When you spend hours with your extended family at a Christmas party, prepare for the interrogation of a lifetime. In college they prepare you for job interview questions and how to perfect your resume; but I'm here to assist during the holiday questions.
1. "What are you going to do with your degree?"
This one is inevitable. I don't know aunt Barb, I'd rather marry rich at this point. Just kidding, instead you can come of a generic elevator speech of your goals. Act like it's the "where do you see yourself in five years?" question in a job interview.
2. "Is there even a future in *insert major*?"
[rebelmouse-proxy-image https://media.rbl.ms/image?u=%2Ffiles%2F2016%2F12%2F20%2F636178014673923712515088701_strange.gif&ho=https%3A%2F%2Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net&s=298&h=b88d5688b03960f1c7e5816058577a8bf70c02e60a1a0e3f08983452711e4a4f&size=980x&c=4126078641 crop_info="%7B%22image%22%3A%20%22https%3A//media.rbl.ms/image%3Fu%3D%252Ffiles%252F2016%252F12%252F20%252F636178014673923712515088701_strange.gif%26ho%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Faz616578.vo.msecnd.net%26s%3D298%26h%3Db88d5688b03960f1c7e5816058577a8bf70c02e60a1a0e3f08983452711e4a4f%26size%3D980x%26c%3D4126078641%22%7D" expand=1]I have a real major in a real industry, so yes. This is what I enjoy and there are many options like. . .(name options in your field). . .
3. "When are you getting married?"
When I feel like it. End of story.
4. "Can't you just wait to have kids?"
Why is this always asked? How do you even know if I want kids? Plus, I can hardly take care of myself since I'm in college. I don't want to discuss having little me's running around.
5. "How much longer in school?"
1 year. 2 years. 3 years. 4 years. 17 years. I don't know yet.
6. "How was your semester? Did you get good grades?"
I just took finals. Instead I just ask you to pray for my GPA. Besides, FERPA exists; I don't have to discuss this with you.
7. "What are you going to do with your degree?"
I know I already discussed this one, but please understand every family member that crosses your path will be asking you this. I want you to be prepared.
I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and I wish you the best of luck confronting your family. If you're really bold, you can put all of your answers on a business card and hand them out to your family before they even ask...just a thought.