As of September, 2014, there are approximately 318 million people enrolled in college. 318 million people. That includes every type of student, in every type of college, all around the world. From the hustle and bustle of big cities, to the acres of a rural campus, college students are one of a kind. We are students in an ever evolving time, with countless opportunities to grow.
We are lucky enough to have the chance to attend an institution that tickles our fancy. That is the glorious thing about college; we are given full range to make a huge life decision. This huge life decision, also known as your major, can be a crucial aspect of your future career paths. Regardless if you lace up pointe shoes or carry a 700 page medical textbook, you should be proud and happy to announce your major.
The question, "What are you studying?" should be expected whenever discussing college. If you meet someone new or are finally on the phone with your great Aunt Sally, people are curious and they will ask.
What should not be expected is the comment, "Oh. That is a competitive field."
A competitive field. With 318 million students in enrolled in college, what ISN'T a competitive field? There are bound to be countless repetitive programs, similar job searches, and alike cohorts in any study or discipline. That is inevitable, that is the nature of the beast. You are one among many, and it is your job to stand out.
As a junior studying Speech-Language Pathology, this is a criticism I am constantly faced with. With great pay, benefits and opportunities, there has been a surplus in Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs). Like many other branches in healthcare, there is usually a background story that is a driving force to choose that profession. My background story is quite a sad one, but motivates me to fight past these criticisms.
I used to get upset and flustered when receiving a "competitive field," comment. I grew from that, by realizing that we are all in competitive fields. There will always be competition, but there will only be one you.
To all my fellow SLPs, or anyone locked in a "competitive field," like nursing or business, never lose faith. Numerical competition cannot diminish passion. If you love and are passionate about your work, you will always find a way to succeed. If you are able to remember why you started this journey, I motivate you to hold this reason close to your heart.
Your passion for your field, if honest and true, will stand stronger than any transcript. Even if your cohort's grades may outshine yours, they will not carry the same level of passion, dedication, and love that you do.
