We recieve this question from young readers often. Today we're diving into the subject of education! We have different experiences and perspectives about this topic, and we hope that our stories will inspire you to follow your own path. Those early adult years can be so intimidating, but it can also be a great opportunity to learn and grow into the person you want to be!
Elsie: I started college right after highschool when I was seventeen (I graduated a year early). I went for two years and then decided that I wasn't happy with the major I had chosen. At that point I was really excited about photography so I decided to take a break from college while deciding what major I was most interested in. At that point I was nineteen and I started my first business, a local photography business. I spent a few years developing my photography business and then started getting opportunities to work in the scrapbooking industry. I designed a product line and spent a few years traveling and teaching workshops. I enjoyed every opportunity and things happened very naturally in my early twenties. I'm not sure at what point I decided not to finish college. I don't think I ever conciously decided not to finish, I just kept getting exciting opportunities and one thing led to another. With that said, If I were doing it over with what I know now I would probably choose a business degree. I'm proud of the fact that I've developed a career without a college degree, but as you can see from my story it was more a matter or circumstance, than a choice to skip college. I wouldn't encourage anyone to skip college because it's a great opportunity!
Emma: I also started college right after high school. I wasn't too excited about it at first, as I didn't really know what I wanted to study or what I really wanted to do for a job in the future. My parents encouraged me to go ahead and start college, even though I wasn't sure what I wanted to major in yet. I'm so glad I took their advice! I really enjoyed college, I studied Philosophy and received my Bachelor of Arts from Missouri State. I am currently working towards my Master's degree in business administration. My business classes have helped me be a better small business owner. I'm a good example of someone who learns best from education, through classroom settings and books. That type of learning style might not be for everyone, but it is certainly best for me and I would not have found that out had I not gone to college.
We get asked quite often for our advice about if someone should pursue college, or what they should major in. It's a pretty intimidating thing to get asked, as we could never know everyone's personal situation or what type of goals they might have for their life. That being said, here are our general tips for those who might be considering these types of questions.
Our education tips:
-If you're not sure, go ahead and go to school. I (Emma) wasn't sure what I wanted to do after high school and my parents encouraged me to just start college and see where it went. Elsie and I are both so glad that we started college, because you learn so much more than just what your classes will teach you. College is a great time to grow as an individual, work on your people skills and learn to interact and work with people who are different from you. You may find after a semester or two that college isn't right for you, or a career opportunity comes your way; but you may also find that school gives you structure and a degree that you can use in the future.
-Try out different things until you find the right fit. I (Emma) had 3 or 4 different majors before I finally found the major I was most passionate about. Elsie owned an entirely different business (a photography business) before she ever started Red Velvet or this blog. Don't put too much pressure on yourself to find the perfect fit the first time, try a few things out and learn as you go.
-Listen to those who love you. It's silly to ignore the advice of those people who love you and know you best. Even if you don't end up taking their advice, you should listen and seriously consider it. I'm so glad I took my parents advice and went to college.
-Do what you love but don't forget to consider the long-term. If you feel passionate about creative/artistic fields then you should definitely be learning new skills and techniques in those areas and pursuing that, BUT keep in mind that most creative professions are very competitive and can be low-paying. It's good to always have a backup plan or goal (sometimes your backup plan ends up being the thing you love most, you just don't know it yet!). Even if you are really passionate about baking it still might be a good idea to study accounting or business because you will need these skills to own a bakery. You never have to stop doing your passion just because you don't do it professionally. Some passions make great careers and some work better as hobbies. This is something you can decide over time.
-Whatever you decide to do, work hard at it and never stop learning. It took a lot of years of hard work before Elsie and I were able to make our small business successful. We still work really hard, and are always learning new and better ways to do Red Velvet (that's why I'm still in school!). Just because you work hard doesn't necessarily mean that you will land every opportunity that you want in life, but if you don't give it your very best effort you are just cheating yourself. And remember, there are tons of resources out there that don't involve a classroom. So you have no excuse… keep learning!
