Like all college students, I have had to talk to what seems like hundreds of distant family members and “friends” about my education. It is always daunting.

The same conversation always takes place, followed by the same exhausting explanation.

Random person: “So what are you studying over there at uh … where do you go again?” To which I reply, “Oakland University. I’m a journalism major.”  Then I’m asked the question of, “what are you gonna do with that?”  My response? “Well … (insert long explanation that is slightly different each time).”

My question is this: Why should I have to justify my area of study? Passion is passion and it doesn’t matter if your major is seemingly “pointless” to everyone else.

That is what that question insinuates, especially if it is said in that gut-wrenching, condescending tone. Not to mention the fact that there really are tons of things that I could “do” with my degree.

As a journalism major, I could work for a newspaper, a TV or radio station, for a magazine, as a freelancer — the list goes on and on. Not that the question would be any less rude if I were an art major.

It is my personal belief that no major is pointless — as long as you’re determined you will always find your way.

Tim Hamill, a senior psychology major, is also familiar with the “what are you gonna do with that” phenomenon.

“Their opinion doesn’t mean a thing,” he said. “I’ve learned that so long as you’re happy with the path you’ve chosen, and it’s gearing you towards the career that you want to pursue, that is all that matters.”

What else are these people trying to imply? Do they think me and the rest of the college students who aren’t going into the business or medical fields would be better off if we just gave up? I think not.

Even if I can’t find work right away, and I’m still working at Panera after I graduate, I will always have my degree to fall back on.

A degree is a valuable thing that society basically tells us that we cannot get along without.

Amanda Davis, a recent OU journalism graduate, agrees with this. Davis is currently working as a barista.

“I’d rather be a barista with a degree than a barista without one,” she said.

So, to other college students with slightly offbeat majors: do not let this inane question cause you to question your career path and/or your entire life plan.

I know I’ve let it get to me one too many times.

Remember, those people are probably bitter, basement dwellers anyway.

Rachel Ritzenthaler is a staff intern and journalism major. She can be reached via e-mail at  [email protected].