My Communications Course

I never liked having to defend the things I do or the stuff I take. But there are times when I'm simply forced to do it.

Like my passion for table tennis for example. The cornier and more recognised name would be Ping Pong.
Yea. You heard right. Ping Pong.
The fact that it isn't as physical as many other sports really makes people have an extremely negative impression on that sport.
Inside the minds of those people, it is a sport where you play during family leisure times or times when you have simply nothing to do. It cannot be treated professionally.
Ever since Junior 5, I was registered to the Table Tennis Club. And ever since my name was put into paper, I had to stand up for that sport countless of times. I had to face terrible name callings and defend perceptions like you play ping pong so you are a wuss that kinda thing.

It sucks. But some people just don't get it. The very same unoriginal people who likes jumping on bandwagons and thinks whatever MOST ppl in this world are doing will be the thing they have to and must do.

It's not a matter of opting to be different from the society.
But at the end of the day, it comes to passion and true interest for something you want to do.

And what is wrong by playing a sport which I enjoy. Maybe it can be argued that I am not as good in other more physical demanding sports so I play Ping Pong. That's not entirely false but it can be argued back that you simply suck in a sport which requires reflexes and an eye for speedy balls.

That's the end of my ping pong argument. And just so you know, I'm not that good in Ping Pong anyway. Lol.

The other thing I'm having a hard time defending and explaining is the course I am currently enrolled to in Monash University.

BComn in short. Bachelor of Communication in long.

To be really honest, it isn't my first choice.
To be also really honest, I NEVER HAD a first choice.

Up until last year, I really don't know where my future really lies.
See, I took science subjects during my high school period.

My marks weren't excellent but I insisted and forced myself to continue taking several science subjects during my Pre-University Program because I feel there is where I may lie.

After a year of sufferings and below-par exam results,
I decided that I had enough and the science field is just not for me.

After 18 years of living in this world, I truly found out who I really am. I may have just found out the purpose I was brought to this world.

I'm more of thinker, an analysist, someone who can propose creative ideas from the tip of their fingertips.

That is why, I decided to have the whole transition thing to the Arts field.
It is a little saddening that the Arts field have not a very pretty impression by the general public.
It is often said that the field is for people who cannot do anything else so that is their last resort.
I admit I used to be one of the people.

Yea yea, many people are gonna say I'm starting to defend this course now just because I'm in it.
Maybe it's true, I don't know but it's good to have contrasting views anyway.

I was and maybe still am even a little 'embarassed' of what I am doing?
The very reason for that is how much pressure is put on the society today pushing for professionals like engineers, doctors, etc.

It isn't nice to know that the Arts field do not get much backing from the general public but it's fine.

Because I know that the real people who change the world politically and socially the most are the Arts people.
To learn about International Studies and issues involving the world's society like globalization etc can really be vital. Especially in today's world.

What is also wrong if I want to work for advertising companies? I like to think of how I want to advertise a product. I like people to like me for my excellent ideas on catching one's attention on something.

Is it STUPID and WRONG to NOT have a job which involves curing people or create some new robots?

Who is gonna be the middle man to promote the stuff professionals do anyway?
How are they gonna generate the market so they can earn money?

They need the thinkers.
And there is where I come in.

Maybe because I cannot be the one creating the robot.
But mostly because I like doing it.

Back to the embarassing stigma of the whole issue, I never liked meeting parents these days because the first question which will automatically pop out in their heads would be the "what are you doing now" question.

It sucked.

Because when they ask that question, I will sit up straigher, swallow my saliva and with the most of confidence I can garner in that very short period, say "communications".

And at that every moment when i finish saying that very simply yet long word,
I will instantly wait to see the look on their faces. Their instant reaction. To see any signs of eye twitching or eyebrow raising.

And every single time, I don't fail to notice a change in their expressions.
I'm "lucky" or "unlucky" enough to have friends who do very well in their studies. So naturally, their courses would be those which get most recognition from the public. So NATURALLY also, their parents would expect similiar things from their friends.
I tend to disappoint their expectations, I think.

:)

But many people I talked to regarding this issue told me that all that were bollocks and I was simply thinking too much.
I don't know. Regardless, there ARE still people who think such things.

My 3-day orientation ended today and I was pretty exhausted by the end of it. I didn't attend EVERY single stuff they offered but I think I attended the important ones. Like my course briefing which was very enlightening and nice to see. :)
I am really starting to love what I'm doing.

Stuff like newsroom practice and theory, studying about contemporary worlds and media studies.

I also chosen my elective too. Doing something on American Music and Popular Culture.

Can't wait for my semester to begin already!

Playing a game now.
So I guess the rant ends here.

Thank you for your time
IF you actually read through the whole thing, of course. ;)


edit : oh yea, happy valentine's day too!

-alexeO-