What do you want to be when you grow up?

 I consider myself to be one of the happiest people I know.  One reason is because I have a career that is challenging, fulfilling, and rewarding.

The majority of adults that I know have jobs that they don't really care about, dislike or actually hate!  And many of these people are able to find fulfillment and meaning in other areas of their life.  There are literally millions of Americans who have little or no passion for their "job" and are perfectly happy with their families and activities outside of work.

For me, the career that I have chosen has added so much richness and meaning to my life and this would not be possible without my education.

When students ask me "what's the point of all of this" or "when will I ever use this" or "why do we have to learn this" the real answer is so that you can have choices in your future.

Your happiness is not necessarily tied to your future income, but it is tied to your sense of self-worth.  And for many of us this is directly related to our field of employment.  To have the opportunity to choose a career that you are passionately invested in is rare and wonderful thing.  Everything that you do in school will either close or open doors to your future.