My parents didn't want me to major in film. They didn't think it was practical. They thought it was a fleeting interest. The only way they even allowed me to come to VCUarts, after weeks of pleading and arguments, was the promise that I would double major in English, which was practical.
I can't imagine doing anything else besides this. I'm a grateful every day that I'm here that I am studying something that interests me and that I genuinely love. I am even more grateful that I'm in a program that allows me to start doing right away, instead of just sitting in a lecture hall listening and observing.
My parents have starting singing a different tune. They see how happy I am here, and they know we made the right decision. And they're proud of me.
I was talking to my mom yesterday, telling her about the different opportunities I was getting here. I was on the bus on my way back from the production office for an independent film company that is shooting a feature length film in Richmond for the next couple months. I'm going to be an (unpaid) production assistant a few times a week.
She said, "I forgot how capable my girl was."
I asked her what she meant.
She said that she used to be focused on the fact that I would have my English degree to fall back on. But that she realized I wouldn't need it. That when I want something I do it. And I do it well. She gets that I want this.
And I want this.
I want to be successful in this field so much it aches.
And I will be.
The moral of this story is: when you want to do something, do it. Don't wait till you're old enough or till you're wise enough or till your parents care enough. Opportunities are all around us. Maybe they're not knocking, but we can't expect them to. They're most likely idling quietly outside waiting for you to open the door and let them in.
i went through the same thing with my parents. i wanted to go to vcu and study anthropology but my parents wanted me to go to vtech and do medicine or something boring like that.eventually i persuaded them to let me come as long as i double majored too. and even though i dont want to do anthropology anymore i dont regret anything.
ReplyDeletei love when people follow their dreams.
i mean who gives a fuck if its not practical. practicality is for middle aged adults who work in an office and have 2 kids.
I'm so glad that your parents seem to be relaxing. I'm an art student, so I know exactly what you're going through. My dad and his side of the family are boring, practical, stick-in-the-mud people who aren't very supportive of my choice, even though I made it into one of the best art schools in the country. Granted, he didn't force me to double major (mostly because my parents are divorced and he doesn't have a lot of sway in my life) but I still feel let down and worn out--it's not fun having to reiterate that yes, I am enjoying myself and yes, I am very happy with my decision.
ReplyDeleteIt's a wonderful feeling to know that my mom supports me. I love her so much for it.
-Emily Bradfield