I’ve always been interested in anything related to using my creativity to express my deepest desires, whether it was doodling on the top of my head or painting a shy sun in the corner of a canvas. But nowadays my childhood desires are dwindled to the aspirations needed to succeed in life. Now, there’s no room for the sunshine and flowers.

I was forced to push away my creativity and shine my focus on more “practical” matters. The importance of enriching my academic skills was deemed the latter. I shrugged off my artist block and began to formulate expository essays in place of coloring fairies.

It’s hard to let go of what you love because people don’t see it as an ideal contribution to society. There are misconceptions around those who try to make a living off their creative skills. Freelance artists are looked down upon because of their inability to succeed in becoming the next Andy Warhol. Yet, influential artists were able to speak out politically and socially. Here and now, the range of artists striving to make a stance are mocked and ridiculed.

Being able to take an art class in the midst of my core classes balances my ability to concentrate on both priorities. Having an outlet to relax and create inspires me to fully commit to my projects. Thoughts of quitting art and solely focusing on AP classes lays in the back of my mind but I know the importance of maintaining my passion of making art. If I gave up, my happiness would subside to where I’d no longer engage in my passions.

There are plenty of people who are interested in sports, other activities and the arts but only a slim amount of people end up in those occupations. This is due to people not believing in themselves. One may think that if they don’t have countless admirers waiting in line to buy their artwork, the dream of being the next Picasso is next to nothing. People tend to let go of their creativity in place of serious job opportunities but I find it important to keep up with our childish imagination and expand on what you were driven on to do the silly child-like things you’d never do as an adult.

This summer, I have an opportunity to attend a Congress for Future Medical Leaders and I wonder if pushing away my art will be worth the risk to explore other careers in the medical field. Maybe after my experience I’ll be able to gauge which career path will best suit me in the future.

At this moment, I’ve found a way to integrate my creative tendencies in my life by writing for newspaper and designing graphics for my mom’s workplace. I’m not giving up my passions quite yet because I believe that pursuing what you love is worth the sacrifice for your happiness. If you don’t love what you do, is it really worth it?