By Lena Moreno, March 18, 2025
I can’t help but imagine where I’d be today in my college experience if I hadn’t chosen my current career path in journalism. It’s not that I regret what I settled for — it’s everything I imagined it would be. It’s merely the what-ifs of the whole ordeal that gets me out of sorts at times.
From alternating dreams of pursuing stage theater to working in the film industry, I was in certainty those prospects were in the cards for me, until a dream that once ignited soon began to feel unattainable. Even though I selected a different path from what I originally anticipated, I managed to redirect my future and embraced the unpredicted. In doing so, demonstrated that personal growth and fulfillment is still obtainable.
As a child, I dreamed of taking the stage as someone who loved theater and musicals growing up. I also wanted to prove to myself and those around me that introverts can, too, excel in what is presumed as an extrovert-dominated path.
This came to a halt halfway through high school. Adult peers I knew who had also pursued a career in theater reminded me of the resilience and confidence I needed to have to survive in such a competitive industry.
It would’ve consumed me if I moved forward in the line of work. The fun lasted and healed a part of my inner child until it ultimately didn’t feel the same.
Coming to terms with such realizations can feel disappointing. Up until I began feeling discouraged from falling behind, I realized I wasn’t working toward a career in film. Instead, I was treating it just as a hobby. I established imaginary goals in my head but made no effort to follow through with them.
When the time came for applying to major in film, I had no collection of work I was proud to submit. I knew I would be competing against students who had spent their high school careers building a strong portfolio, whereas I only had a compilation of fruitless pieces that weren’t admission-worthy.
Though it aligned with my skillset, I didn’t know how to get from point A to point B professionally, even if I chose to study film in college.
This can be one of the many challenges college students face while working toward their degree, changing their major or other commonalities while navigating their future career.
Settling for an alternative comes with its long-term advantages, but it can induce feelings of uncertainty. Seeking a direction you didn’t originally envision for yourself can be daunting.
Brendan Birozy, an electrical engineering student, said he experienced a transition period of settling between his love for music over what’s realistic in the long run.
“I had to start choosing between, ‘Do I want a career that’s going to be stable, or do I want a career that’s going to be really fun?’ but I’m going to be struggling financially,” Birozy said.
Despite sacrificing his multi-talented music assets, he said he spent his whole life perfecting his additional interest in technology, his backup choice.
“People here talk about projects, working on internships, and have these specific fields that they want to get into,” said Birozy. “Sometimes I feel like I don’t know what they’re talking about because I had invested so much time previously into music that I didn’t think I was experienced enough.”
As a journalist, I value that I have opportunities to revisit past aspirations and instead serve as a storyteller but in a different light.
Even through trial and error, it’s crucial to show your undying support for your unfulfilled passions. Keep supporting from the sidelines as you watch those who are living out your old dreams, and make sure to celebrate their success.
As I’ve embraced the reality of unfulfilled dreams, I’ve taught myself over time to not envy those achieving what could’ve been. Instead, view it as a reminder that they found their calling — and in the process of my own search, I’ve found my place, too.
Feature image by Connor Lālea Hampton