Thanks for letting Elsie and I share our experiences and perspective with you. There really are so many different paths to a successful career. Happy learning! xo. emma and elsie
84 Comments
Elsie and Emma,
thank you so much for having a post on education. This was very inspirational and helpful, as I am entering college in the fall. I agree on how we should all pursuit different things, until we find what really fits us.
Your posts are always inspirational and uplifting, so thank you again 🙂
Great post ladies. I too went to school straight out of high school, but have been taking some time off to do some traveling. I hope to go back very soon and finish up my degree as it will definitely be an asset!
Thanks so much for sharing this! I’m 21 and trying to figure out exactly what I want to do with my life. I’m passionate about so much, and it’s hard to decide. That’s what’s so cool though, the possibilities are endless!
I really look up to both of you and admire everything you do. You’ve accomplished so much, and you’re still so young. I love when you share about your past, leading to where you got today. It’s so inspiring and seriously helpful.
Thank you both for being such positive role models and for giving me someone to look up to.
XO Shannon
Thank you so much for posting thing. I just recently changed my major (rather unwillingly) to a costume design major from a vocal performance major. This has been a very hard change for me and to read what you had to say about “sometimes your backup plan ends up being the thing you love most, you just don’t know it yet!” is exactly what happened. With the toughest year i have ever had, having to accept that I will not be doing what I love anymore, thank you for posting this and giving me some hope that I might learn to love this. I really needed to read that.
These are wonderful tips! I think it is so easy to see creative people in the blog world and think things came so easy for them! But you are proof that hard work…and education are important aspects of a creative career!
Great advice guys.
University was a great time for me, when I was exploring my passions like art history, anthropology, politics, philosophy and history. I also think if your university affords you an opportunity for a year to study abroad or exchange a semester with a student in another country – DO IT! It will change your life for the better and give you a much better sense of what you want to do with your life, and study because you’ll know quickly who you are.
One year of living in Mexico City, change my life dramatically. The best year of my life!
xoxo
http://www.natashafatah.blogspot.com
This is so great! I won’t be going to university for another three years (I’m only 15) but this definately gives me some things to think about 🙂 What were you taking for those two years you went to university?
such words of wisdom. you both rock! 🙂
This is such a wonderful post! I have just started my first year at University straight after leaving school, and I was really worried beacuse I still don’t know what I want to do as a career and I don’t even know what my major is going to be, so I’m just doing a mix of subjects I enjoy, and a business degree which is a huge challenge since I never took that in school! This post has encouraged me so much to keep at it and see where it leads. Thank you 🙂
x Hannah Rose
this is such a cool post! I know I want to go to university when I grad, but I’m not TOTALLY sure what for, and this was very insightful! thanks!
I think this is all great advice! I graduated with a BS in Legal Studies in 2004 & a masters in Public Administration in 2007. I’m now an administrator at a university. I don’t really use my Legal degree directly, but there are certainly skills that I gained that I use all the time. Not to mention that those 4 years in college were some of the best of my life!!! 🙂
Great advices! I’m a student too, a biology one and science really suits me! I’am so happy to study on this subject! =)
(New blog needing some love and support: http://inwhirlofinspiration.blogspot.com)
Thanks for sharing your personal stories – I’m currently in college and I really enjoy it although I wish I had more time to make stuff rather than just read textbooks. But I’m sure it pays off when I have my business degree and I can start my own business 🙂
I’ve been really lucky so far. I started college when I was 16, and I’ve stuck with my English major throughout. I did switch my minor from music to psychology (music theory is a killer–I know it sounds easy, but it’s the freakin’ hardest class I’ve ever taken!). I’m graduating next semester at 19. Phew!
I definitely agree–go even if you don’t know what you want to major in. It’s still an important experience!
great tips! i’m a senior this year, so this is perfect for me. thanks so much!!
http://saramadebeth.wordpress.com
Excellent advice, Elsie and Emma!
