When I get asked what my major is, it is usually met with a response of "Oh, that must be nice". It is so aggravating when I tell people about the time-consuming things that I have to do in order to graduate, and I get met with a "Well at least you don't have to....". Everyone excels in different things, and no major is easy. I have friends in multiple fields, and as I look at them, and see all they are doing, I know that I couldn't do what they are required to accomplish.
I am majoring in Broadcasting Cinematic Arts, with a minor in Multimedia Design (formally known as Multimedia Design, Production, and Technology). Those who go to Central Michigan University know that we BCA majors live in Moore Hall and dwell late at night. We have to learn how to use multiple computer programs to fix, edit, splice audio, and many more, sometimes unnecessary things. For certain classes, we are in labs until sometimes 1 or 2 am, but productions can last all night depending on what you are doing. We have to rent equipment and sweet talk people into letting us film in their homes, their businesses, and their classrooms. Those who work at any of the on-campus stations such as radio or TV, have to work with the public, review and edit hours of video and audio. We have to sign a minor if we are a B.A.A and participate in a co-curricular. We have to have experience in the field or else we won't get hired anywhere. We are not only graded on our creativeness, but also our technical composition. We have to learn the technology of microphones, cameras, audio boards, not to mention media law, media measurement, and how to critique other work.
TV shows and movies are ruined for us. We know how everything was shot, why it was shot, and how the producer told them to do something. We learn how different directors do things and why, and also how different News stations can skew their ratings by doing "this or that". We have to learn how to work together to create a collective vision, all the while keeping our integrity. We have to go out on a limb and put caution to the wind as we bring out cameras around and ask person after person if they want to be in a production we are doing. BCA isn't a walk in the park. Yet, neither is anything in Science, Literature, Math, History, and Art.
I have friends who have to create so many prints a week for art, they have to create new fashion designs, and sew. My friends in math, science, and history remember things that I couldn't fathom. They hold so much information in their minds that it's seemingly impossible to comprehend how one does that.
There is no easy major. There is no dumb major or smart major. Everyone has different fields that they excel in, and no matter what your category is, don't let people get under your skin. We all are working very hard, and always remember there are many people who can't do what you can do.
