I'm honestly glad to have found my passion, that started off as a hobby, through high school. Growing up I was always into the arts, such as dancing, singing, drawing little comics, and all. So I feel it wasn't a coincidence finding myself in the field. I would be lying though if I said I didn't subconsciously feel like I would end up having to choose a STEM job at some point growing up. Luckily I had the support systems that I did including friends and parents, and it drove me to perfect my craft that I have today, which is music. Music won my heart ninth grade year and blossomed into my favorite thing to do and soon to hopefully live off of. And I can honestly say I'm not sorry for it either.

Not one bit. This is something that made me happy every time I did it and I ended up working past the fear of not being able to do it and just started putting my all into everything I do. Even telling people that you want to be a painter, dancer, singer, musician, etc. as a male gives certain people this sort of look of disbelief like it can't happen, as compared to a STEM-oriented job that would apparently result in a stable career and life. The Arts aren't honored as much as having a STEM job already. Some like to hear that you're going to become a Financial Advisor rather than an astounding actor. Especially for males. It's almost as if there's some kind of pressure from some in our society that being in a STEM job seems to be the better result for you and the outcome of your future, whereas being in an arts-oriented job can seem unstable and somewhat risky. Yet it's as if people forget that the people they listen to on the radio, the photography they like to view, and everything arts related has very successful people. A good amount being men too. It's still a mystery to me why artists are adored so much yet when said they want to be one, it's like they're told they can't do it, or it wouldn't be smart. Now that is not everybody. Obviously, many, many people support their friends, family, favorite artist, and more in all of their endeavors. Yet it doesn't feel as honored as being supported in a STEM job feels, at least to me. Though I've had support to do whatever I want to do in life, I can't say that's the same for everybody.

For the men, and anybody, out there that would like to pursue a career in arts, go for it. Don't settle for doing anything less, but know that it's a grind and there's a lot of sacrifices that come with it. For my males, don't let anybody tell you that you have to be an engineer, be in the military, work an IT job, if you really have something arts related you want to pursue. Let's start appreciating a career in the arts just as much as we do any type of STEM job. Please, and thank you.