And I agree that it’s good to go to school even if you’re not sure. I’m not directly working in the industries that I studied after high school but what I learnt is coming in handy in many unexpected ways!
atadbitcreative.com
My two cents:
Go. To. School. If you don’t know what you want to do, just start a liberal arts or business degree. That’s what I did. And my second year, before I had actually gotten into business specific courses, I found nursing and fell in love. I really found myself in college.
xoxo – http://cachecloset.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much for the advice! I need all I can get:)
http://www.loganmakesamess.com/
Industrial Design is a great career choice for someone who is creative! I really enjoyed my classes and there are TONS of career opportunities – although it is very competitive.
You take a lot of art classes, but ergonomics, manufacturing and materials classes too so you understand how products are made.
I ended up designing steel structures and site furnishings for playgrounds, city parks, amusements parks, places like that. I love it!
Wonderful post! I started out as a nursing major and knew that it just wasn’t right for me, I had always wanted to work in fashion. I transferred to Textile and Apparel Management. Everyone thought I was completely stupid for giving up such a stable career in the medical field, but I knew it just wasn’t what I wanted to do. I have been very successful in the Apparel business for over 10 years now and I love what I do! My biggest recommendation would be to always go to college! An education is something that no one can ever take away from you. But on the other hand, trust your instincts and follow your dreams. A little cheesy, yes, but if you do what you love, you’ll be successful!!
THanks for this wonderful advice! I’m graduating next year, and love art and everything that you can do with it creativly. Thanks again! 🙂
http://www.vivikstyle.blogspot.com
Well done. I hope the younger readers take the part about exploring, constantly learning, and not pressuring themselves to find the perfect thing right away to heart. I wish I had known those things earlier. I would have saved myself a lot of perfectionism stress and been less fearful to just go for it. All the best, friends!
Very well said. We should never stop learning no matter where we are on the career pat. Great post!
This was such a wonderful, encouraging post! I struggled with the “what should I study?” question for a few years. My college experience has taught me one thing that I think is SUPER important – if you have a deep desire to show your creative side in your career but are nervous about pursuing the arts specifically because of job security, don’t be afraid to be find a more conventional field where you can still let your craftiness shine! I had a major-changing crisis after studying Chemistry for two years, and switched to Communication Disorders after my dad encouraged me to look into it. Now I am in my final semester of obtaining my masters in Speech-Language Pathology and I couldn’t be happier! It’s allowed me to use my “science brain” while also getting to make a difference in people’s lives AND exercise my crafty/artsy side when coming up with games and activities for therapy. It’s ended up being the perfect career choice for me and I love the opportunities it has opened up.
oh, it’s so funny the things we have in common, Elsie! I actually graduated/got my GED/started community college when I was 16! I also pursued photography as a career until I was about 20 and have had a lot of jobs that I’ve loved and kind of “fallen into” since then!
I did finish my Associates Degree in Fine Arts – I must say that there’s plenty I’m really glad I learned from those classes, but honestly think I could have JUST taken the art classes and not bothered with all the other non-related requirements you have to do to get a degree and would have been just as happy (In all the jobs I’ve had so far, NO ONE has cared about my degree!)
Also, my hubby went to college for a whole two months and then realized the college setting was not at all for him and instead opted for a trade school – which I HIGHLY recommend for anyone who doesn’t think they’re “college material!” and he loves his job!
sorry for the long reply – I always hate seeing young kids feeling like they HAVE to get a degree, I have tons of friends who don’t even use theirs at all. And even though if you don’t use it, you may still have gotten a lot out of it, it’s still a LOT of money to spend and I think that’s something everyone really needs to consider more carefully!
🙂
as a university graduate, i wouldn’t recommend going to college unless you really know what you want to go for. instead i’d recommend taking classes in things you are passionate about – formal/informal classes or workshops. the internet is a great learning tool as well.
college is very expensive these days and getting into debt with student loans is not the best idea in the type of economy we live in.
