I love. How many people can say that?

4. "I just couldn't do what I love for work, I would get so tired of it!"

Many people dream of doing something they feel passionate about as a career!

5. "Ah, so you're working on your Mrs. Degree!"

This is one that women in the arts get all the time. Just because we aren't going into something with millions of years of college tied to it doesn't mean that we're at school at find a spouse.

6. "So you're going to be a teacher."

While teaching is a very important job and I admire anyone who goes into it, the only option for people with arts degrees isn't teaching.

7. "How do you expect to support a family/pay the bills/make a fortune doing that?"

This comment assumes that dreams of a family and being a billionaire are present in every person who goes to college. These assumptions are wrong.

8. "Are you sure that field is right for you?"

Not only can this imply that someone doesn't think that going into the arts is a good idea, but can imply that they think you aren't good enough at what you're studying to succeed. Ignore these people.

At the end of the day, I am the one who decides what I want to study and what direction I want to take my future in. Well-meaning advice is one thing, but shaming another for their choice of major is unacceptable. Remember that you will become very familiar with your subject of choice, and that doing something you hate out of fear that you'll be unsuccessful in the arts is a surefire way to resent your coursework. The decision is yours: chase whatever you desire.