HAYS, Kan. - Though I should be excited, not to mention proud of myself, that I am reaching the end of the book I've been feverishly reading this past week, I'm not. In protest to my upcoming biology test, I've immersed myself in the book "Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang" and have only one chapter left.
I often have a hard time finding a book that completely catches my interest, but I can't put this one down. Chelsea Handler, who runs a late night comedy show on E!, keeps me turning the pages for more.
For anyone who's seen her show, you know just as well as I do that she's a hoot! From her pulling outlandish tricks on her staff, family and Boyfriend, to her Jewish father Melvin and his shenanigans, I've spent the past week laughing. When you read the book, her voice resonates, making her catchy punch lines ten times better.
There have been numerous times when I peer up from my book and see people staring. This is when I would realize two things, (a) I had been sitting in a chair chuckling by myself, and (b) I hadn't moved in over an hour.
When my friends and family see me coming their way holding Handler's book, they turn around and act busy. This is the best way for them to avoid me insisting that they mute the T.V. while I read to them.
I won't read to you, but I do advise everyone to go buy this book immediately!
Amy,
It would be interesting to read about how college students like yourself are dealing with debt and the difficult economic outlook for good jobs when they graduate. How are you all coping?
Definitely; I too have asked myself where I will be after college. There is a certain type of distress among college students relating to this. I've personally struggled finding an area of study that will accommodate my skills, interests, and need for money. Many of the job fields I'm interested in, all of them being fine arts, have been hit the hardest by this economic slip.
When I've talked to my peers regarding their plans for the future and what fields of study they think best suit all of their needs, I've noticed on thing among all of them; they're torn between what they would like to do and what they need to do in order to survive. Though the Irish in me tells me to always disagree with whatever advice my father gives, I'll reluctantly admit that, yes, it all comes down to money.
Unlike my father, though I realize money is important, I am going to do what I enjoy and not worry about money. I've e-mailed many professionals in the fields I want to go into (writing and photography). One of them responded with something that still resonates in my mind whenever I think of switching to a profession that will easily sustain me:
"The money side of things will come more naturally the better you get."
Hope I offered some kind of closure to your question. I'd be more than happy to interview some classmates and professionals and write an article on this!
Amy
Amy, Yes, please. Share with us what you young people are thinking.
And if you'll forgive, I'd like to share my take on this. Many people, including myself, never get to use their degrees (KU -'88) or have switched to a different career. However that doesn't mean you cant do what you like. You just find a different way of doing it. Photography and writing, those are GREAT part time jobs or on the side businesses. I know several actors, musicians, artists, and even writers and photographers, who work regular jobs but do their art on the side. Some only as a hobby. In fact, you might even enjoy doing those things more doing them on the side rather than for a living because your under less stress.
Finally the skills you learn for one degree can transfer into other jobs. For example a young man I know right now is at KU studying journalism. He knows the chances of landing a career in that field are pretty low. But he has a good backup plan. Using the skills he is learning through journalism (computers, writing, interviewing, and communication skills) he hopes to get a job working for the social security administration. Maybe do the journalism on the side. If journalism works out - great. But if it doesn't he knows he has a backup.
Something I encourage everyone to have.
Brad,
Having a backup plan is always a great idea. I'm not sure where my current plans will take me, but I'm anxious to be there.
Though I take interest in many subjects, I'm not completely devoted to them. I've found that with myself, when I'm not completely interested in something then I put little or no effort into it, and end up wasting my time.
I wish I could be a doctor or a obtain a business degree and then dabble in small side projects, but I know that I would be miserable.
Who knows though, everyone's different!
Amy, here's my take on the career thing... You can do ANYTHING you set your mind to. If you want a fulltime job as a writer or journalist, go for it. In the short time that I've known you, I've been blown away by your writing skill and what a quick study you are not only with the technology but also the tricks of writing journalism, which really is unique. Don't let anyone turn you away from what you want to do - no matter what it is. The only real goal right now is to keep your expenses in check so that you aren't saddles with unnecessary debt when you graduate.
Amy, you will do what ever you set your mind to.
Whatever you do, don't get a job that makes you hate Monday morning and can't wait for Friday evening!
Your education should prepare you to face the realities of life – food – shelter – health. How does it prepare you for these things? By giving you a broad understanding of past, present, and future cultures, your education teaches you that money alone does not guarantee all those basic necessities. Being able to interact with others and joining them in their struggle for meeting necessities without losing sight of the pleasures of life is the reward of civilization.
There is no 'job' or occupation that does not allow you to put to use the pleasures of the arts. Life is too short for you to worry about tomorrow. Enjoy today, but don't let your youthful enjoyment impair the morrow.
You all offer great advice! Unfortunately, I love both Monday and Friday ... I can't shake it!
I agree, education is key to most things in life but should also be well balanced with leisure. At the same time you should be careful not to lose sight of where you want to go and what needs to be done to get there. I'm excited to move through my education and see what's in store during and after.
Once again - good advice and well noted. Thanks!