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Life changing decision - Seriously read this and give me some feedback.

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wuj.
Posts: 227 - Karma: 122
Hey guys, I'd like to reach out and ask you guys your opinion on something I've been struggling with for over a year.

During my senior year in high school I planned on graduating and then studying a science related major (biology, pre-med, exercise science, etc.) in college. I enjoy helping people and I felt like my interests in athletics and exercise would tie in well to a career in physical therapy, sports medicine, or a trainer. However, all throughout high school I've had people tell me I should look into graphic design or a career using my artistic abilities (kusiiion.deviantart.com or evobaclothing.com). I kind of blow this advice off because I wanted to have a steady job with high security and decent pay. At the time, I felt that a career in design or art would be foolish in these tough economic times.

I'm about ready to wrap about my first year at a community college in a small town in the Pacific NW. It's a nice town, but I need to get out and go to a large city. I plan on transferring to a four-year school and I'm still working on my science transfer degree. Here's the tough part. Over the last the few months, I've come to not enjoy physics and other science classes at all. I feel like i'm sort of out of place. I see my partners enjoying the lessons and they are usually enthusiastic and excited to learn more about physics and such. I don't feel that. I don't get that spark in my eye when I'm taking notes in class or doing a lab. I just want to get it done and finish the class so I can get closer to my degree. In my art classes, it's completely different. I'm the kid who loves to be there. I'm the kid who is enthusiastic and excited to learn more. I think this is saying something about what I should do for a career. I don't want to go into a job because I need money and security. I need to go into a career because I have a passion for it.

It's obvious I need to transfer, but I'm not sure if I should finished my 2-year program or not. It looks a lot better on a resume to have a completed A.S. (2-year) degree, but this will be one more year that I will be stuck in my small hometown going to a school that doesn't excite me or motivate me. Another catch is that I play on the college baseball team. It's a lot of fun and we're having a great season and I really like being a part of the team. Next year, I'll be a significant contributor to the team so that's another thing I have to keep in the equation...

I need to transfer to a good university or college with a good graphic design and/or art program. Not only do I need a good school, I need a good CITY to live in. I want to go to a place where I can learn and get exposure. It doesn't have to be New York City, but it needs to be a place where my talents and interests can be cultivated and recognized. I'd like to live in a city with a population of over 300,000 or so.

What do you guys think? I need help finding a good school/city for me to go to.

Any advice or feedback would be greatly appreciated.

Apr 10 2011 3:19PM
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Mike-O
Posts: 14593 - Karma: 1,089
Portland?
Apr 10 2011 3:27PM
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Skipig25
Posts: 10729 - Karma: 256
Also just because you don't like physics doesn't mean you wouldn't like being a PT or trainer. I feel like it's one of those classes you need to take because it's major-related, but doesn't actually have anything to do with the job you would have.

If you become a graphic designer, you can still find a job at a large company and have a steady income.


Or, option 3, double major, or minor in graphics, and then you can be a trainer/PT, and do freelance design work on the side
Apr 10 2011 3:42PM
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DasGoatenshafter
Posts: 580 - Karma: 307
finish degree, acquire high paying sciency job. have time and money to do art etc that you love. thats my plan
Apr 10 2011 3:44PM
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wuj.
Posts: 227 - Karma: 122
I've thought about it, but I don't really like PSU and Univ. of Portland doesn't have a very good art program (no graphic design).

How about cities anyone?
Apr 10 2011 3:48PM
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CliffyByro
Posts: 5678 - Karma: 3,903
definitely finish your degree, that way you'll always have it there to fall back on. once you've finished, see where you want to go from there. you never know, you might completely change your mind in the next year!

as for town/ city, i'm afraid i can't hep you there because i don't live in america. good luck with whatever you decide to do though!
Apr 10 2011 3:51PM
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yeahno
Posts: 4008 - Karma: 3,414
tacoma
Apr 10 2011 3:51PM
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Deezy
Posts: 4580 - Karma: 1,004
making decisions from a place like you are at now isnt very safe. get a nice steady job, no matter if you like it or not. then you can go from there with some good support
Apr 10 2011 3:51PM
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Funkadelic
Posts: 1967 - Karma: 391
My advice would just be to do whatever your gut says is going to make you happiest. I will say, don't worry about physics sucking. I'm a bio major and I fucking hated physics. I'm a junior now though, and I enjoy the classes that relate to what I actually want to do, but there are the science classes that you just have to get through. If you do decide to go to graphic design I promise there are going to be classes that don't interest you just as much as physics doesn't.

