A question that people ask a lot, especially to seniors in college, is: “What do you want to do with your life after school?” Some people answer right away and give you their whole plan. Some people say they have no clue, and worry about the future. For those who don’t know, it’s totally OK. Not everyone is supposed to grow up and do an everyday “normal” job. We might not realize it yet, but some of us are supposed to do things that most people wouldn’t even think of doing. When contemplating the future, start with your dream!
Again, we are all different and destined for different things, so the answers will vary from person to person. It’s fine if your dream is simple. Like, to live comfortably in life. It’s also OK if your dream is complicated or larger than life. Like, becoming a professional dancer even though you started dancing when you were 18. Big dreams, small dreams, in between dreams -- never give up on them. They are your dreams for a reason. If you can’t stop thinking about something and it breaks your heart to think you would never get to do it, then chase that dream. This generation is so used to getting everything now and giving up if it takes too long. People don’t know what it’s like to truly wait for something. I know a lot of talented people who had big dreams and plans and now they don’t even try for those dreams anymore. They don’t want to possibly wait years or train more to achieve their dreams.
If something is constantly in your life, then don’t you think you should take that as a sign that it’s always going to be a part of you? Every little step is a step in the right direction. I have always loved dance, as in dancing for fun and watching it on TV. I have always loved being on stage and performing; I did a lot of acting and some singing growing up. I didn’t have the opportunity to take dance classes as a young girl, but always wanted to. When I got to college I finally got my opportunity, and I have taken a total of 14 dance classes total at college. I love every minute of dance class and wish we had longer classes. When I found out that one of the two dance classes offered was cancelled I was devastated. So every Tuesday and Thursday, I go around the same time as that cancelled class would have been and practice routines, practice improv, stretch, and just practice things I learned from class or Youtube. Tech week is my favorite week of the whole term because I get to dance and learn from other dancers how to be better at my craft. My friends have asked me what would you do if you couldn’t dance, and I always say, “that will never happen, unless I’m dead, and even then I am sure I’ll be dancing in my grave." All the hours and energy I’ve put in can’t be for nothing. I graduate in three months and I get the question, “what are you going to do after college?” and I honestly have no clue. All I know is that I have to dance; whether I become a dance teacher, choreographer, dance therapist, or even a professional dancer, I can’t live in a world where I’m not dancing and sharing it with others.
Start with something you highly enjoy and go from there! Sometimes we don’t want to change our mind, or once we hear about one thing we don’t think about all the different aspects. Some people need to do extra research or try multiple things first. Whatever you choose, make it something you actually want, and not what society tells you that you should want. I hope everyone who reads this can say they found their true passion and work to keep whatever that is in your life.
