Topic > Being good at something doesn't mean you should make it your job.

Every time someone turns 17, there should be a disclaimer letting you know that you'll have to start answering the question. Starting in January 2015, I heard "What do you want to do with your life?" more than almost anything else. On Christmas, Easter, 4th of July, anniversaries and birthdays I'm sure to hear the same question from at least four different relatives. Unlike many of my peers, I actually have an answer. Yet I'm afraid I have to say it. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayWhen people ask me what I want to do after high school, you'd think I was responding with "porn star," "heroin drug dealer," or "puppy killer" based on their answers. I respond with music teacher. "OH. Well, okay. Well, good luck.” Even some people I consider friends have given me some pretty interesting answers or faces when I answer their question. By now I'm still afraid to answer the question, but I've hardened to people's answers. It all started when a teacher asked me what I wanted to major in after talking to a few of us about our schedules and grades. When I responded with music education, I got a good look. She retorted, “How about becoming a doctor?” I explained that I had no interest in entering the world of medicine because it simply didn't appeal to me. After this exchange, the doors opened for future conversations with anyone. “You really are wasting your potential, Stephen.” I usually laugh at this. Am I good at math? Hell yes, I am. I got a 5 on the Calculus BC AP exam. Oh, and did I mention my subscore of 5 in the AB Calculation section? However, I would rather pluck all my eyebrows, tear out my nails one by one, and gouge my eyeballs with spoons than do calculations for the rest of my life. If my talents in science and math are the only things people see in me, they obviously don't know who I am and, therefore, shouldn't give me life advice. Lately, turning on any local news channel almost guarantees that you'll see a commercial for STEM subjects in our schools. STEM stands for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These are four sectors that are really important to education and ultimately to our economy here in the Capital Region. Employers like Global Foundries need smart, motivated employees to continue their advancements in technology. The key word in the last sentence is motivated. Math doesn't motivate me. It's that simple. Variables and functions bring me no joy. On the other side of the spectrum, my brother is a talented musician. I often find myself jealous of his skill, as he never practices, but he can pick up a piece of music and learn it in just a few minutes. However, my feelings towards mathematics are his towards music. Just because you're good doesn't mean you like it and want to make it your life. Thomas Ryan won't major in bass trombone unless something bizarre happens. And that's absolutely fine. For the same reason, it should also be okay if I don't want to major in a STEM-related subject. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay In November of In 2014, I realized that music is what motivates me. After years of having no idea what I wanted to do in life, I finally found my passion and what I wanted my future to look like. My answer to this huge question is usually scoffed at or mocked. “It's not STEM, so it doesn't matter.”.