My first semester of college was like a gigantic slap in the face. I was a pre-medicine major with the intent of pursuing a career as a forensic psychiatrist; it was something I had wanted to do for years. I walked into all of my classes on my first day with the utmost confidence that I was on track to doing exactly what I wanted to do with my life. However, the more I sat in my biology and chemistry classes, completely uninterested in the subject matter (and failing miserably), doubt crept in.
Being the naive college freshman that I was, the imperative idea of being in love with the classes that serve as the stepping stones to your career was unbeknownst to me. I was fixated on my main goal of becoming a psychiatrist, but I despised the path I knew I'd need to take to get there. I thought I wanted to be a forensic psychiatrist, but my heart was inevitably somewhere else.
Meanwhile, I thrived in every English class I took. I'd drag my feet walking to chemistry, and wanted to skip on my way to English. Assigned readings weren't even like homework to me. Reading was my escape. Writing an essay? No problem. I couldn't wait to write. I realized exactly where I belonged. I made the switch as soon as I could.
I have always loved to read. Some of my fondest memories are riddled with my parents reading to me as a child. As soon as I could read on my own, I always had a book in my hand. Throughout my years in elementary and high school, I knew I had a knack for the written word, but I never once considered making it a career. My love for reading and writing was merely just a pastime, not something I ever thought to make a career out of. Reading and writing were fun to me. Work is just work.
I am often asked what I plan to do with my English degree. While this question bothers me at times, I am always confident in my answer. "I plan to write," I say. What I really mean to say is that I'll be doing what I love. I cannot stress that enough. Do what you love. Find your passion and immerse yourself in it. Do what you love, and do it well. Let no one discourage you from pursuing something you love. The possibilities are endless. If you choose a career that you love and are passionate about, then it isn't work.
I've been an English major for three semesters now, and the contentment I feel in my choice when I go to bed each night is something that I thank God for daily. I found my passion and immersed myself in it. By doing that, I discovered traits about myself that would have otherwise been uncharted territory. I am happy. Do what you love, and do it well.
