Don’t let college defer your dreams

I, like many of you, watched Inception this summer.

My mind was blown by the freedom and limitless potential of a dream, as depicted in the film. Everyone has dreams, but few choose to follow them. Why? Well, it's simple. Other things get in the way.

I was talking with a friend who would love to spend his life teaching young children. His eyes light up when he talks about it. You can just tell what he really wants to do for the rest of his life. Contrary to his dream, he is currently in business school.

Another friend of mine can talk about politics for hours on end. Dream job? Political talk show radio host. Intended path? Medical School.

What happens to our deferred dreams? Langston Hughes attempted to answer this question in his renowned poem, A Dream Deferred. For Hughes, these dreams may dry up or even explode. I feel that when a dream is deferred, a small part of us dies inside. People live to their fullest potential by following their dreams. Some even define themselves by their dreams.

Think about your heroes -- the people that are the best at the things they do and feel passionately for them. Do you think Bach grumbled through writing his beautiful symphonies? Would Lance Armstrong put himself through the excruciating challenge of le tour if he was not passionate about cycling?

I pity the people who dread their nine-to-fives and live for the weekends. The people who need to head up to their retreat in northern Michigan just to escape the office.

I just cannot fathom how a person could get out of bed each day to live a life they are not truly happy living. I see college as a chance to avoid this misery. I can pick any path to travel on my journey through life.

Some people pick the "good deals." These are careers that offer good pay and benefits at the expense of happiness. Why yes, your job might give you ten weeks of paid vacation each year, but how do you feel during the other 42 weeks at work?

Some people do whatever they can to get the Porsche. "The Porsche" might be a variety of things for different people, such as a vacation home or boat. Great! You got the car, home, or boat you always wanted! You've made it! I bet you love your expensive prize, but don't trade your happiness for it.

Vacations and cars are great things. However, think about the amount of time in your life. A sports car is great, but you do not drive it for nearly as long as you work each day. Same thing goes with vacations. Some people who love their careers do not see their jobs as "work," but rather something they enjoy.

I know what you are thinking. "Brad is just an ignorant college student who has not faced ‘the real world' yet." I understand. But give my thoughts a chance. What is your happiness worth?

I passed a magazine whose cover proudly proclaimed an interview with Jessica Alba about how she "does it." How she leads a life she loves and is happy doing so. I did not read the article, but I bet I can predict what Alba suggests: living your life.

I just wish people would live their lives. Be the person you want to be. You want to be an artist, photographer, or rock star? Just do it.

— Brad Iott is an IC Columnist.