Everyone asks me what my major is. I always want to pretend I don't hear the question because I know the typical response that I will get. When I tell people that I am sociology major, I usually hear something like "What are you going to do with a degree in that?" or "That's nice, but you'll never make any money." First of all, my major is MY choice. And second, how does my salary concern anyone but me and my husband? I personally do not think God intended for everyone to make at least $200,000 annually. People I meet for the first time (as well as people I already know) say these things! Chris's med school classmates and physicians seem to be the people that have the hardest time understanding why a person would choose a degree in sociology.
~Flashback: I was a business major when I first started college. I made HORRIBLE grades. Like so bad that I almost got kicked out of college. I even went to class, but I had no interest in business management! I think business is so boring! When Chris and I got married, I worked full time and went to school at night to finish some of my core requirements. I decided to make a plan for school. I made a checklist with goals. I took a sociology class for an elective and I LOVE LOVE LOVED it! My professor was not that great, but the topics that we covered fascinated me and I had to learn more! I carefully read the catalog for sociology, and I decided that it was a good fit for me and my personality. I talked to Chris, and we prayed about it. I met with my business advisor, and she helped me get an appointment with a SBS advisor. My business advisor also told me I only needed three more classes to get my minor in management. I changed my major in spring 2007. (I also had to talk to Ol' Dave aka my scholarship and explain to him why I changed my major.) I quit my job in summer 2007. Chris and I decided that I would be able to go back to school full time. Actually, God provided the opportunity and we took it! I now make A's and B's and I enjoy learning! I have also met a lot of cool people share my love for sociology. End of flashback.~
So here we are, summer 2008. I have four classes remaining (assuming that I pass these two online summer classes). I feel that God has placed me where I am for a reason. I have met so many wonderful people from my department. I think some pretty cool internships are going to come my way too! And as for what I am going to do with my degree...hmm I have several options: (1) I could continue to stay at home and be a housewife, take care of my mom, play with Brooks (you get the idea) or (2) I can go to grad school for counseling, and/or (3) I can apply for jobs with DHR or ADMH. I am not exactly sure what I am going to do, but everything else has fallen into place, and I have no doubts that my life will go according to His plan.
I think the purpose of my rant is to encourage people to do what the WANT to do (as long as it glorifies God) and not worry about what other people think. People questioning me doesn't bother me; I love telling my story. I think the tone people use when asking is what bothers me so bad. I just don't really like unsolicited advice or rude comments. I am glad of the major I chose. Sociology is about evaluating and learning about people. I know that God will use it in some way to serve others and I can't wait!
Some of my favorite sociology classes: The Sociology of Religion, The Sociology of Mental Health, Marriage and the Family, Drugs and Society, Deviance and Control.
Now I am going to go think of a polite response for the question, "What are you going to do with a degree in that?" Any suggestions? Does anyone else feel like they have to explain themselves or their situation to everyone?
5 comments:
When I tell people that I'm studying International Relations and Spanish, usually their eyes roll back up in their head and they start to drool... if they do manage to remain interested enough to go "What can you do with *that*?" I tell them "Be Secretary of State. Or a librarian."
Seriously. "Librarian" is one of the top five career possibilities listed for every graduate program for IR that I checked out.
I forget the exact statistic, but the number of people with a job in their field of study is something ridiculously low, like 30% maybe. DEFINITELY less than 50%. So I think that Sociology is a great choice, because it helps you understand people and society (sorry I'm being so obvious, we didn't sleep good last night) and THAT helps you out in any job you want.
Thanks Megan! I knew you would know just what to say! (You are so much smarter than me, even on days that you didn't sleep so well the night before.) :)
Yesterday, I was asked if I was a "wanderer" in college, I guess because I told the person I was a soc major. Then the person saw my wedding ring and was like "Oh, you're married AND you're a wanderer. I was like WHAT? Did you for real just say that to my face?
Just wanted to leave you the link so you can read our blog. Hope everything is going well today.
If you would like to hear my opinion...I don't think it really matters what other people think! I know it has to be annoying when people say that, but people are sometimes- well just stupid! Who cares what you really do anyway...Chris is going to be a Doctor!! I think you should just stay at home with Brooks. You could babysit for me if you would like. :)
And by the way...at least you are in school and you'll have a degree in something. All I have is my associates. :D
My smartie-pants are just bigger than yours, that's all. :|
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