My Turn to Make the Decisions

Disclaimer: I am thankful for every decision I’ve (or others have) made in my life. If every decision was a good one I would not have been able to learn as much as I have up until this point. Never write off a bad experience!

            I was in college for five years, now five months after graduating I’m looking around wondering why I feel just as confused as I did the first day at my university. I look at others my age that are already in full time positions and making major purchases because they can afford it. Then there’s me, living with my mother and employed but not working because the department store won’t give me any hours.

I went to college because I had to due to the fact that my family wouldn’t be happy with any other decision. In fact after realizing I didn’t have a choice I decided on a college that seemed to best fit me. I was excited until I was told that I couldn’t go there because it was too expensive. My hopes were down the drain and I ended up attending a great university that I could not relate to. Two years into college and 4 major changes later I decided if I wanted to graduate I needed to be in the college that best suited me. I switched from Liberal Arts to Art & Design. There I was not happy but definitely excelled in the art-based curriculum. I chose a major in Art Education but found myself battling the professors who continuously told me “no” or “you can’t do that” leading me to decide that I never wanted to become a teacher. My last two senior years were very difficult and left me feeling depressed many days. I finally graduated but that’s about it. I had no perspective jobs or ideas as to what I would do with my degree.

            So here I am trying to decide whether it is possible to fully enjoy my life with a career involving my degree. I’ve decided that I do not want to live my life as an art educator or in any other art field. I want to do what I’ve waited so long to do. I plan to begin schooling in the culinary field, which will allow me to eventually open a bakery. I’m learning that societal standards are not what will provide you with a happy life. I think that the best way to enjoy life is to pursue your dreams. Even if they may be impractical I feel that that journey toward your goal will land you in a field of employment that you can relate to best.

            While I’m a year behind those my age I now feel that I’m years ahead of them because I’m finally deciding what I want to do despite what others may feel I should do. I hope that others can figure out what they are passionate about and go for the gold.