Why I chose to study literature & how I found my passion

Hello there :)
This is perhaps the question I am most asked but I feel I can never elaborate on the answer adequately. I hope this suffices.
Enjoy my stream of consciousness.
I hope you got something out of it.
Love,
Dakota
Socials:
IG: fairy_bl00d
TT: sp3llb00k
blog: www.nowheregirl.space

[@strawbb9891]

i’m happy that you said that our degrees should be seen as hobbies because not everything has to be something career driven and that’s something that’s moved me back into my love for english and writing and i’m so thankful

[@rosaliepicard7536]

Exactly! I'm double majoring in linguistics and psycholingy. Even though I wanna be a speech pathology therapist and my degree will get me there, I picked it the day before I applied just because it seemed interesting. We should just be.

[@strawbb9891]

@@rosaliepicard7536 i am literally looking into the exact things you said too!! very excited for us

[@rosaliepicard7536]

@@strawbb9891 Are you talking about the major? If so, that's awesome, never meet people who study that.

[@ganganthefatman1382]

You're literally paying thousands for those ''hobbies'' that amount to masking how lost you are. That's literally stupid.

[@strawbb9891]

@@ganganthefatman1382 doesn’t matter if i can actually get a well payed job out of it like being a speech therapist which is my biggest option lolll . if i see it as a hobby then i’m obviously gonna enjoy it more so win win

[@melissa.9694]

I used to watch your videos when I was at high school, wishing that one day I would be free like you. now I'm at college, studying literature, reading and writing all day and I couldn't be happier. You left your mark on me, Dakota, and for that I'll be forever grateful.

[@whatthekate4688]

you literally exude elegance. i adore you and your energy

[@1SonOfMoon1]

I majored in Biology with minors in chemistry and philosophy. Always loved reading and sometimes I wish I majored in English. I want to start writing soon but I just need to find the time outside of my scientific career lol. Like you, I’ve always seen myself as a bibliophile but was frequently discouraged from studying the arts. I kept reading and I now have a small personal library. I love the feeling of just thinking and getting lost in a book; dissecting the words and the scenes they provoke in my mind. You brought up some good points and relatable experiences. Thank you

[@ruqaiyaj8917]

I'm also taking a scientific degree and I find that using mini study breaks in between studying to read/write has helped both motivate me to study and also motivate me to pursue more creative projects as well.

[@Curiousgal600]

I took English but i want a scientific degree 😢

[@Jade-sv6mz]

This may be a weird comment as I started college as an English lit and economics double major. However, I realised soon through videos like yours that I will not be happy studying English. I love literature but I don’t really enjoy it in a class setting where I am getting tested on it. Now I am in physics and math but I enjoy literature whenever I can and I couldn’t be happier. I genuinely think I would’ve lost love for literature in college, so I ended up in the best place. Thank you and I love your channel

[@marydarko3380]

not gonna lie, your tiktoks and videos reignited my love for literature so much more than I already did, the way you talk about it really comes through. It made me remember why I love literature so much in the first place!

[@whatthekate4688]

odd question but what character is the one in your pfp? it's too cute

[@marydarko3380]

@@whatthekate4688 I don’t know, unfortunately, I saved the picture a long time ago but I do agree, it’s really cute :)

[@SophieWizel]

Me too!

[@laylael-houli6787]

this genuinely assisted me in attempting to find my passion in itself. thank you

[@ayaguemmi4777]

you are so damn right...studies aren't supposed to be seen as "career utility" it is also a hobby. You study that topic/studies because you want to and because you're passionate about it.

[@huss3in_500]

I’ve always had a passion for reading and writing since I was little, my older cousin who helped me fuel it would always tell me that I’d make an amazing author. I don’t know if I have the talent tbh but it’s something I’ve dreamed of doing forver. But I’m torn between what I wanna do right now it kinda sucks. And finally I love you too Dakota

[@michellesabrina127]

this video arrived at the most opportune moment!! i started off college (i'm currently a sophomore) with studying biochem and holy hell was it torture. before starting college, i thought i really liked science and it is what my parents dreamed for me to study, even most of my cousins have studied something stem (science, tech, engineering, and math) related. while i did ok in my first semesters, i felt REALLY depressed and suffocated. my mental health was at its lowest, it was a terrible time for me. i realized i did not like what i was studying at all and the pressure i felt from my family made it much worse. a week ago, i talked with my academic advisor and we discussed about changing majors, from biochem to english. let me tell you, i breathed a sigh of relief and almost broke down in front of her when i was able to switch to an english major.