Love this! 🙂 I think it’s really important for young people to know, too, that you don’t just get *one shot* at choosing what you’re going to do for the rest of your life – as it sometimes feels like it can be, when you’re 18 and being pressured to go to university or college. It could take many years and many things you thought you might like to do before you finally find where your heart lies…and every step will be a great learning experience. 🙂 College might be a good way to narrow it down a little more, so you find what you’re most interested in a little faster, maybe? I waited a few years after highschool before I went to film school, have been working for the past 5 years, and now am transitioning into a new career and doing the 4-years-of-university thing. And it’s fun! It’s fun to always grow yourself creatively, no matter how or when you do. 🙂
As a college professor, the advice I have is practical– 1) if you aren’t sure where your interests lie you should consider going to a junior college instead of a traditional 4 year (unless your parents are loaded and can pay the tuition without loans)– payments on college loans begin the minute you stop attending, whether or not you get a degree. Don’t put yourself multiple thousands of dollars in debt unless you have some sort of goal in mind– junior college is less expensive, and a great place to explore your interests before committing to a major!
2) A college degree does not guarantee you a paycheck. If you don’t love what you are doing, you will be unhappy regardless of your paycheck amount. Money comes, as Elsie and Emma clearly exemplify, when you have a job you love. You will work hard because you want to, not because you have to and THAT is what makes money– not some piece of paper {in fact, a degree actually puts you in debt…see point 1 🙂
oh my god! I’ve started reading your blog about a month ago,and i always wanted to ask about your college experienses. I am almost 18 and i’m about to try entering the architecture college(the exams here in Greece are in 2 months). I’m not sure i want to be an architect,but i’m sure i want to create a lot,so you two have become my idols recently:)) I’ll send an e-mail when i find some more time,i have more questions for you,if that is not a problem. Keep it up,you are both so so so awesome!
kisses
Magda
Thanks for the advice! I’ve been in school for a few years and I’m finally in my last semester. I went for paralegal but it’s not something I really want to do. I find it difficult to keep going when every day I feel like I’m not doing anything I want to be doing (and being excruciatingly poor adds to my stress level).
I want to go to school for sewing/fashion but have yet to find a program in my area. I might go back eventually for textile design… I plan on doing whatever I can to learn on my own in the meantime and your posts definitely help keep me inspired.
^^ and I agree with Emily, people think I’m crazy for not wanting to be a paralegal but in my opinion, if I want to do something I will be more likely to find a way to be successful at it. And that’s sewing.
Emma where are you getting your masters from? Are you doing it online? I’ve been considering the same masters.
This is exactly what I needed to hear today! I am currently finishing my AA at a Community College and am trying to transfer somewhere in the fall. I got turned down by my dream school which was really hard, now I am just hoping I get into another one of my schools. I decided early on that I wanted to study Marketing due to several internships, though I am reconsidering this because marketing is part of the business schools and they put a lot of emphasis on my math scores which aren’t so great.
It is so great to hear two completely different stories regarding the college situation. I know it is stressful for a lot of people and things like this make me relax a bit more. Thanks so much girls!
No one will probably read my comment, but here are my thoughts: When in doubt, go to school. It’s always better to have a degree than not. Even if you end up in a job that’s completely unrelated to your major, a lot of employers like to see that you have the discipline to get a degree. That’s not to put Elsie down, she definitely has a lot of drive and discipline but I think she is lucky – her experience is not the norm!
http://www.wholesaleshoes-shop.com
This is really great! I’m 23 and initially went to university after high school. I changed my program and school every year for four years because I couldn’t find the right fit. I went into psychology, then fashion, then humanities and then holistic nutrition. Finally after a ton of money spent I decided to take a break and follow my dream…so I followed my French boyfriend back to France which has been my dream for 10 years. Now I have time to think about what it is I really want while exploring my other passions like the pastry arts!
Thank you! This was so inspiring! I am in my final year of a bachelor in art photography, and to be honest I have no idea what to do once I finish. Me and my sister dream of owning a store together some day. You guys are so inspiring because it seems like you get to do so many exiting things and incorporate everything you are passionate about in your work! Perfect example of how hard work pays off.
You rock!
Thank you both for being such positive role models and for giving me someone to look up to.
I’ve been hoping to find something like this online for the past 2 years! I’m glad you guys decided to share your experiences… it’s so amazing to know two different stories and both are successful! 😀 thanks for sharing!!!
