What do YOU want to do?

Samantha DiFeliciantonio

One of the worst parts about being a senior in college (especially during this economy) is getting asked the inevitable question in just about every social setting: So, what do you want to do with your life? As if people really care about your future plans as opposed to having nothing else to say.

It is different than the childhood question that was easily answered by saying a teacher or a firefighter. People want a long, thought-out response. I am willing to bet that more than half of college seniors end up in different fields than they originally thought. So, in reality, this question is worthless.

Even though I don't know what I am doing on the destined date of May 20, 2013 (the day after graduation), I am not worried. If I did have specific plans for next year this question would still be an annoyance since for some reason people are more occupied with my future and not my present. Whether it is a snarky side comment or an interested conversation starter, the irritation still exists.

This is even more heightened during the holiday season. When else do you see those random family members that only know things about you through your grandparents or the distant family friend that drops by for a quick visit or meal? They always want to seem interested in your life, or they have nothing else to talk to you about so they rely on the go-to question for all kids ending college.

This feeling adds to the bittersweet atmosphere that is senior year. Things are ending, but things are beginning. People are following their dreams while others get lost in theirs.

During the past weeks I started responding by simply saying I wanted to be president. This response is wacky enough to lighten the mood and crack a smile but serious enough with my International Affairs major to satisfy the inquiry. At least I have a couple votes.

Hopefully I will know the answer to this question in twenty years.