I have done art for my entire life.

Whether it’s drawing, painting, designing, or sewing, creativity has always been an integral part of who I am as a person.

So when it came time to decide a major for college, it was only natural that I chose art, right?

The truth is, I had never even considered pursuing art in college. It was a hobby, something that I enjoyed doing for myself in my free time. I had always viewed college as a place to continue my studies. I thought of becoming a computer science major, or maybe a biology major, or perhaps even an international relations major if I was feeling extra creative and quirky.

But I wasn’t particularly passionate about computer science or biology, I was just good at those subjects. I loved the feeling of success in those fields, but I didn't have any long term goals that were focused on the sciences. When standardized tests asked for my intended major, I always filled out the 999 bubble - undecided.

When my junior year was cut short by Covid-19, I had a lot of time to contemplate the things that made me truly happy. In the long days with no deadlines or assignments, I found myself creating art, trying new mediums and investing my full attention into larger projects that had not been possible with my busy academic schedule. I thought to myself, wow, I could do this for the rest of my life…

So what if I did?

In the next four years, I am challenging myself to measure success with happiness, not just academic performance or objective accomplishments. That doesn't mean I'm going to abandon my studies; in fact, I'll be even more motivated to perform well. But it's going to be stemming from a place of true interest and admiration for the things that I study. It’s going to be hard to unlearn the years of perfectionism and goal-oriented studying, but I have a feeling that the fulfilling satisfaction of creative bliss will be worth the unfamiliar journey.