Find what you’re passionate about, and pursue it

Passion. What a word. As college students, this word probably means a lot to a good number of us. We’re told time and time again to major in something we love and to join organizations centered around ideas we’re passionate about. The funny thing about this is that when we first arrived on campus armed with twin XL sheets and a shower caddy, a lot of us may have thought we knew what we were passionate about, only to change our minds a little further down the road.

Don’t get me wrong — some of us knew exactly what we loved and never looked back. However, if you’re like me or a lot of other people, this is not the case. As we grow older, our ideas about what is important to us change. When we’re little, these ideas can be limited. Kids love their toys, or they love certain snack foods. I distinctly remember a time when my brother really loved dump trucks. Hey, to each his own, right? I did not share this love, but who was I to suggest that dump trucks were not something worthy of devoted admiration?

Eventually, he moved on from this, as most kids move through phases of obsessions or things they love. I remember when I was obsessed with “Titanic.” I still am not too sure what sparked this interest, but I think it had something to do with that “Magic Tree House” book. My point is that it does not matter what you’re interested in, as long as you’re interested in something.

From technology to music, literature to sports, nonprofit organizations to politics, there is truly something out there for anyone and everyone to find a passion and purpose. I’ve heard many opinions tossed around lately about our society being “doomed” and whatnot. I can’t say I don’t understand where they are coming from, but regardless, I would like to respectfully disagree.

We’re so lucky to have the ability in this country to express ourselves in any way we would like and to agree or disagree with whatever we choose. I can be easily irritated at times, I admit, but the one thing that grinds my gears more than anything is when people don’t care. I’m not saying you have to care about the same things I do (although, of course, I hope so). I’m not saying you must care about the things society tells you to care about. You don’t have to care about money or status. But please, just care about something.

I’m not sure when it became cool or hip to not care about anything, but not only is it irritating to those who are passionate, but it’s also dangerous. If someone doesn’t care, why do they do anything? Why keep trying? Why put in effort? If no one has told you this yet today, the world needs you here. We need you to care. We need you to try. We need you. Nothing would be the same without you, and not only will caring about something help us, it will help you. The world is a whole lot brighter when there is something you’re fighting for.

Dear readers, we are only doomed when we stop caring. We are only doomed when we decide the world no longer has anything of interest to offer. Everything may not be sunshine and rainbows in the world today, but there are still plenty of sunshine and rainbows to be found. Whether your passion is dump trucks or saving the world, there is something out there that needs your love. Find it.

Taylor Cavaliere is a UF journalism and psychology sophomore. Her column appears on Mondays.