“What college or trade school is the right fit? What major should I look into? Is this really what I want to do for the rest of my life?” As if the answers to these questions weren’t elusive enough, it seems like everyone around me is judging my final answers to these questions.

As an art student, there’s a classic stereotype saying an art degree is pointless and that I am setting myself up for failure. Hearing these comments are hard, but for me it’s worth it; photography and art are what I love to do, and as much as I know that  “making it” will be a struggle, it’s well worth it. A student has to think about the positives and the negatives; sure, I may not have the easy life with that degree, but I’ll graduate knowing that for the rest of my life I could be working in a job doing something that makes me happy. It’s an important issue for students to think about; making a life decision based on money isn’t the right choice. One’s happiness should outweigh monetary concerns. They always say money can’t buy one happiness, and for me, that’s true. Being an art major may not ensure me a large paycheck, but it will ensure me loving the job I’ll have in the future. So judge all you want; I’m going to art school, and I’m okay with that.