Expert: Don Wood - 7/28/2008

Question
I'm an 18 year old freshman, attending The Academy of Art University in San Francisco, an amazingly artistic City. I'm pursuing my dream of becoming a photographer. What path should I most likely follow in order to be successful, as well as love what I do? I am a write, musician, and a photographer, this is how I display my emotion. However, my family questions my belief in Art School. How can I convince them?

Answer
Dear Edgar,
Congratulations, you are a freshman with a clear career goal in mind. Work as hard as you can, be a part of the school newspaper, get the best grades you can get. Work hard, show that you are dedicated. Your family only wants you to succeed, their questions re your school are engendered by their desire that you succeed in your chosen goal. Many freshmen have to wait until their junior year before they decide what to do in their careers. This is why the school insists upon a core curriculum prior to getting down to your goals. You must convince your family by your example. You will be demonstrating your maturity as you do so. Your photojournalism school very likely has an intern program during the summer, participate in that. You will get a lot of experience working for an actual paper plus a taste of life on your own. In addition to your journalism courses, I'd suggest that you also includes several courses in business so that you will have some background in that area should you have need of it.
Good luck. Remember the ideals that your family and church taught you to follow. Follow them. They will come around the further you go along to your goal.
If I can be of further help, please do so in this forum.