By Tolu Salako
Editorial Page Editor

I like finding derivatives, not learning about the different parts of the cell.

I like finding the area under the curve and not the different structures of viruses.

I like journalism and not learning about how enzymes help break down proteins.

But sometime in the future my life will be based on the structure of cells, viruses and proteins. And in the very near future, my four years in college will consist of my face planted in 1,000 page organic chemistry and biology textbooks. But something in me does not want to pursue this career; a part of me wants to be a successful CNN correspondent or mathematician and not in the hospital.

For as long as I can remember, school has taught me that I should find what I love to do and pursue it in the future. However, as I grew up I knew this was not the best idea as much as I wanted to believe it was. Sure I love math and journalism and want to major in both in college, but my sister hit me with a question one day after I complained about how AP Physics B was one of the hardest classes I had ever taken.

“Well, what are you going to do with a journalism and math degree?”

I could easily think of possible careers, but I knew that that was not what she was asking.

What she really meant to ask was, “Well how do you think your paycheck is going to look like compared to that of a medical doctor?”

But it is not the money that matters in the end right?

Wrong.

Unfortunately in this day and age, people have to be ready to give up their passion and dream in order to predict a steady future. Though I may want to be the next Anderson Cooper, it is more realistic to go to medical school and live a rather stable life, in terms of income that is.

Today, we have to choose: passion vs. stability, and unfortunately most people will be better off sacrificing their passion.

It is the sad truth and it angers me everyday because we live in a society where success is defined by money. Though I’ll be happier reporting the news everyday, I know I will live a more successful life with a medical degree than with a math degree.

So as of now, I hope to major in biology and journalism and attend a medical school close to home.  Journalism will always be a passion of mine, but I’m not ready to throw it away, not yet at least.