I don't do terribly in school. I have a solid A-/B+ average (it fluctuates based on my work ethic), and I've only taken 1 non-honors core class in high school. I'm generally good at learning. With an exceptionally lucky PSAT and ACT score and similar AP scores, I've received mail from lots of prestigious schools - often advertising inquiry fields. The problem is, I want to be a music major.
Is this a waste? Many would argue yes. I could actually contribute to the betterment of society if I were to go into something like medicine or engineering. I could make a difference in the lives of millions if I went into politics or law. Even being a banker would be a successful career. A bachelor in arts would NOT be helpful.
I'm wearing an All-State shirt and just had callbacks for the musical. I know what I want to do - I know what's in my heart.
The question becomes this - is it ethical to go into music when you could be just as good in a field that was actually helping people?
If you do what you enjoy the most, that is just fine. I personally would love to be someone in the field of music who doesn't perform, write, or direct, but I know that most likely this will never realistically manifest itself as more than a hobby. Or maybe I can moonlight as a music reviewer with science as my more useful and productive day job.
ReplyDeleteAlso, just because you are good at school doesn't mean that you need to be a doctor, lawyer, or biomedical engineer. Teaching music is helping people, you should know that. Music heals!
The only thing I have against art majors are those who put all their focus on something piddly like film design, hoping to be a famous movie maker, then end up working the night shift at Caribou with 40000 dollars in loans to repay, and wonder "what have I done to deserve this?" If you put your heart and soul into something with foreseeable careers like teaching, that is excellent. All I'm saying is that too many art majors are slackers.
Don't be a slacker, Sam. That's your ethics.
I think it truly comes down to what you want to do. As long as you're doing something you like, and helping other people, it isn't a waste. It would only be a waste if you go to college and then never your education to your advantage (as Cody noted).
ReplyDeleteHow can you help someone when you hate your job? And many people use music in music therapy, how is that not important? People listen to music when they're down when theyre happy, they're the bane of emotion change. if we didn't have music, i think we'd go crazy. Sam, i think it's awesome that you're into music cuz not many people can do that. We just don't have the capabilities. :) Nothing is a waste
ReplyDeleteIf you are going to school to train for a career for the remainder of your life, it should be something you love and would enjoy, even if it's not what society prescribes. Music will be an awesome major for you, and you will find a way to make the most out of it and help someone through your specialty.
ReplyDelete