Dear Sista Girl:
I’m a Freshman at a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the Deep South. I’m currently majoring in Electrical Engineering. I’m writing this because I desperately need your help. Sista Girl, I’m miserable here. Dare I say depressed. I just don’t want to be here. Going to college is not what I want to do but this is more so for my parent’s pride and reputation. See my parents are well respected in the little town that I come from. My father is the mayor and my mother is the high school principal. It’s like when I go out with them they go out of their way to tell people, “This is my son Michael and he’s majoring in Electrical Engineering at …….” India this may sound weird but I like to cut hair and would love to become a barber and have my own shop but my parents would never go for that. My question to you is how do I tell my parents that the life that they’re choosing for me is not the life that I want and that in order for me to be happy I want to be a barber. Now, my parents are old school and stuck in their ways and can become very adamant about their position when it comes to my future. How can I persuasively but respectfully tell them that this is not the career path that I want to take? Help me Sista Girl!
Signed,
I’m a Barber not an Electrical Engineer
Dear I’m a Barber not an Electrical Engineer:
I understand that you don’t want to let down your parents but you have to put yourself first. This is your life and you aren’t living it for them. If you want to cut hair then do that. Follow your dreams and be all that you can be.
I think you should sit down with your parents and tell them how passionate you are about cutting hair. I think you should start off by letting them know that you appreciate everything they’ve provided and helped you with but Electrical Engineering just isn’t for you. Show them pictures and reviews of your work as a barber. Let them know that this is what makes you happy. Even if they are stuck in their old school ways, I’m sure they’ll see that their son isn’t happy going to school majoring in something that he has no interest in.
You should start researching barber schools in your area and begin submitting applications to barber shops as an apprentice. Your clientele will soon skyrocket, and your parents will see your dreams and visions along with you. At the end of the day your parents want the best for you which includes your mental health and success. I hope this helps.
Peace and Love,
Sista Girl
