College is Not a Linear Path for Everyone

When I was younger, I thought I would be on Broadway. It was a secret thought, a desire hidden from the voices saying, “that’s an unstable career!” and “you won’t make any money.” I approached applying to college in a similar fashion, auditioning at a few schools for musical theatre, but mainly focusing my applications on journalism for the schools I really wanted to attend. “It’s better to have a safer degree and do theatre on the side,” I was told over and over. I ended up a journalism major, later to change to writing, literature, and publishing because I craved creativity.

To be perfectly honest, I have cried about not majoring in theatre. For a while, I thought my chance was gone and I might never get the opportunity to be in a show again. I love to write and felt at home at my college, but it was a difficult feeling like I was giving up on my passion. My outlook improved when I got into my first student theatre production, as a freshman. I thought I had no chance of getting a role over the numerous performing arts majors. I realized that, at least for the fall semester, I didn’t have to give up my love for theatre.

All this to say, during my first semester of college, I have learned a lot about the path I see myself following. My first piece of advice would be to not listen when others tell you not to follow your dreams. My second piece of advice is that not everyone takes the same path to reach that dream. 

Going for an unstable career is scary. Taking an unconventional route when it comes to schooling is also scary. But, when you find the right path for you, it won’t matter that it didn’t look the same as everyone else’s. 

I do harbor some regret about not committing to a musical theatre major. However, I have come to realize that if you are passionate about something, there is always a way to reach that goal. I have involved myself with theatre organizations on campus, I live on the performing arts floor, and I am taking as many theatre-related classes as I can. I even plan to take voice and dance classes outside of school when the pandemic permits.

Earlier in the college application process, my voice teacher, who often feels like my second mom, told me something that really expanded my view on college as a whole. She explained that not everyone needs the same kind of structure or schooling to get to the same place in their career. Someone going to a conservatory for musical theatre could experience the same training as someone who takes voice, dance, and acting classes extensively outside of school. It all depends on the amount of work you are willing to put in to reach your goal.

I know a lot of adults who have gone back to school after being out of college for years. I know teachers who are simultaneously teaching and in school themselves. There are so many options and college does not have to be a linear path for everyone. I think this is an assumption that causes people to feel trapped in a field or major. You don’t only have one chance. 

Recently, I’ve been considering auditioning for master’s programs in musical theatre once I get my bachelor’s degree. I’ll have one degree that will allow me to get a job I love, and I’d be able to catch up on any training I’ve missed out on. This certainly isn’t the typical track someone in my major would take for grad school, but I think it will make me the happiest. It’s out of my comfort zone, and definitely out of my parents’ too, but I am determined to make my own way to the career I want to have.

Restrictions from parents and finances can seem like unsurpassable obstacles when trying to pursue a career that’s perceived as unreliable. Some careers, especially in the arts, are pretty elitist. However, I would recommend getting involved in any way you can, whether it’s through the community or through organizations at your school. Even if you can’t directly major in your passion, you never have to give it up.

Starting to apply for college is daunting. As a 17 or 18 year old, you don’t know what you want to do for the rest of your life. You barely know what you want to do tomorrow. However, something that I find reassuring is the knowledge that you will find your own unique path to reach your goals. You might not go to your dream school, you might change your major three times, you might drop out of college entirely. In the end, there is no perfect path to your career. The only right path is the one that suits your needs and allows you space and time to gain the knowledge you need.