Once I couldn’t find the direction of my future, and A Portrait of The Artist as a Young Man tells me that a unique life will always be confusing, and you will eventually go to the place where you belong.

Once I felt the darkness and injustice of society, The Catcher in the Rye tells me that there is someone who guards your inner child, who can be your closest friend, your beloved brother, or maybe yourself.

Once I was confusing the meaning of love, The Great Gatsby tells me that you don’t have to think too hard about love, find a moonlight in your heart, seek they, and in the process become a better and better person.

……

Those instrumental rationalists who are running around for money and social status, please stop your boring questions once in a while. I respect your way of life, and I ask you to respect the things we love most in our hearts.

It is true that literature cannot bring us tall buildings, highways, and rich food, but it can fill the emptiness in our hearts and bring us the joy of thinking and appreciating. A person struggling to survive may not be able to distract too much energy from these things, but if we solve our basic material needs, then why can’t we have higher pursuits?

Finally, I’d like to return to your question. As more and more people stop worrying about the scarcity of food and houses, they will invest their lives in many interesting things, and literature, without a doubt, is one of the most time-tested. At that time, whether teaching it, spreading it, or creating it, it will naturally bring me enough wealth to sustain my life, so please don’t worry about me anymore.

What’s up Ollie?

Not much, just enjoying these mashed potatoes. How’s water polo going?

The season ended like a month ago dumbass.

I didn’t know that!

What, do you think we’re going to keep swimming when the weather’s like this?

Ok well it’s an indoor pool you don’t exactly have to brave the elements. I thought polo was supposed to be about horses and shit anyways. Your main activity is a spinoff of a horse sport, let that sink in.

Whatever man. How’s school?

Not too bad. I just declared English the other day, so I’m gonna have a blast working construction the rest of my life.

Can’t you become a lawyer with an English degree though?

Yeah but that’s not really something I want to do.

So what, you just want to write?

Pretty much. Creative writing is the only thing in school I ever really loved doing, so I may as well pursue it.

Fair enough. Can you pass the cranberry sauce?

It’s Thanksgiving day, one of my favorite holidays. I love the food, family time, the weather, but one thing that can always annoy me is the dinner conversations. Those can always be awkward. Of course since I’m at college I get all the college questions. And the one I dreaded the most was the question…

Distant Aunt: So, what are you majoring in?

Yep, that question. I had always been going back and forth on what I wanted to do. I thought I had it all figured out and then I got to college. And then I thought I figured it out again, and now I’m on a different path. Still, the question is always annoying and anxiety provoking for me. I’d never known what I wanted to do right away, but my sister and father knew exactly what they wanted to do as soon as they could even put it into sentences that were barely comprehensible. But, despite me still not fully knowing and dreading the question, I answer anyway with fake confidence and cheerfulness in my voice. 

Me (cheerfully): Well it was English and Education, but now I’m thinking of French and Education with an English minor!

Distant Aunt:  English? French? Education? What are you going to do with that – be a librarian or be a teacher who makes absolutely nothing?

Ahh yes, of course. The constant question “what are you going to do with that degree?” It annoys me to no end. People can be successful without being a doctor, you know that?! Not every successful person in the world was into science or math, arts and humanities matter too, you know?! It’s always so frustrating because that question is always followed up with-

Distant Aunt: You do know that teachers don’t make a lot of money, don’t you? 

And there it is again ladies and gentleman! Right on time! The classic question about money. Because apparently money means everything. I guess since I’ll never make enough money, I guess I should marry a rich business man who has a trust fund that his dad set up for him way before he was born. Well guess what? That’s not what I want to do! 

You don’t go into teaching because of the money, you go into it because you love working with students and you love the content you’ll be teaching. I come from a long line of educators, teaching is practically in my blood. There is no better feeling than seeing the “lightbulb moment” when a student finally understands what you’ve been explaining or working on. That’s why you go into teaching. It’s more than just money to me, I want to be fulfilled from my job. 

Me: It isn’t about the money for me, it is and always will be about the love I have for the content I’ll teach and the students. Money doesn’t buy me happiness and I don’t think it ever will, but thanks for your input!

After I finish talking, I turn back to the Thanksgiving feast in front of me. I ignore the negativity and focus on eating as much turkey, mashed potatoes and stuffing I can. Happy Thanksgiving!