You Majored in What?

I majored in African Studies okay? Okay?!!! 

Maybe I’m a little defensive because people can’t seem to figure out what my degree means or how it will be useful to me in my future pursuits. 

While my shiny new BA in African Studies hasn’t brought forth tantalizing job offers from the plethora of DC-based non-governmental organizations working in the arena of African affairs, it has without fail provided a conversation starter at any and all events I attend: 

• At the airport, on my way home: I’m asked if I’ve done any mission work in Africa. The people inquiring were missionaries, and were also convinced that they could help me to walk again, if 1. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Savior 2. I allowed them to lay hands upon me. I declined their kind offer.
• Filling in at my father’s office building: A client asks my college major, and upon finding out, launches into a horrible racist diatribe about local resettled African refugees. I politely disagreed with him, and he later called back to apologize. 
• At the social service agency where I volunteer: blank stares, long pause, and then something along the lines of, “mmm. What are you planning on doing with that?” 
• At my grandparents house: My grandfather kindly reminds me that I can still switch to a career in banking. He was disturbed by my professed desire to work at one of those “low paying NGOs.” 

I happen to LOVE the fact that I majored in African Studies. I am positive that it was the right decision, and I know that I’ll find the career I want, even if I end up getting paid in wooden nickels. In the meantime, I try to enjoy the absurd conversations that I have with people, and remind myself to use those times as ‘teachable moments.’