But go with your heart. I realize I'm not the typical person, and money doesn't concern me in the least. I think life is best if you just go after whatever makes your heart tick and do it full force. If you think graphic design in a city will make you happiest, do that asap, if you think going the physical therapy route and helping people is gonna make you happiest, then stay in your school another year and transfer out for that.
Apr 10 2011 4:03PM
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M.RYAN05
Posts: 299 - Karma: 24
id say finish the 2 yr thing. if the desire to do it comes back then do it. but if not fuck it. do what u love
Apr 10 2011 4:08PM
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moni@ange
Posts: 1 - Karma: 10
hey :)

i couln'd put this problem better than u did :" the spark in their eyes!" i really get u! i have the same issue, i never took art lessons in school or outside so when my friends told me i'm talented n should really consider goin to an art school i thought they were just being nice. so i went to the art teacher in high school and showed her all of my drawings and she was surprised. i just did art for myself. i loved it. it was a hobby not a career, i'm a passion designer but only for the fun of it! but all my life i studied science related subjects, i'm currently in IB doing high level chem ,physics and math, you know the subject that get you somewhere in your life. i chose chem over art in IB and i regret that decision every single time i go to the lesson! i dont feel it, i hate chemistry and i'd rather do art! the problem is where i live they dont take art seriously they think i'll be having foolish lectures,easy projects and wont find a job later on in life. i'm torn and dont know what to do either, to risk it and follow my dreams or to play it safe and suck it up for the rest of my life and do science?! I honestly can t find myself doing anything related to science anymore, i just dont have the energy to stand somethin i despite! all i can tell u is if u cant find yourself in it, just leave it (only if u think u are talented because thats something u really strongly need to believe in or u'll regret it if u leave science for art, u'll doubt yourself) if u are meant to be an artist than it is meant to be especially if u are happy with it! n also think bout all the artists out there surely they have jobs ( come one box office is always full of number one animation movies!! :P)

good luck though in deciding and keep me posted!

sincerely M :D
Apr 11 2011 6:41PM
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t-roy
Posts: 4041 - Karma: 52
Like a couple others have said, just because you don't like physics doesn't mean you won't enjoy a medical career. I am finishing an 8 year college career soon and there were many classes I did not like way back in undergrad. With medical professions you often don't get to really know what it is like until you are committed to it.

From my experiences in clinic and on internships, working with people day in and day out is very rewarding but also tiring. It feels great to go to clinic and work and help people, but sometimes dealing with people's problems is tiresome. At the end of the day it usually feels really good to have a made a difference in someone's life. It is helpful to others and other self-rewarding.

On the other hand doing something you are passionate about like art or graphic design is something that you would hopefully look forward to doing and enjoy every day. You can certainly get a good job with graphic design, but you are more likely to start at a small company at lower pay, than if you were to be a physical therapist or whatever.

I wouldn't recommend doing both at the same time. You are probably better off focusing completely on one major. You could certainly practice art/design on the side, but if you are serious about a medical career you are going to need to work at it. Good luck!
Apr 11 2011 6:52PM
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wuj.
Posts: 227 - Karma: 122
Thanks for the advice guys. @T-roy, I think that was the most helpful suggestion I've received. thanks a lot. I'll be sure to let y'all know how things go.
Apr 11 2011 11:27PM
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panojibber
Posts: 3382 - Karma: 216
I know exactly what you mean man, when I came to school I was really set on getting a science degree but I absolutely love writing and my english classes are some of my favorites. I'm getting 90s in english and 50s in physics. I don't know if I should be in science anymore, but the guaranteed pay at the end of the road seems sooooo worth it. Blah.
Apr 11 2011 11:32PM
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