I thought I'd gotten used to it--the engineers' patronizing attitude toward all my humanities-based interests. Terry loves to remind me of the study published in BYU's newspaper years ago that showed average incomes based on college majors, which showed the average English major's income as lower than the average high school dropout's. I put up with all those jokes and comments because, honestly, I haven't done much with my education.
I can even put up with my sister's horrified exclamations when I complain about the troubles I'm having with the basic review of middle school math as I'm preparing to take the GRE. What else could I expect from my math teacher big sis?
But when my sis-in-law mentioned to her dentist husband my current plans to apply to a library science program, I had to listen to an amazingly long rant about "why would you need a masters just to be a librarian?" Why on earth would it make any difference? I want to further my education. This is a field that interests me. It just so happens that a master's degree is required in the field. So where would there be any problem for me to further my education by getting the required degree in a field that interests me?
Why do I have to listen to these comments that belittle my dreams? I have no interest at all in their chosen professions. I think the thought of looking into people's mouths all day is horrifyingly disgusting, and I see no purpose to it being such a popular field to enter, except that dentists tend to be very wealthy and drive fancy cars. Engineering just sounds boring to me--I tried once to let my BIL talk me into a more practical major, like engineering (an electrical engineer, he says "civil engineering is easy--anyone could do it"), and could find no enthusiasm for any of the course descriptions, though looking at any humanities major, I would drool over the course catalog--only having difficulty choosing between appealing options. The strange hierarchy among engineers leaves my EE BIL turning up his nose at my CE husband, but yet CE hubby mocks architects as being less competant--paying more attention to the aesthetics than the physics.
I suppose it doesn't matter what field I wanted to enter. Perhaps I just need thicker skin. I know if I had gone into architecture (which was on my list of possibilities back in the days before I became too mathphobic), I would feel put down on, because I've listened to comments about architects. I could even have gone into geology or archaeology (some of my more science-based interests), and I would have had somebody telling me it wasn't "real" science. I wish I could go back to the days when I felt smart, and would not pay a bit of attention to anyone who tried to make me feel less, because I knew I was one of the smartest, most capable people around. I need a shot of my old 16 year old hubris so I can push forward, following my dreams, no matter what others may say.
Our day at the ZOO!!
8 years ago
2 comments:
Good to read from you again. You make me wait too long.
The boys (BILs) like to tease, but they really are supportive.
Yes, I've been teased about my love of running. "Why would anybody enjoy running around in circles?" For me, that's like asking why anybody likes chocolate. The fact of the matter is ... we are all unique. Not that the world wouldn't be a better place with another Randy-Lynne or two.
Best wishes with the adventure. You'll be fine. We all go rusty on math that we haven't done for a while.
Dear Randy,
We are sorry if we hurt your feelings. That was not the intention at all. We believe that with your degree and experience you're uniquely qualified for the job. After all you are a published author. Furthering your education is a great thing and following your aspirations is even greater no matter what others may think or say.
Love ya... sis-n-law & dentist husband.
P.S. I also think looking in other people's mouths is disgusting.
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