[@whatthekate4688]

im so glad u got to change majors!! im so proud of you and how brave you are to do that! ive also changed majors so i completely understand how you felt. ALSO happy to see a fellow atiny on this channel!!!! sending you love and hugs and good luck on your new journey

[@eveism]

so happy for you

[@menla6055]

I'm too trying it's been a hell of week studying science. Need some guidance..:-!

[@melissa.9694]

girl, if I tell you that your comment arrived at the most opportune moment! I'm currently in the last year of high school and in less than 5 months I have to decide what I want to study at college. last year I've decided that I wanted to major in chemistry, because I was really good at it and it interested me very much. But my passion for literature.... it just became bigger and bigger, and now I want to study literature for the rest of my life, but I live in a country that see literally no value in art degrees. now I'm stuck with it. maybe I'll be like you. thanks for sharing your story :)

[@SammyJ96]

" Follow your bliss . "

[@dewa1634]

It's really relatable for me since I'm an Indonesian and currently majoring in French Literature. I'm tired of people asking "what will you be in the future with that degree?", "why pick a language major? why not just take a course instead?" 😔 sometimes i just lie about my studies in order to evade these questions..

[@Lucas-yn5ky]

Don’t lie. I did it. It’s not worth it. You’ll end up just having to tell the truth in the long run or keep collecting lies indefinitely. It’s not worth the mental health strain

[@nabilafathimazahra7673]

i chose to study literature because i fell in love with it. the career and degree is just a bonus.

[@maijastra]

I feel everything you say! I've just finished my third year of my BA, doing ancient history and literature and I absolutely love it. I truly believe if you are lucky enough to do what you love then go for it!

[@neydralelotar3851]

this video made me so happy and glad that there are people like you out there, i truly am so grateful for the words that you speak and for letting us into your headspace. your words and phrases are beautiful and i thoroughly enjoy your writing and the way you speak. i hope to see more videos on you speaking of topics like these, thank you for saying truth

[@Iovearchive]

i cannot thank you enough. i have been endlessly worrying about a lot of things including my future career, my education and whether my passions are worth pursuing. this video made me feel much much better :)

[@Saavik256]

When I was in upper elementary school, back in the mid 90s, I had this very strict maths teacher, she used to say "all people know everything, but every person knows something". Stay awesome and much love from Slovenia. :)

[@ella-mo6pr]

ahhh this is so perfect, i start my hsc next week and i've been really stressed about picking a course to study at uni, this was genuinely so helpful and comforting, ur an angel

[@lakshmis9772]

THANK YOU for doing this video . I'm doing my senior year of high school and every time I tell someone I'm going to be doing my degree on classical studies and literature , they snort saying that it'll do no good . Sometimes it makes me rethink my decision . But just hearing you talk about literature moved me to tears . I'm so grateful

[@Marie-eg5hs]

I am in the third year of high school and I am thinking a lot about studying literature, it is just the video I needed, thank you so much

[@loverofpages]

You put into words exactly what I have been trying to portray for years. Words are so desirable and so inspiring and you quite literally ‘worded’ it perfectly

[@roryb.378]

this video is honestly so inspiring to me! i hope to also be a literature and creative writing major someday and your content motivates me to pursue my dream. thank you so much for making this and please keep posting!

[@zoerafter6759]

This just reenforced my desire to study English my freshmen year of college…thank you. Also, I’m obsessed with you content and definitely wouldn’t mind if you posted more :)

[@mymy-pj3jq]

u are literally my fav person ever, you never bore me :)

[@beatricevinassa9439]

I have to thank you deeply for this video, I'm in an uncomfortable situation right now, i finshed high school this year and I've just started uni but i don't like my degree and I'm really confused and feel useless. It's comforting to know that finding what your passion takes time and that I'm not the only one who struggles/d. Thank you for your beautidul words, love you

[@feliperg_zz_]

I just watched this comment... And I want to ask you, how you feel now? Do you found your passion? I don't know, but I'm in the same situation. I started uni a month ago, but I'm confused studying my degree.

