Growing up, I’ve never been good at math or science. Not only have I not been good at it, I was never really interested in it. I always assumed I had to be a doctor or engineer to “fit in” with what society expects of me.
I forced myself to like biology and anatomy in high school, trying to convince myself this is what I was meant to do. I tried so hard to accept the fact that I was meant to be a doctor just so I could fit in, talk to my peers and be able to relate to what they were going through.
After many failed attempts of trying to enjoy math and science, I realized I needed to do something else, something I’m good at, and more importantly, something that makes me happy.
Walking down the street and when someone notices I am Indian, they immediately assume I’m studying medicine or engineering. When I politely say no, their next guess is law or business. Even then, I refuse and am hesitant to mention my field of study: English.
As soon as I mention what I’m studying, I get a “look”. It’s similar to a look of disapproval or a slight smirk. Most of the time it’s a confused reaction.
While I hesitantly smile and give my reasoning, I stop and ask myself, “Why am I explaining to you why my major is important?” I know what I want to do out of it. I don’t need to prove myself to anyone who questions me.
It goes against the stereotype of what is expected and it’s something I always have had a hard time accepting, because it’s “different”.
At this point in my life, I am used to the reactions of “What are you going to do with that?” and “Really? That’s different.”
Since when did my ethnicity determine what I should do with my career?
I’ve come to a realization that it doesn’t matter if it is a stereotype or what someone expects of me, I’m doing what makes me happy.
I know the right people will always support my decisions and judging someone based on their major doesn’t determine how intelligent they are.
Everyone has different skills and different mindsets.
Some people will kill to see you fall, bring you down, and even discourage you, but all you have to do is have a positive mindset and when they say you can’t do it, just turn around and say “watch me”.
Because ultimately, the world is yours. It’s your life to live and nobody else’s.
