Friday, February 9, 2001

Passion vs. Practicality

Let us talk about choosing a college major in terms of reason vs. emotions.

The general media seems to not quite have their priorities straight.  They keep caterwauling about studying something that one is very emotional about.

Ah, I would rather study something practical.
No no don't be practical!  Be passionate!!!!  Follow your heart only!!!  Do NOTT follow your brain!!!

I really prefer to study something that would actually get me a job after I graduate.
No no no!!!!!!  Don’t worry about money!!!!  Don't worry about bills!  Don’t worry about whether or not you would be able to support yourself with any earnings from a degree in literature!!!!  Do not think about logic!!!  The ONLY consideration you should make when studying something is, are you passionate!!!!

Sigh.  There is no use trying to reason with these people.  Here is the root-and-stem for my chosen college major.  If I am going to devote that much of my time, energy, and effort, then I must make sure it is all worthwhile.  That is a necessity.  I would much rather dedicate my energy and mental resources towards studying a college major that has a realistic outlook.  The prognosis of employment is far healthier for my chosen major -- it actually has jobs available out in the field.

Also, I excel in the mathematical and science subjects.  I am good at it.  I have a natural affinity for detailed, complex subject matter that is also logical and rational.  Those classes and course topics just make sense to me.  Why shouldn't I study one of the math or science concentrations if I have that option realistically available to me?

I would really like it if they would stop beating the dead horse of insisting that students pick careers based on "passion" rather than being intelligent and reasonable about it.
Do not worry about whether you would actually be good at your chosen profession!!  The only thing you should worry about is if you would have fun!  Only pursue something if it feeeeels fun and entertaining!!  Don’t worry about the fact that the particular field you feeeeel passionate about is something that you are not particularly talented at!!!  Only worry about whether or not you have fun!!!

Here is the way I see it.  Education is an investment.  I have to make sure that all that hard work will pay off for me in the end.  Ergo, that means that I must study one of the critical fields of math and science.  There is a plethora of majors from which I can choose.

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