When I first made the decision to become a doctor, I told everyone.

I was raised in the arts program and have been in an abundant amount of theatrical productions since the age of four. So, it came to a surprise to everyone (and I mean everyone) when I told them that I have wanted to be a doctor for as long as I can remember.

When it came time to search through colleges to find that oh-so-perfect fit for me, I started asking about each one's premedical and science programs. UVa-Wise had an amazing science program (natural and social), and I believe that I made the right decision when I chose to come here.

I quickly made friends with a few people here in the small town of Wise, Va., all of whom told me that they could see me becoming a doctor and one day being able to take care of the little kids of the world (my goal is to become a pediatric surgeon). However, there are some people who are anything but reassuring when it comes to my life goals.

I have come across about three people who could only comment on how hard becoming a doctor really is. There were no encouraging words, just discouraging ones. They have said things like:

"Let's be realistic, none of the stuff that we want to become is ever really going to happen."

"That's hard, how do you expect to juggle being in extracurricular activities and taking all of the difficult classes that you need in order to satisfy the premedical requisites?"

Then there's my all-time favorite: "You're a psychology major? How in the world do you expect to become a surgeon when you're a psych major? That's ridiculous."

I'm here to tell you that what I am doing is not ridiculous. I know it is going to be a lot of work and that it is going to be very time consuming, but I have every belief that I can do it. I just have to set my mind on doing well on my assignments and completing my work done on time. I have no doubt in myself that I will one day be called Dr. Colton Collins, and that I will one day be taking care of children who need my help.

And, no, it is not ridiculous that I am a psychology major and want to become a doctor. It's actually a good idea because, when I start to apply to medical schools, it will show people that I am interested in the human condition as well as the human body.

Optimism is a great thing. It can lift the spirits of even the most broken-down individual and can even be the difference in them accomplishing what it is that they set out to do. In the world we are living in, everyone needs a little optimism. Be the glass-half-full type of person, and you could turn someone's day around for the better.

I have faith in my decisions in what college I came to, what major I have declared for myself, and what my plans are for my future. Please do not get in the way of people's dreams with negative comments.

Have faith and teach kindness.