battlefields.

battlefields.

So the concert for my piece was today, but that will be for another post. :) After the concert, I went home-home for a Confirmation party for my sister. Needless to say, I was prepared and knew what to expect- Filipino families questioning my future career goals, success, and etc.

I do try and think ahead a bit. I made sure I was still dressed nicely (since I was already dressed up w/ fancy pants and all from the performance). I definitely took into consideration that appearance would have some affect on how they would perceive me, and I wanted them to take me seriously.

But first things first- I had to eat. :) Well, that and collect info from Kim. Apparently, they had already been discussing me, and Kim described it as "pretty bad", "not knowing what she's doing," and it seemed like I was failing. Bummer, but I had expected that anyways.

As I was eating, one of the women came up to me and asked a whole lot of questions about what I was pursuing. Overall, she seemed unimpressed. After eating, I made my way to the women who were gathered in the kitchen. They weren't too much of a threat, but I wanted to make sure I made my presence there.

It was the men that I was more worried about.

So, they were sitting at the dining table drinking and etc., and I took a seat next to my dad, who then said, "why don't you go upstairs with the kids?" Well, yeah, no. I definitely didn't want to follow that. I wanted to make my presence known, and have that slight message that I am an adult (well... kinda). Shortly after, the questioning and doubts and etc. began. I was very straight forward, discussed my overall goals, my achievements. I was very knowledgeable of the things I wanted to make known. I discussed winning the competition again this year, the types of games, tools, and skill needed, difficulties finding internships, that there are only 2 main game companies in Dallas, job opportunities in Austin, and etc. etc. etc.

I really had it down pretty well, and made sure to tie in my majors (and make sure they knew I had 2 majors and a minor) and how they can relate to my field.

Regardless, there was a lot of talk about not knowing what I'm doing, how my career choice wouldn't follow through, and stability. In regards to stability, I said something along the following:

"I completely agree that the health profession is a very stable field. My sister is wanting to become a nurse, and I respect that. Unfortunately, the health profession is something that I am not interested in pursuing. I understand that the game industry is a field that many of you don't have much knowledge about, and that makes it difficult to see other perspectives. I feel like I have achieved quite a bit thus far, and am looking forward to my career."

I also made it known that I have very supportive friends. :)

I was pushed, questioned, put down, and taken lightly from many of them (luckily, only 4 families came). And that's okay. I expected this. And right from the start, my dad turned away and talked about watches and etc. with one of the men. And that's okay. I expected this, but at the same time, I put him in a situation and exposed him to my opinions once more.

After further mingling, and some people leaving, conversations carried on about how my dad was able to get away with a ridiculous amount of things with his father. I think I might have snapped, and to this, I said, "Unfortunately, I can't get away with my majors." He said something back, and we all sat there in silence. I gave in, walked to the bathroom, and cried.

I recovered fairly quickly, though. I wasn't going to lose, and I wasn't going to let them see how worked up they were making me, and definitely wasn't going to look distressed. I ended up going back to the kitchen and being an adult. :)

(I guess there's more I'd like to say, but it'd be kind of long.)

Overall, I think it was a successful event. I came in knowing what to expect. I delivered my plans, achievements, and understanding. I had my armor and stood my ground. I was civil, eloquent, and composed (mostly).


And now they know I'm not a bio major. <3