When I was a child, I remember imagining elaborate, exciting, and ever-changing futures for myself. One day, I was convinced I was going to dance on the world's most famous stages as a prima ballerina. The next, I saw myself in the audience of a fashion show where the models were sporting my designs.

This kind of scenario is one many people can relate to. If you ask a 5 year old what they want to be when they grow up, their answers vary, but oftentimes, the responses change at the drop of the hat.

However, when you ask an older child or teenager where they see themselves, their answers also change. They no longer choose professions for passion and exploration, but for more practical reasonings; like salaries and status.

Of course parents and adults will encourage children to seek out these types of professions with well-meaning. They want to ensure they will be safe and able to ensure financial stability. But what if their children aspire to be an artist or creator?

Why is it that children are allowed to dream big, only to have their dreams crushed by reality when they're older? And what happens to those who continue to chase ones that are often deemed unreasonable?

These are the kinds of questions I often find myself struggling with. Before entering college with the intention of majoring in English with a writing emphasis, I was met with opposition in many forms. While most people tried to show support, it was obvious that many of them disapproved of my choice.

I was often asked questions about what I intended to do with my English major or how I planned on making a decent living. My favorites are when I was asked if I, "was okay with waitressing my entire life" or that "I would probably change my mind later". I even had some people go as far as to say that I was, "too intelligent" and "had too much potential to waste on English".

I think anyone pursuing a career in a creative or humanities field has also heard comments like these. Although these comments are intended to be "helpful", they don't do anything but cause annoyance and further frustration. Why is it that my friend who is majoring in a health or science field is praised for their choice while I get told to reconsider "for my own good"?

While it's wonderful that my friends have found their calling in these types of vocations and they are undeniably important, I don't think those whose interests deviate from them should receive less support.

Yes, I know there aren't as many jobs. Yes, I know I won't make a ton of money.

But what many don't understand is that I and others in "useless" fields aren't chasing a large paycheck. We are after a life that is meaningful and fulfilling to us.

Not only does our kind of work give us meaning, but it also enriches the lives of others. Can you imagine your life without music, art, theatre, or writing in their many and vast forms?

It seems as though everyone loves these fields until someone tries to seriously pursue them. Then they are told to be more practical or are shown little support. It's funny that we worship someone we don't know who has received praise for their art, but not the person we do know who needs the praise and encouragement even more.

I know I will most likely never live in a gigantic, lavish house or have a luxurious lifestyle, but I do know if I can do something that makes me feel excited and like I am living up to my true purpose, I don't care how much money I have in the bank. As long as I can live comfortably and keep creating, nothing, not even my misunderstood major will get in the way of my happiness.

So to the creators and dreamers out there: keep creating and keep dreaming. You are important and you are needed! Without you, the world would be a much less interesting and creative place to live!