She Strengthens

Chasing Dreams, Not Expectations

Growing up, I was always the bookworm who’d rather get lost in pages than play handball during recess. My family lovingly teased that I devoured books whole. This passion for reading sparked a desire to write, and I pursued it with fervor. My undergraduate degree in English, paired with a minor in art history, laid the groundwork for my next adventure: a master’s degree in the history and theory of contemporary art.

Breaking Barriers, Setting Examples

As the first person in my family to earn a master’s degree, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride from my loved ones. They beamed with excitement, sharing their joy with my mom, who then passed it on to me. I wanted to set an example for my nieces and nephews, proving that they too could achieve their academic dreams. However, I underestimated the weight of expectation that came with it.

The Pressure to Succeed

Fear of disappointing my family almost drove me to quit graduate school multiple times. I felt suffocated by the pressure to succeed, fearing that dropping out would label me a failure in their eyes. But I knew that wasn’t true – everyone faces setbacks, and it doesn’t define their worth. I pushed through, balancing my academic pursuits with freelance writing and landing a coveted editorial internship.

A Double Life

As I navigated my graduate program, I realized that my true passion lay in writing. The two interests intertwined, but I often felt like I was leading a double life. My thesis and curatorial work took center stage, but my heart belonged to the world of words. When I finished graduate school, it became clear that writing was my true calling.

The Reality Check

Despite my family’s expectations, I didn’t land a high-paying job in the art world. Instead, I was left with a significant amount of debt and a realization that I didn’t want to pursue the career I initially thought I did. Now, I freelance write and manage social media, making ends meet while being mindful of my expenses.

Rewriting My Story

It’s not the glamorous post-grad life I envisioned, but it’s mine. I’ve made my choice, and I’m owning it. I still write about art whenever I can, and I pay my student loans without resentment. In the end, I chose to follow my heart, not the expectations of others.