I took the one and only introductory course to journalism my freshman year of high school and decided it was what I wanted to pursue in college. So when the time finally came around to college applications, I applied to the school of communication and information for every university on my list, and a lot of people in my life gave me a pretty damn hard time about it.
I received comments like: "Don't you want to be in a field that will make you money?" or "Why don't you just pursue a career in STEM?" As we all know, STEM fields are currently growing, but that doesn't mean you need to switch your major into a field that you genuinely have no passion for. Here are three reasons why you shouldn't be afraid to pursue your major in liberal arts.
You can still make bank
Who's to say you'd be unsuccessful? If you work hard in college, actively seek internships and job opportunities, and create connections with experienced people in your field, you can attain just as much success as a STEM major.
Money doesn't necessarily equal happiness
Forcing yourself to pursue a career you do not truly enjoy is like forcing yourself to compensate for your happiness with money. And when people say money can't buy you happiness, it is the cold, hard truth. You don't want to be stuck at a job for decades because it brings you a steady flow of income, but even larger amounts of regret.
Your job can have a great impact on society
Whether you are a writer, teacher, journalist, dancer, artist, or social worker, you have the ability to make an impact on society. The work that you put out into the world is something that someone will see and be influenced by, and that should be enough of a reason to keep doing what you're doing.
It is ultimately your decision with what you choose to do for the rest of your life. Before you fall into the opinions of others, think about what makes you happy and pursue that.