By: Kaylon Coleman

If there’s one thing that incites happiness within me and inspires me to be a better person, it’s witnessing passion flowing through someone else. Passion is beautiful; it’s so raw and true, you can’t fake it — you know it when you see it. It shows up in a myriad of ways: the homie that’s so geeked about their favorite show that they’ll talk your ear off about it any chance they get, or the friend that loves their craft so much that you can see them light up when asked about it.

I’m talking about that spark — that’s what I love; someone caring so deeply and so enthusiastically about something in a society that constantly pushes nonchalant and apathetic attitudes. Which is why I say, please persist. Do what you love — do what you’re passionate about. This world is so unrelenting; it’s unforgiving and it feeds off of tarnishing your love for something. As we grow older, the weight of life’s responsibilities become more and more prevalent. With that, we may not have as much time to rock climb or make beats or knit, especially if there’s no money being made in the process. But, doing what you love is what fuels your soul.

They say if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life, but I think there’s more to that. I love journalism. It’s a passion of mine that I’ve decided to pursue it as my career. But, there’s definitely work involved. I have to deal with a lot of doubt, especially self-doubt. I have to deal with the naysayers who say journalism is a dying industry. I’ve faced constant heartbreaking rejections, and I haven’t even graduated yet. But, I’m confident in my decision because I believe passion equals purpose.

My whole life, I’ve been told to do what makes me happy, not what makes me money — and I hold that message dear. Living in a capitalistic society, I get it; people want security, they want a wage that’s livable. It might spawn from my optimistic nature, but I believe the money will come. Maybe not right away, but I’d rather scrape by doing what I love than be trapped doing what I don’t. That is why I implore you to keep your passions alive. Even if your passion isn’t what you want to do career wise, it’ll be the thing that keeps you going and keeps you grounded. Never forget: you were born to win!

Kaylon Coleman is a senior journalism major with a concentration in news and a minor in communications. He is the Life & Arts editor for LJ, Marketing and Communications lead for the Umoja Center and a part-time radio DJ and merch manager for KRFH. If you have a topic you want him to discuss, email him at kc403@humboldt.edu.