Thank you both for being such positive role models and for giving me someone to look up to.
THESE are the kinds of posts I really, really enjoy. Thanks for the inspirational words for those that needed to hear it.
I agree, this is such an important post. Keep inspiring creative types all the way. 🙂
Awesome post!! 🙂 It’s super inspiring, and makes me feel very excited! Right now I’m studying through the open university. i’m not sure what I’m going to do and what I want to major in, but my plan right now is just take courses that I’m interested in and see where it takes me. It’s a super exciting thought! 🙂 I also hope to someday transfer to a “real” university, so we’ll see! Thank you for this post, I loved it and reading the comments is great too!
Well said, Emma! As a fellow small business owner, looking back, I wish I would have taken business classes! Thank God my husband has a business degree 😉
What a wonderful wonderful post!!
You know what I love absolutely most about you two ladies….it your pure honesty.
You both are so honest with your thought processes. Sometimes I feel like I know you personally.
Thanks so much for being great ladies.
Brianna
Great advice, ladies! I always knew that I wanted to go to college, but was unsure about what major I wanted to pursue. So, I spent a year at community college earning my associate’s degree, which allowed me to take classes from several different fields without the high price tag of a four-year university (when you are paying for college yourself like I was, this is definitely the best option!).
I was interested in journalism, theatre, photography and advertising, so I chose a Communication Studies degree, which allowed me to take classes in all of them! Even though I loved school, there were times where it felt pointless and I considered dropping out. I am so glad that I didn’t, though. As an editor and writer, there is no way I could have supported myself without a Bachelor’s degree.
That said, I agree that the best advice is to start college and give it a try. If things get difficult and you want to drop out, envision what your life will be like without a degree. That’s what worked for me! 🙂
http://viennawaitsblog.blogspot.com/
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughtful words on this subject! I think your advice is spot-on (and I’m a grad students, so I know my way around a school haha). You two continue to inspire me!!!
This post was great to read, quite the comfort right now as I seem to have hit the ‘second-year-crisis’ that everyone seems to go through. Yesterday I wanted to drop out, today I want to continue to masters level, tomorrow – who on earth knows?!
All the reader comments have been interesting to read as well. No one at the university can give as good advice as other students/graduates.
Some days I don’t know why I keep going. Then I remember my childhood self’s amazement when I realised I could read books and get a degree in it. Reading is a passion – an English degree not so. Always try and remember your original drive – if nothing else it will remind you that at some point in your life you wanted this!
As a high school senior getting ready to go off to college this fall, I really appreciate this post! College has me nervous, but I know it’ll bring about a lot of great opportunities 🙂 thanks for sharing ladies!
xo Heather
http://ahopelessnotebook.blogspot.com/
Thank you for such a wonderful post! I am in my fifth (and final) year of a double degree and last week decided it wasn’t for me. I am finishing off one this semester and will be switching it up next semester to study teaching for a year. I hope to eventually finish by business degree but feel fortunate to have learnt that there isn’t always one straight way to find what you love. Thanks again ladies xx
http://www.lilyandgrace.com.au
I can not tell you how much I needed this post.
I’m finishing up my Freshman year of college right now. I’m pursuing an art degree with a minor in business. I decided to try my hand at art first, because I felt like I’d be totally cheating myself if I didn’t give what I was passionate at (versus what I may be better at, like english) a chance. I’d be riddled with what-ifs and I couldn’t live with that. So, here I am, an art major who is seriously scared of making the wrong choice. Is it silly for me not pursue something I might be better at? Yet, art makes me feel alive and I’m obviously surviving. I still teeter back and forth and I may not have completely settled on what I want to do, but this post has really helped give me a little perspective. I really enjoyed that.
I find you both so inspiring on a creative and business level, so your advice is something I know you put a lot of heart and consideration in to. This post could not have come at a better time! Haha. Being a young adult has it’s own set of challenges. You’re independent, but not entirely. You’re frequently confronted with what’s practical and what’s just a dream. There are so many big decisions to make that are the foundation to your future, but this post has given me that small little reminder that I don’t have to have everything figured out right this second. That I can change and develop over time.
