I look to the future. I have expectations. I have dreams. I have wants, needs and...I have an idea of where I want to go and what I want to do.
The most asked question this summer: "So...you're a communication major...what exactly are you planning on doing with that?"
My response: "So...you have a boring job...what exactly are you planning on doing with that?"
[hint: you can substitute any number of things into that question. Whatever applies in the given situation, but as long as you parallel theirs, it should come of as at least mildly witty]
Except that I never actually say that. Unfortunately, I'm a polite person most of the time. And most of these people asking me are really just curious, or don't know me well enough to have a meaningful conversation with me...so to respond with such an angry reply (haha, "angry comedy") would be...less than gracious.
My actual response: "I don't know. I'm not worried about it."
This is an honest answer. I don't know what I'm going to do with my degree in Communication Studies. Note that all of this is seemingly in contrast to the statement I made earlier : "I have an idea of where I want to go and what I want to do."
I know what I want to do with my life, but unfortunately, there's no real category I can name, no "occupation" that I could list, that will be able to describe it quite as eloquently as my own imagination. Not to mention the idea of making a living off of what I want to do is possibly impossible.
I'd like to help people.
reader: "really? It's my goal in life to hurt as many people as possible."
I don't have many aspirations...except that I want to save the world.
reader: "yeeeeah...that's gonna happen."
But I'd like to save it one person at a time.
reader: "Good. Even more realistic."
If I could be paid to do anything I wanted, I'd be paid to help other people reach their goals.
reader: "Uh-huh.........what?"
I know so many people who know exactly what they want to do with their lives. They know where their gifts are. They know...what their goals are. I'm not gonna lie, some of them are lofty goals. Some of them seem to be out on the edge of reality, just on the farthest tip of the reachable, just within their grasp. What an incredible journey they have ahead of them.
I know other people who have no clue what to do with their lives. I know people who are wasting all of the amazing gifts that God's given them. I know people who are using many of their gifts, but just don't see for themselves the one gift that could make all the difference. I know people who are missing the one thing in their lives that could save them for an eternity.
I want to help people reach those barely reachable goals. I want to make people's dreams come true. I want to find ways to push others to their utmost potential. I want to dig where other people are too scared to dig, to change what other people are too worried to change, to make a difference.
I want to be inspiring.
(And in my free time, I'd like to be paid to write down my thoughts. Ha.)
Who am I to say that I know what's best for these people? Why should I consider myself able to help people reach those goals? Shouldn't people be able to help themselves? What about people that don't want help?
It's a dream. Not a reality...but I refuse to dream and sit idly by while others reach for the stars.
I have a feeling that my actual career when I grow up will involve helping others (at least, I hope so...), but this desire in me to change the world...well, to change the people of the world...I think it will have to become a part of who I am, not a just part of what my job is.
Everyone wants to make a difference...and I want to help "everyone" do it.
How's that for an occupation?
Starin' down the stars
Jealous of the moon
You wish you could fly
But you're stayin' where you are
There's nothin' you can do
If you're too scared to try
Jealous of the moon
You wish you could fly
But you're stayin' where you are
There's nothin' you can do
If you're too scared to try
8 comments:
So Margie, based on what you want to do (help people...change the world one person at a time...help others reach their goals...) I've decided that you should be a teacher. ...Don't worry, I'm just kidding! There are plenty of other jobs/careers that meet that criteria.
And you say you want to be inspiring... well, let me tell you, THIS is inspiring:
"It's a dream. Not a reality...but I refuse to dream and sit idly by while others reach for the stars....I think [this desire] will have to become a part of who I am, not a just part of what my job is...Everyone wants to make a difference...and I want to help "everyone" do it...How's that for an occupation?"
dude. i have goosebumps! :)
Okay, Marjorie. My comment on this blog entry is long overdue. So...here goes.
I really liked it a lot. I'm pretty sure we've had discussions about this before, but it was cool to see it written down and more organized (plus, you incorporated a healthy dose of non-forced wit!). Plus, I know exactly what you mean about the whole, "What are you planning on doing with a degree in communication?" Your occupational goals are fairly inspiring. :)
Anyway, I also enjoyed how you mentioned your role of an "idealist." Myers-Briggs, anyone? And the "reader" responses were quite witty. I appreciated them. Oh, and you're worth it, too.
So, Nickel Creek lyrics, huh? I'm not sure I've heard much of their stuff before. Perhaps I will investigate...
Marjorie,
Of course I remember you! And I'm so glad that you have such wonderful taste in writing. And no- you're not creepy at all- haha- thanks for your comment. I am just so thrilled whenever anyone enjoys something I've written. It's almost like the thrill of writing it all over again. You get tired of things you've written yourself and start doubting if they are any good at all, but comments from (often random) people are so encouraging!
Did you know- Scott and I became friends because he started reading my blog and left comments about how he liked my writing as well. :)
I find you a talented writer as well and similar to myself in your idealistic approach to life and desire to help others find what is worth living for. Communication (like my English degree) can be difficult to define as a career- but it means you are good at working with people and that is a benefit no matter what you do. I know I have always wanted to touch people through film and my written words. We'll see where that leads me...
But don't ever give up on pursuing what you love and what you find eternal value in. Even though I have found it difficult to find a steady job, it's worth it just to do something I feel is more valuable rather than something that is boring and unfullilling.
And the mission trip to England was amazing. I am actually thinking of going back with World Harvest and doing their one year apprentice program next September. Just a thought- but I'd love it if you prayed for me if you happen to read my blog again and think about me. :)
Alright- now that I've left a book for you- since that's what we writers do- I'll stop.
~Rachel Lowen
I think you have great goals :) I also think that I keep thinking about how I like the layout of blogspot better than xanga so maybe I should switch sometime...
oh wait, that last comment wasn't anonymous. (Although, considering the second sentence was barely coherent, maybe it SHOULD be anonymous.
p.s. am i supposed to understand what your username means?
Ok that is really strange- I'm doing a communications major as well!
Inspiring indeed, Marjorie. I never really knew that was the kind of thing you wanted to do. Luckily whenever anyone asks what my major is they never give me any looks that say "What are you gonna do with THAT?" I'm not sure myself, either. I know I have gifts, I'm just at the moment trying to figure out exactly what those are. I know I would love to do something with film and writing as well. Hopefully my goals will become more defined in the near future. Good luck with your goals as well!
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