Picking my major and the college I would be attending for the next four years was not the brain twister that I thought it would be. I already knew that whatever I chose it had to be something I loved. I am not the person who could sit in a cubical all day, crunching numbers and staring at a computer. I crave adventure; I need movement; I strive for happiness. That is how I came to the conclusion that I was going to pressure photography as my career.
I have never felt more safe, free and in control than when I am behind the lens. Growing up I always sought out danger; I wanted to be in control of my life and where it went. As I ran into troubles at school, not fitting in and being bullied, the only time I felt happy was when I had my camera in my hand. I could feel the creativity juices flowing when I was on my way to shoot, the excitement never dies.
"I don't want to pay ____ amount of money to ____ for a photography degree." These are words that drove me to prove that blank amount of money will bring me the happiness that I haven't felt in years. The only person who has supported my decision in my major from the start is my grandmother. Always telling me how proud she is of me for choosing what will make me happy, not what will make me money. I did not choose this major blind; I knew the pay was on the lower end; I knew not everyone would support my choice. I also knew that it was going to be a journey with many ups and downs.
I loved roller coasters growing up, the pressure forced upon me as the cart took its climb up the tracks and the feeling of weightlessness and relief as it plunged down. I always new the ups were better than the downs, and no matter how far down you went, you can always hop back on and the up is right there waiting for you. I only hope that when I go out into the "real world," the rush of photography will bring me the same happiness. I love the challenges I face. Photography pushes me out of my comfort zone and constantly amazes me with the new things I learn everyday behind the lens.
The conventional family wants their child to go into a conventional major that comes out with a conventional degree. I come from a conventional family; I choose to not go into a conventional major because conventional jobs are not me. As children, our parents encourage us to do what makes us happy; my parents paid for almost every lesson and silly hobby I wanted to do. As you get older, those hobbies slowly turn into lifelong outlets of expression.
When I first asked for an actual camera, I had no idea it would turn into a passion that would eventually turn into a career. I choose photography because I wanted to live a life of happiness. I strongly encourage everyone else to shoot for the stars; choose a major you love and you will never work a day in your life. Even if your family is not behind your choice 100 percent, go for it. You don't want to live your life regretting your choice. Be proud. Your parents will come around, but make sure your doing it for yourself, not them.
