One of the things college has solidified for me is my passions for the things that I love. I have mentioned many times in the past that I aspire to help others, and be a writer. However, my path has certainly changed in getting there.
Starting out, I wanted to be a marriage and family counselor. People have told me that I am very insightful, and I enjoy helping others, so I believed that it would be the best possible career option for me. I figured that I could always just write books on the side, after all. So I decided that I would major in Psychology. I believed that my knowledge of the human mind would aid me well.
Upon my coming to Spelman, I partook in many poetry events, wrote in a journal often and completed various assignments where I was able to express my own unique points of view. Being on the executive board of an organization called The Next Great American Poet on Morehouse’s campus, has also allowed me to do community outreach by helping put on a poetry slam for high school students. The prize was a scholarship for each participant, and we collected donations at our open mic events.
Based upon my experiences thus far, my love for writing has grown deeper, and I have received positive feedback from my peers and professors. I have also seen firsthand how my passions can impact the lives of others, and want to continue to do so.
My career choices have changed over the years, but writing has remained consistent since I was a little girl. From the tender age of five, I was always writing (or at least trying to!). I was a highly imaginative child, and my mother knew. Sometimes it would worry her and even make her wonder if I could separate fantasy from reality. She would never allow me to read or watch Harry Potter because I was a “different kind of child” as she used to say. Maybe it was the Pisces in me, as it is said that we have our own fantasy worlds that we escape to when reality gets to be too boring or rough. So to put my fancifulness (if that’s even a word or used in the right context) to good use, my mother encouraged me to write, or tell her my stories and then would write my words for me. Drawing was also my frequent medium of choice to convey my imagination as well. So often, you’d find a little girl with a pencil in her teeny left hand, with pencil smudge all down the side.
So with all this said, at the end of my first semester of college, I have come to the conclusion that it would suit me well to change my major to English.
But Maya! Psychology is a great career field! Why would you do such a thing?!
It sure is.
HOWEVER, I live and breathe creativity. I don’t want to pursue anything that would put me in a box. So I believe that the fields of journalism, magazine publishing and/or authoring would suit me best. In addition, I strive to establish my own community outreach projects that will empower women, children and their families. I will use my words and community service to make a transformation and difference in the lives of others. I have been discouraged due to the money factor, and that is fine.
Three things that my mother taught me never to chase were money, love and success. She told me to focus on becoming the best version of myself, and those things will chase me. I truly believe that changing my major was one of the best decisions I have ever made, and my support system has had my back all the way.
In conclusion, I encourage all of you to follow your light within, and chase your dreams. What's in your heart is more than enough to create abundance in your life. Perfect your skill set. Acquire more knowledge. Test your limits. Don't pay attention to what society demands. I promise you that true greatness and happiness will be yours!