[@thesecrethistory123]

this is the first video I've seen by you, and I'm here because my best friend has talked a lot about you and your work, and I am so comfortable here. I love your style, how you talk, your passion about what you're saying, and how you put "I love you" at the end of the video. Really cool :)

[@frittaten]

i've always been veeery unsure of what i want my career in the future to look like. i've had this pressure of deciding which of my interests would bring the most money and stability but i've found that none really interest me to the extent of wanting to have them as a career, except art history! which i'm studying right now. and i'm still unsure of how i will support myself financially but i try to always listen to advice like yours & my grandma's. she told me to make sure to do something i love and that it would be a waste of time if i did anything i don't love. thank you !! for this and your other videos

[@evieb8208]

You come across really genuine and eloquent, a bit of R.C Waldun vibes. Great video so far.

[@lavacaqueri5454]

Oh, please. Dakota is insightful and her videos are full of great suggestions and content. R. C. Waldun just rambles on end without any substance.

[@batorsagandszerelem4474]

@@lavacaqueri5454 Come on now... I like Dakota better than R.C. Waldun too (mainly cause she's a girl and I'm a girl too so I can relate to her better) but there's no need to put one down to praise the other.

[@evieb8208]

@@lavacaqueri5454 No one asked for your opinion tho

[@zoelizabethein]

i am obsessed with the way you speak it’s so personal to me oh my goodness you just sound like the smartest being on earth?? it’s amazing

[@ellis6880]

And her accent 🥰🥰🥰

[@rosedart3876]

Thank you for keeping every conversation honest

[@moirawu6686]

This made me peaceful thank you, I’ve just switched my course to English literature ❣️

[@manishakalita7658]

no but what do you mean why I have tears in my eyes? this reminded me of why I chose to pursue my passion and I'm genuinely grateful for it

[@stephaniaramos5927]

my comfort person 💌

[@krystene.9457]

I super love this video! It's very inspiring. I'm in awe.

[@iamnobody2]

you are such a mood dakota!

[@megan-te2bu]

you’re absolutely gorgeous. love ur channel too x

[@jessiebunny4757]

Thank you for this video! It has helped me to confirm my own thoughts, ideas and beliefs about my own journey and path with literature! Many thanks! :)

[@lillie_made8629]

AHHH STOP IVE ONLY BEEN WAITING

[@estefaniagpalomeque6496]

I love this girl and her vibesss, I will study Film studies next year and this video helped me a lot.

[@niks961]

this is for those who aren't in a very privileged situation and want to take literature and writing: i am a third year college student studying creative writing in a country that gives importance to STEM courses and careers. my family is not at all financially stable and yet im studying in one of the most prestigious schools in the country, i have often felt guilty about this choice of mine because i know my parents do not 100% understand my choice yet they have to pay for my tuition, but luckily for me, my parents support me 100%. i feel this stress to quickly find a job after college and our country doesn't have a lot of opportunities for writers too. but i know this is the path i want to take, o want to work with books, so i just try my best to push down the feelings of fear because i know that if i stay in this path and do my absolute best to find the perfect career, i would be happy for myself and my family. to those in a similar position as me, my word of advice is to just follow what you think is right for you, follow what will make you happy because it is you who will be living with that decision

[@nnajichioma2331]

I'm in this position too but my parents don't support my decision I love literature but in my country there are hardly any opportunities for those who study this what do I do

[@wouldyousayestolife]

Thank you for this. I needed to hear it. After hearing what she said about people who aren't privileged enough to pursue that field I felt the fear and doubt I was trying to repress filling me completely..

[@mariamben6497]

I love everything about this video.

[@HA-ti2hz]

Day by day, as one more lesson goes, my love and affection for literature increases many times over, as if I was born again in every work of book, poem or short story, literature is a different place.⭐️✨

[@user-rm3zd6ev4l]

i love the vibes of this video and i can see how you are very passionate towards your dreams and i got quite motivated bc of this as well :) thank you so much for making abundant contents motivations and i hope you to stay happy and safe x - lots of love and support from korea :)

[@plantangel1703]

This video made me rather happy and content as I'm dreaming of pursuing a degree in literature. It's been my passion ever since I was around two, and I fell in love with reading and language when I used to write my silly little short stories on life and lessons I've learned even if I were only 6 or 7. I remember how it felt when adults used to tell me that I was too young to know what I wanted to do with my life and that I'd "make a great doctor" or "could do very well as a lawyer," being told that "studying literature isn't what we need in life" and that I "won't make any money." I remember crying tears of frustration when I'd go into existential crises, wondering what I was really going to do and what my drive would be. I was lucky enough to have my parents support me, saying that I should go with what I was comfortable with, and if I enjoyed literature and creative writing, then why not take it? They would always have my back when others would tell me that it'd be a waste of money, my parents noting that they would help. When people say that studying literature won't get me anywhere in life, my parents will point that no one knows what lies in the future. It's quite silly to say this, but hearing it from you, Dakota, felt so sweet, and now it feels very stuck to me. Thank you

[@journeywithjoah1142]

I wanted to thank you so much for making this video. I have been battling with my dad about my degree. He got forced into a job by his father and hates it. He just wants to make sure that I can support my family but he does come off as harsh.

