FINALS GUIDE
Sanchez: Follow your calling, not others'
File Photo/KANSAN Medical school graduates spray champagne when they are called during commencement in 2016.
▶ SANDRA SANCHEZ
@sssanchez26
Recently, I had a conversation with a professor about graduate school, and while I expected a healthy dose of cynicism, I was surprised by their negativity. Ever since I decided to study history, I've heard it all: the job market is terrible, prospects for humanities studies are poor and salaries are practically on destitute levels.
These statements are cer
tainly not wrong - since 2007, job postings for graduate history students have dramatically decreased, while Ph.D.'s have increased, creating a bloated market with little growth. If you can complete the degree and find an assistant professorship, the average salary is barely $50,000.
I get it. I really do. And while I understand this bleak outlook, it appears that when I tell people of my dream, everyone — from my professors to
This year, people I personally know that applied to programs were outright rejected from all their schools. Given that the University only accepted a handful of history graduate students, presumably, programs are becoming more and more restrictive - further stagnating my hope.
parents — is happy to remind me that there is no future for me, and I should turn back.
On one hand, I think this is rather irresponsible. Encouragement is paramount for students' success, and especially from mentors. For my parents, their concern lies in how little money they believe I'll make. But when I've imagined myself as a teacher, an expensive lifestyle has never been the backdrop. Instead, I was heartened to think of the knowledge I would learn, and inspired to know that I could share it with others. I am not so naïve to think that I won't have to worry about money, but I am reassured that this future teaching role will bring me inner happiness.
After all, isn't being happy all that matters?
I recognize that in many ways, being able to pursue a degree in higher education is a privilege, and my outlook in life is tainted by my optimism. But I strongly believe that students in today's economic system have more opportunities than ever before, and they should accordingly choose what they want.
I know that if my plans to go to graduate school fall through, or if I suffer from a poor job market, then the other skills I developed along the way will certainly render me employable. It may not bring me fame nor fortune, but it will be a job.
Everyday new opportunities arise and challenge us to be creative by adapting. I don't care that it seems as if my dream is unsustainable — if I try hard enough, I can adapt it
to what I encounter. Whatever shape it takes does not matter to me; it is only that the end result is something I can be proud of.
I think more students should push against the pessimism of our age. Fight for what you want, if you really want it.
Develop a back-up plan, but don't lose sight of your original goal, even if others tell you otherwise.
Sandra Sanchez is a junior studying global and international studies, history and Chinese.