With graduation right around the corner, I would like to take the time to share some words of advice with the Class of 2010 ... I'd say words of wisdom, but the approach I took to secondary education could barely be described as wisdomous. Nine years ago, I was in the same position as many of the high school seniors, I'm sure. Donning my cap and gown, the question of 'what next?' echoed in my head all throughout the commencement ceremony. Sure, I had signed up to take online accounting courses via Chippewa Valley Technical College, but was that what I really wanted? Clearly, I'm not a CPA or in a field even remotely related to accounting. Throughout high school, I excelled in math and was really good with numbers ... but the same was true for English and writing.
Many of my instructors told me that I had an aptitude for writing, but, as I looked to the future, all I saw were dollar signs. Accounting was a much better paying career than anything that had to do with writing. But, as I got older – and wiser, if I do say so myself – I realized that no amount of money would make it worth doing something I hated. I have seen so many of people out there whine about how they hate their jobs that I knew I didn't want to end up like that. After a semester and a half of online classes, I was barely eking out a C average, most likely because I wasn't enjoying the coursework. So, when spring rolled around, I applied to UW-River Falls and was accepted.
At first, I declared myself a business major, but after dropping out half way through my first semester for medical reasons, I wanted to start over. Taking some much-needed time off, I was refreshed. With a clean slate, I went back with an undeclared major and took lots of elective courses until I found my niche. From there, it was smooth sailing; after working at the college newspaper, I was more sure than ever that I wanted to go into journalism. Funny thing is that back when I was in high school, everyone in my class had to meet with the guidance counselor and take tests to determine interest, as well as skill set, for particular careers.
When all was said and done, each of us had to write down what we wanted to be ... even if we weren't sure. Last summer, while I was cleaning my old room in my parent's house, I found that very piece of paper with the career I had intended for myself written upon it. Lo and behold, I did not write accountant; ironically, I had written the word journalist. Who would have guessed I knew, before I had even entered college, where I would end up in life? It's said that it's a woman's prerogative to change her mind (I sure take advantage of that), but I think it's everyone's prerogative to be able to change their path in life. After all, it's your life. You can't look to others to make you happy and you certainly shouldn't let others make up your mind for you.
As Stevie Wonder once said, "You can't base your life on other people's expectations." My parents were pretty disappointed when I decided not to follow through with accounting, but I think, when they see the smile on my face when I talk about my job now, they know it was the right choice for me. So, in essence, I think the whole point of this long diatribe about my experiences is not to be afraid to make mistakes; learn from them, grow. And while it may sound cliche, when choosing a career path, don't put your salary before your life's passion because money will never be able to buy you happiness.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
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