Whenever someone asks me what I'm studying at school, I brace myself for the judgmental look that follows when I say, "English with an emphasis in publication." I spend a lot of time convincing people that I don't have intentions of being the next J.K. Rowling, nor do I wish to become a school teacher.

Most will assume the latter, because even that is more promising than a career that involves writing.Sure, my parents would have been more content if I had chosen to study something like engineering or business. Something that would get me a better chance of landing an entry-level job. Something that would bring a heftier paycheck. Something that I'd be completely miserable doing for the rest of my life.Although the criticism made me question my career path, my hesitation was brief, simply because writing is just what I do. I've heard the cliche: if you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life.For me, reading or writing has never been a burden. I truly love what I do.Some don't have the same confidence, however. They major in biology or chemistry because they assume it's what's best for them. These students earn their undergraduate degrees, motivated by fear and money, when they should be motivated by passion.I know people who wish they had gone to culinary school, or people who don't want a college education at all, and they're forced to go to a four-year university because that's society's standard.Where is the proof that neither person can find success? Believe me, it's important to respect others' advice, but in the end, you know what's best for you.Perhaps you have absolutely no idea what's best for you. There are plenty of students who want a college education, but aren't sure how to choose a career path.After all, the decision you make at 18 years old is one that will alter the rest of your life, which is daunting, needless to say.To start, just do some research, and rule out the things you know you wouldn't want to pursue. For example, if you're terrified of needles, you probably don't want to be an anesthesiologist. You can always start out taking a few general education classes that pique your interest, and go from there.You may even find that the major you've been set on for years really isn't what you thought it would be, and that's OK too. You have an adviser who will tell you the ins and outs of changing your major, and they can help you understand the ways the certain credits satisfy requirements.Once you do find security in your major decision (pun intended), resist the urge to defend it whenever someone asks, no matter what it may be. I believe that the more challenging the task, the more gratifying it will be in the end.Of course it will be challenging for me to pursue a career with a liberal arts diploma, but I'd rather work for it than have it fall into my lap. I have goals, and there are few things that will deter me from reaching them.I've learned to surround myself with supportive people. People who know my potential and have been rooting for me from the beginning, like my high school English teachers and my grandparents.Those kinds of people are the ones who will reassure you that you're not wasting your time.All in all, you can be realistic and still pursue a career that interests you most, whether it's accounting, art or astronomy. If you're serious about it, you'll find a way to beat the odds.Ironically, my horoscope today tells me, "Take control and follow your dream. Don't let the changes someone else makes deter you from doing what you want. Be true to yourself and don't waffle if someone questions you."Say no more.