Is Computer Science (or insert-major-here) for me?
The leaves are falling in bright amber, and as the weather gradually gets a little colder and the late nights working on CS assignments get a little…
In Kenyan society, it is a running ‘joke’ that you can be four things career-wise: a doctor, an engineer, a lawyer or a disgrace. I have always been a bit of an over-achiever in school. So naturally people expect a lot from me. A few days ago, I told some friends that at Tufts, I might major in Film and Media Studies, International Relations or Women, Gender and Sexuality studies. They were flabbergasted. One friend said, “Why would you go through all that struggle when you can do a prestigious course right here in Kenya?” (read previous blog post) I was so dejected and demoralized to say the least. Here I was assuming that my closest friends would applaud my desire to follow my passion.
Coincidentally, a few days later I watched 3 Idiots, a 2009 Indian movie. The movie chronicles the lives of three engineering students: Farhan, Raju and Rancho who share a room at the Imperial College of Engineering (ICE)-one of the best colleges in India. Farhan wants to become a wildlife photographer but joins ICE to fulfill his father’s wish. Raju is from a poor family and his goal is to uplift his family. Rancho comes from a wealthy family; he is passionate about studying for knowledge rather than obsessing about exam ranks. These ‘three idiots’ go through so many obstacles and experiences as they find themselves. The movie is hilarious, has interesting music and there is a twist you will not see coming – I recommend you go watch it! I hate watching movies with subtitles, but it was so great I couldn’t stop. Rumors say there is an upcoming Hollywood remake.
Anyway, some quotes from the actors really hit home. These stuck with me and I feel like it would be a disservice not to share:
Rancho: Study with all your heart, but not just for grades. Study to be accomplished, not affluent. Pursue excellence and success will chase you, pants down.
Rancho (to Farhan): Make your passion your profession, and work will become a game.
Farhan (to his dad): If I become a photographer? I will just earn less, right? My home will be small, my car will be small. But I will be happy. I will be very happy. Whatever I do, I’ll be doing it from my heart.
So what did I get from all these? Follow your heart’s desire. Reject the status quo and make your own path. You may think of the future and freak out but let Rancho encourage you, “That day I understood that this heart scares easily. You have to trick it, however big the problem is. Tell your heart: ‘Pal, Aal izz well.’’
There is a high probability I may get to Tufts and discover new interests and passions. The testimonials I have heard from current Jumbos evince that I might take one class or have one conversation that will completely change the direction of my life. You know what? That’s fine, as long as I am happy and fulfilling what I believe is my life’s purpose.
Photo Credit: Moyan Brenn (Flickr Creative Commons)
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