Nothing gets me more mad than people judging other people’s majors.

A few days ago, a girl in one of my classes exclaimed, “An art major sounds like the most useless degree!”

Aside from the fact that it hurt my feelings – yes, I’m an art major – it also made her sound totally ignorant, which is always annoying.

Hours after class, I couldn’t shake the frustration and anger her words brought me. So I thought I’d translate the negative emotions into a calm, well-thought out defense of anyone who has ever questioned their major because of what others might think.

First, if you are passionate about what you do, and confident in your ability to do it, getting your degree will not be in vain.

Second, you may not use the specific skills from your degree for a career, but you will always need and employ the other, less obvious skills that college has taught you. That’s right, in addition to learning tools for your trade, you have also learned how to study, work as a team, discipline yourself, think critically and analytically, etc. The list goes on and on.

Third, and perhaps most important, the world needs artists, writers and communicators. They may not be in demand as much as doctors and nurses, but they are essential to the progress and enrichment of our society.

Who else can make beauty available to every class, gender, religion and race? Who else will make a statement to the world with one, stunning image or experience? Who else will continue one of the most difficult and important lines of work – creating the unique? Originality. Individuality.

To that girl in my class, I hope I have changed your mind.

To our new class of graduates, even those with degrees in fine arts, the world is your oyster. Be open to any possibilities that come your way. Recognize your limits. Know your potential.

Ellen Weiss