Growing up in a society where you know exactly what college degrees will pay off, why would you ever go into a major that differs from the ones with the promise of a future? Probably because, for a lot of us, computer science and engineering are incredibly difficult and don’t fascinate us at all. I’ve always believed the saying, “Find something you love to do and you’ll never work a day in your life.” This is why I had no problem declaring a major titled “Media, Society, and the Arts.” It’s why I put up with the dreaded question, “What’s your major?” and the almost immediate, “Media, Society, and the Arts? What’s that?” that never ceases to follow.
I was never a math or science kid, but I was also never a particularly artistic kid. I always fell somewhere in between. I was also never the kid who knew what they wanted to do. Then again weren’t we all? Although my mom always dreamed of me becoming a lawyer one day (she looked at my incessant need to always be right as a perfect trait for this), I don’t think she was all that surprised when I told her the major I was looking into. I didn’t want to study law, latin, and rules of the past. I wanted, and still want to, study ideas of the present and future.
Enough about me, I’m here to talk to all you liberal/media/film studies majors. No, I can’t tell you you’ll all find perfect careers outside of college. I can’t even promise you won’t have to move back home. I want you to just remember that you are doing something you enjoy! Hopefully, you picked your major because it was something that truly fascinated you. Despite the world, your parents, and the economy telling you it wasn’t a good idea, you stayed true to yourself. I applaud you. Even though the thought of getting a job after college is terrifying, put that on the back burner for a minute. Enjoy the classes you’re taking.
This week at Thanksgiving dinner as the mashed potatoes are passed around the table and your distant relatives are interrogating you on college life and the ever-increasing cost of living, do your best to stay positive. If that means stuffing your face with stuffing so you don’t sass your 90-year-old grandma, do so. Just because everyone questions your major and your future income doesn’t mean you have to. Own that media/liberal/film studies major and wear it with pride.
