Greed is something many of us know all too well; we want the most high-tech iPhone or the brand name jeans or the newest car on the block. We dream about having a lavish lifestyle, that revolves around dining at the nicest restaurants and vacationing at that summer’s hotspot, and many college students, like myself, image our futures so pristine and so extravagant, we almost forget what’s actually important in life. Why are we doing what we are doing? Why are we working so hard and learning so much?

Every event or holiday I attend, I’m always asked what my major is and why I am choosing to study that field? I always answer that question with I’m doing what I’m interested in and what I think will make me happiest because at the end of the day, I don’t care if I’m living in a tiny shack or a penthouse in New York as long as I am intensely happy and truly making a difference. I think creating change in your world and environment and following your dreams is so much more important than how much you have in your bank account. Money won’t make you happy; it can buy you a nice boat or fill up your closet, but money won’t buy you things that matter most: connections with others, genuine friendships, and love from your family.

So don’t sacrifice your morals, freedom, or happiness to make a few more dollars and don’t date someone, just because he can buy you nice things because we can’t let our lives be controlled by a single piece of paper. Experiences and love from the ones you love is so fulfilling and makes you feel rich. I’ve seen so many parents work their lives away, missing their kid’s soccer games and recitals, because they are so consumed with making money to pay for their fancy car and their elaborate house, but I refuse to believe things are more important than people. I refuse to go into a career I don’t love and I won’t allow myself to be surrounded by greedy people, and I will never value things more than actual friendships and relationships. However, I do want to choose my happiness over anything because I have to do what’s right for me by following my dreams and knowing my happiness is one of my highest priorities.