Hello,
I’m currently a senior–technically, since it’s summer break of Junior year. And probably like most other students my age, I have a “what do I do in the future” crisis. I’ve done some research, but I want some more suggestions/advice. I really do want some help, so I thought collegeconfidential was fitting–in the context of my situation (you know, being a student and all). Yahoo answers wasn’t working out well.
With that, I really want a creative career–which, judging on my parents’ concerns to this declaration, is equivalent to walking blindfolded in a landmine field. I know this career can be risky, but I absolutely love creating and brainstorming. I do a lot of film, photography, and graphic designing–and I’m always content on perfecting those skills. I thought that it was just a hobby that I would later grow bored of, but it only got more interesting and fascinating the more I did it. Everyone keeps warning me to steer clear from creative careers, however, no matter how hard I try to switch my interest towards science, or medicine (the ideal fields, according to my family), it’s not my true passion.
More specifically, I enjoy film and photography the most. Since I’m a one man team, I have experiences with all the aspects–editing, cinematography, wardrobe, acting, sound, writing, directing. Not a technical girl here, so editing and operating gear is quite painful and daunting sometimes. I’m more insightful and emotional, so I enjoy brainstorming concepts/idea, writing, acting, and if I do say so myself, I think I have a pretty good eye for aesthetics. I also have a love for Psychology too, using that as inspiration for my ideas, bringing characters to life, and for acting.
Of course, being just a “regular” mere high schooler, I can’t say that I’ve created feature films, award winning projects, nor do I have breathtaking acting skills. I understand the fact that hobbies like this can just stay a hobby, or that this can turn into a wish-washy dream that I’ll shake my head at in the future. Or maybe this interest is a way to unconsciously protest the straining academics of school life. However, what I do know is that I’ll stay up until 3 or 4 AM because my mind is buzzing with ideas, and I’m trying to figure out how to execute them effectively; that I literally moved my entire bed into the closet to get a better shot of the scene; that I’ll watch hours of tutorials to understand my editing software and gear, or learn techniques that will improve the outlook; that I’ve been doing this since I was 7 years old. I declare that this is a true passion–though one I’m not a prodigy in, but one that I’m adamant on striving to hone.
As you can see–clearly–, I want a career where I can use a lot of creativity (maybe something in design?). I want to compile a load of careers and make a point to my parents: that there is a chance in this field, and that intellect and logic isn’t the only ability in this world. I have to convince them before I start deciding my college or major–sadly, I need to show them the amount of money that I can make first before we can get anywhere in our conversations. It’s so frustrating how people around me see no future in creativity that they’ll praise my ideas/concepts, but encourage my technical computer skills: “wow Annie, that was so creative, why don’t you consider computer science or coding?” There seems to be no notable “creative” jobs. That’s why I need help on bringing them into light! I would really appreciate any suggestions and advice. Anything helps.
Thank you so much for reading! I kinda erupted here, so it got long–sorry!
-Annie