As a kid, I was always encouraged to follow all of my dreams, whether they be big or small. I wanted to be a doctor, a chef, a princess, and everything in between. I knew that I would always have the support of my family and friends, regardless of my choice of livelihood, right?
When the time came for me to decide what and where I wanted to study, I had to take a lot of time to really sit and think about this landmark decision in my life. My main problem was deciding how to study something considered practical while still being happy. I looked around at all of my friends who all seemed so sure in what they wanted to do. I, on the other hand, feared not only being happy, but letting you all down.
I decided that I wanted to follow my immense love for words and be a professional writer. There was something about the feeling of flipping the pages of a new book, or when my fingertips grazed across a keyboard. When I made this decision, I was so excited to tell everyone how I wanted to make my keep and be a productive member of society. I was so excited for you to be as excited as I was.
It didn't go according to plan in the slightest.
As I told people I wanted to go to school for English, it was immediately followed up by asking what grades I wanted to teach. Looking back, the question made sense, but I hated that everyone jumped to that conclusion instantaneously. But when I elaborated on my goals and your faces all dropped, that was when I got scared. I was told that a degree in English was all but useless and I would be stuck working in pizza places and burger joints for the rest of my life. That finding a career in my field would be ridiculously difficult and that I should reconsider.
Five-year-old me had some crazy dreams, but you all stuck by me regardless. I had wondered: what changed from then to now? Did I do something wrong?
After the last year of thinking, a lot of people have been supportive, realizing that I have the potential to be successful as my dreams have morphed from thinking I'm the next John Green or Veronica Roth into my love for seeing how music and art affect authors' minds as they write.
But some of you are still very unsure. And I completely understand. Just please have the faith in me that you had when I said I was going to be Ariel or Belle when I grew up.
