Personal Essay: Pursuing A Career In Fine Arts

I once had dreams of serving as an Army soldier, but was told that I was ineligible due to a chronic illness that will require medication indefinitely. I was disappointed, but decided that I would, instead, pursue a career in digital media, a passion of mine. As an incoming freshman, I was assigned to take introductory art classes that I disliked immensely. The three hours I spent drawing a piece of fruit and molding unique sculptures out of clay made me realize that this was not a career that I wanted to be spend the rest of my life in. Not to mention, it is hard to land a job fresh out of college because the demand for art is so low and, of those who are interested in purchasing art, their standards are so high that it is almost impossible to meet. After a semester, I changed my major from Fine Arts to Human Development and Family Studies because I was told, beginning in high school, that a career as a helping professional would suit my interest in helping others and my charismatic personality. …show more content…
Army’s Child, Youth and School Services (CYS), there are benefits that are afforded to me, that are not available in other settings. For instance, I will have opportunities to further develop my career throughout my time with the organization and work in a supportive childcare environment with a recreational component (Myarmyonesource.com). As for financial compensation, the median annual wage for social workers in the field of individual and family services in May 2014 was $37, 910 (Bls.gov), which was projected to increase in the following years. Other employment benefits offered to social workers with the Army’s CYS, include paid Federal holidays, healthcare plans, a retirement plan and group life insurance (Myarmyonesource.com). Upon graduation, I plan to complete an accredited MSW program, gain experience working with military youth through several internships, and hopefully, earn a position with CYS or a similar