There is no life without the discovery and pursuit of passion. As the movie Iris once coined, "Education does not make us happy... but it is the means through which we realize that we are already happy." The facts along the way help to shape our efficiency, but in the end it is ultimately only important how we are changed by them.
Finding Your Passion
There are so many people in the world who are frustrated, who have lost their own dreams, or have fallen prey to their own self-doubt. It sounds like a simple question, but it is one of the most difficult questions we can ever ask of ourselves: "What do you want?" The generic answers are, of course, happiness, security, fulfillment. Anything in Maslow's hierarchy of needs would fit into the category of generic answers to this question. Close your eyes. How are you meant to serve others? Take out a piece of paper if you must, and write down the things that you love. Write down the ways you most enjoy helping others, and how you can devote your passions into a lifestyle. Come up with a plan on how you can attain these things. Don't show this list to anybody, unless you really want to. Remember, If people laugh at your dreams, they have likely abandoned their own.
Education
This is the second step on the path to happiness, and also the most heavy obstacle on this list. Many people never get past this one, and cease to continue on in their quest. Now, here is where you really need to close your eyes and open your heart. You have many choices in life, but remember that education should not be ignored. A liberal arts degree can work wonders in a field close to the profession that you feel most at peace with. Trade schools are also helpful. You need to decide.
I'm currently an Anthropology major with a concentration in public archaeology. You would be astounded at how many people have come up to me, scratching their heads, saying "I wish I could do that!" or, alternatively, wondering why everyone else gets the all of the good breaks. I'm always stunned cold in the spot whenever I see one of those responses. First, I can't imagine doing anything else, and second, anybody can do this. It isn't more difficult than anything else, but it is a decision that you must make. Archeology makes me happy in the same way that art makes the artist happy. It is just a difference. You must realize that fields such as "anthropology" or "museum studies" (to become a curator) ... those jobs aren't just for "other people." They're for you, as well.
Money is always an issue, but do not predicate your life around either obtaining it or letting your life fall to pieces because of it. If you are younger and your parents want you to desperately get a liberal arts B.A. or B.S. degree, try to gently remind them that as long as you have a degree itself, that should be all they ask of you. The rest is up to you.
If they absolutely refuse to fund the degree you are asking, do not abandon this dream, and do not delay your first two years of college. The first two years are primarily cores. Tell them that you will declare after you take your cores. Work summers, apply for work study which pays for your tuition and also gives you some pocket money. Do what it takes to fund your dream, but do not simply say "This is for other people. I'm supposed to make money." Also, ignore the comments. You will likely be sensitive at this time to people thinking that you are being idealistic. Do not listen. There is always a way if you are willing to find it. Some people work for money, for security, so that they can live their dreams part-time. Sometimes, though, that isn't enough. Decide.
Becoming a Humanitarian
While in school, or even after, humanitarian work is the key to applying what you have learned. Especially for any Anthropology majors out there, volunteering abroad will supplement your degree wonderfully. Community service is one of the most important actions that we can take in this life, reminding us how similar we actually all are, and also how different. Donating to charity, volunteering, or even playing on Free Rice for a little while will help feed the hungry, shelter the homeless and benefit the less fortunate.
Following Your Passion
Life the life you want to live. Have hobbies, look within yourself to find the way that you can best serve others with your passion. Subscribe to magazines and journals in your field, donate to charities, always think through "failures." Keep going, never stop for any reason. Always keep going.