Thank you.
<3
I am really impressed at both your sucess, it’s funny that one of you has a master and one of you has no degree and yet you both are doing great today!
Material Fixations
Great post! I am starting to plan my college stuff, and I want to study graphic design. I also plan on minoring in writing so I could be more versatile, and maybe minor in something like philosophy or psychology. Philosophy is just so interesting!! I’d love to hear more about what your philosophy courses were like.
great post! it’s so nice to see both perspectives from successful women. i too only went to college for 2 years (i’m 41 now) and then went on tour as a musical theater performer and lived in nyc as an actor for many years. i have always followed my passions and now i dream a little bit of a different dream as an event designer, a voice teacher and a mom. you never know where life will take you. i am so grateful to have those 2 years of college and while i don’t have a degree, i feel you can be successful and do anything you want to do with drive and self motivation if you work hard and put your mind to it. education is extremely valuable, but it can come from different places. thanks for confirming that! it’s sometimes hard when people assume you have a degree and then judge you for not having one.
great post – we’re just finishing up our last semester of college and are trying to decide how our degrees can be useful in “the real world.”
college is certainly not for everyone, but i’d say if you have the chance give it a try!
Wonderful post! This is great advice, I really loved hearing both of your perspectives and how different they are. 🙂
Thank you for this! My whole life I thought I was going to study zoology and work with animals, but in the last few months i have changed my mind. Thank you for sharing your experiences and thoughts 🙂
thanks for the inspirational post ladies! i just started my own creative business last year but haven’t quit my 9 to 5 just yet. its so inspirational to read about you ladies taking the plunge and investing yourselves in your business full-time, i hope to do the same one day too! xoxo
Wow, this post really hit home for me. As a college student (business and art major)who’s not really sure what I’m doing here, this really helps a lot.
It’s really great to get advice from someone I look up to, especially since I hope to be a small business owner myself someday.
thank you for posting this!
education is sooo so important,
there can’t be enough focus on it!
xo, cheyenne
As someone that struggled finishing school and had friends that didn’t, I appreciate this post! On one hand, I don’t think it’s healthy that college is pushed on everyone because not everyone needs a degree for what they end up pursuing, yet college is so great and I would highly recommend trying it to everyone!
I think the point that needs to be driven the most to highschool students is that they should be going to college for some reason. It’s easy to just adjust to a new routine, until your senior year when you have no direction on what to do next and a big education debt to pay off.
These are great suggestions and I’m stoked you ladies are champions of education and following your bliss… I’d like to also add a suggestion to the first tip…. Its one I wish I had followed (although I love where I ended up). If you dont know what direction you want to head in school, but you do know you want to go, start at your local JC. A community college is a wonderful place to get your feet wet. You can try EVERYTHING and its not going to put you into debt (many even offer complete tuition waivers, here in Cali called BOG waivers). Furthermore, you can also knock out many general ed classes that will transfer to a state school (another way to save $$!). Finally, I have found that the people I meet at the JC are great! They are down-to-earth folx working hard to further their educations… Its a great place to learn about yourself, your interests, your learning style and options! Have fun!
definitely agree with most of what you’ve said. i just changed my major recently this semester (i’m third year) and i’ve changed 180 degree, from computer science to journalism. it’s still hard for me especially considering my hearing barrier but it’s definitely a lot better than previous major. i’ve decided to start documenting about my college experiences to see where i’ve gone from and what i’ve felt its fun and i love college too! even though you just want to get out and work, haha.
Thank you for posting this! I also majored in Philosophy, and it is great to see that a fellow philosopher is doing something artistic with her life. It’s several years after college and I’m now a stylist and visual merchandiser. I know I’ll never “do anything” with my particular degree, but I’m still glad that I have it. College and philosophy taught me a lot about myself and who I want to be. <3
I would like to say don`t listen to people who say you are being “unrealistic.” I really hate that word. Sometimes the people who say that the most end up being your parents. I know it`s hard to follow your dreams when your mom and dad are paying for everything, and they say that an art degree, or a theater degree isn`t an option, and you that you ought to choose a more “realistic” major. That is what happened to me. Just go along with them at first, because even if you major in law or engineering when you really wanted to study fashion design, it will give you a leg up in the industry of your choice. Sometimes people can be unfair, and downright discriminatory about their kids. Remember, not everyone ends up like Liz Taylor, but someone did, and if people didn’t have pipe dreams no one would ever do anything.
I really agree on the point that not all passions should turn into careers. In fact sometimes you lose your passion because your lively hood depends on it and that may stifle your creativity. I have an interest in interior decor for the purpose of decorating my own space and possibly advising family and friends so I spent a little bit of money on a short course to get the basics as opposed to a 3yr degree. I would encourage people to do the same, possibly register an after school or a weekend program first to see if this is something you would really consider doing full time before investing lots of money and time studying it.
I ended up designing steel structures and site furnishings for playgrounds, city parks, amusements parks, places like that. I love it!
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Great post!!
This is a great post. I went to college right after high school for painting and printmaking–and ended up hating it and leaving for organic gardening at a community college, then a certificate in herbalism. About 6 years later here I am finishing my art degree–but in Craft and Material Studies, which is something I find much more applicable. I needed that break. I also eat up anything business advice related, for example I took a couple classes at a non-profit business coaching center…just to be prepared for the next step in life.
Thanks for all your great advice ladies!
Thanks y’all, I’m a high school junior trying to figure out what to do with my life! I’m a writer and a poet and a sewer, but I don’t think I’ll go to school for those things. It’s really helpful to hear successful women’s stories about going to college for something unrelated to their current job, or not finishing college at all! While everyone around me is telling me that my college major will determine the rest of my life, thanks for showing me otherwise!
I am particularly fond of this post since I work in higher ed (I’m an academic advisor), and my only other piece of advice that I would give to readers is to visit with your advisor if your not sure what you want to do. They totally want to help you! Also, choose something you love. I have a Master of Arts in Religious Studies, and while I am not directly using it, I learned so much, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made 🙂
That being said, if you are doing something you love, put education on hold…I think that it is wonderful that you (Elsie) were able to work in a field that you love so early.
Thanks for sharing,
Christina
Thank you for this wonderful post!
I’ve been struggling with college the last few years by trying to pursue science, but deep down it just didn’t feel right. I’m a creative person, and I couldn’t use this at all in my classes. I recently decided to switch to business (more on the marketing end) so I can use my artistic and structured sides together. This post really helped me to see that I have made the right decision myself!
I have read and know people who have had their work stolen by Elsie during her scrapbooking days. I hope it’s not true but there are some not very nice website about her.
this is so great to read! i want to have my own creative business as well when I am older, and i loved reading Emma’s perspective on education for business. thank you so much for writing about this!
After you read this comment feel free to delete, but your post on education would be more effective with correct grammar.
“Thanks for letting Elsie and I share our experiences and perspective with you.”
“I” is a subject pronoun and “me” is an object pronoun.
If you are not sure whether to use “I” or “me”, try the sentence without the other person. For example:
“Thanks for letting I share my experiences…
vs. “Thanks for letting me share my experiences…
The correct pronoun in your sentence should be “me” not “I”
hi Summer time is so exciting. I am from Bangladesh. There are restricted summer not ac required but when come hot A/C can use.
you lovely two girls, thanks for this post – i needed it soo much. i become a teacher in the next few month and was so afraid to fail the job because i wanted to do creative stuff as a job – but it’s very difficult these days to live from those jobs – so i decided to be a teacher, cause i wanted it since i was six years old and it’s my dreamjob and your post shows me that it’s possible to be creative as a parttimejob too. THANK YOU!
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Excellent advice! As a high school teacher, I think it’s very important for my students to find something they’re passionate about, and find some way of working it into they’re lives. When I graduated high school, I knew college was for me…but beyond that I had no clue. And I’m so thankful for that. I found some of my passions through my college education.
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