[@jacobharris4838]

Great vid thx. I think "passion" is a huuuuge misnomer tho and is itself not the thing to pursue, but instead necessity. A passion may come out of the necessity in time, but following the "passion" first kind of just implies pursuing more pleasure. things that make US (our egos) feel good. Our hobbies and professional pursuits must arise out of necessity in service to something more encompassing. E.g. when we care only about art for art's sake we lose sight of the reasons we were first attracted to it. I think a healthy devotion when pursuing the art life is faith in the belief that art which arises out of necessity can produce a magnificent cultural uplifting, and this idea has within it the assumption that consciousness is something worthy of cherishing and healthily cultivating.

[@Meoxypoo]

I admire how aware and honest you are of your privilege.

[@socksdust]

babe wake up new dakota video just dropped

[@etherinpain]

your energy is so captivating wow.

[@DidiAphra]

i absolutely love love love love love love this!!!!!!!!

[@mklachu2697]

As an artist/writer myself it has always been a hobby of mine and now I want to turn it into a full-time passion/job. But I am currently in college with my psychology degree because being an empath is also comes natural to me and I want to help people. So I have a lot planned for the future and hopefully I’ll have a work published in less than a year and a half

[@teetsieroll4529]

I wish you the best of luck as an artist hobbyist too, who wants to turn it as a job! Lets get this together !!!

[@ohcafekery2403]

your channel is my safe space dakota

[@linaelguir6763]

10 months later, i'm still looking for the music that was used in this video, please put an end to my agony here

[@emmaahmed777]

I watched this for the first time a while ago but came back to revisit it because I just made the decision to switch into the english program at my uni! it feels so freeing to finally let myself pursue my passions rather than what I thought would land me a stable career path

[@ria9924]

LOVE THIS. As a lit major, this means a lot thank u❤️❤️

[@toddbelanger1923]

Cheers !!!...:)...Your so right on so many levels...Continue greatness as we all watch from a far with curiosity in our eyes..:)

[@coraline5569]

i love your energy is really inspiring

[@BELLADONNANAJWA]

My really young and successful law teacher (also an ex-cop) is a really good prosecutor (criminal law). He had a literature/writing certificate from University of Montreal before entering law school and he said it's the best thing that happened to him!

[@tfashola8428]

love hearing you talk, pleasee make a podcast :)

[@amberb5916]

I was going to ask what your sign is because I had a feeling it's virgo but I just saw on one of your tiktoks you say you're a virgo and wow I just love finding fellow virgo writers who share similar interests and aesthetics with me, almost as much as I love being right when I guess someone is a virgo lol. Since the age of 10 I've been in love with words, books, and writing. Like you, I feel like it almost borders on an obsession. I even taught myself at that age how to write stories and use proper punctuation from all the books I read. When I started college I tried to go for nursing, then afterward devoted time to nutrition, because I was convinced a degree in English or creative writing wasn't going to get me anywhere financially. Money was extremely important to me because of my background and I didn't have enough confidence to allow myself to risk it all on my writing (we love self-sabotage). I spent 2 years of forcing myself to study something that I wasn't passionate about before I realized that's not what I should be doing with my life. I had to ask myself, when am I ever going to get the chance to devote my time to what I'm passionate about - literature, books, writing, and reading - if I'm stuck stressing about a degree and career I don't even care about that much? I could spend every day doing what I love if I made it my major! After spending over 4 years contemplating what I want to devote my life to, I knew in my heart I needed to immediately switch and study English. Now, a year later, I'm about to finish an associate of arts in English Literature and afterwards go on to complete a bachelor of arts in English. I've had two poems published in a college arts magazine and have many more plans for my writing in the future. Here's to us for using the opportunities we've been blessed with to follow our passions! Okay, end of sappy personal anecdote.

[@cristenh7677]

the reason why i have a toxic view on art degrees is because, as she said, its only accessible to privileged, first-world-country-living students :) in those living in countries that lack opportunities for most creative fields, we actually have to struggle, as much as i would love to pursue my passion for art, its very useless because it doesn't guarantee me an income.

[@nnajichioma2331]

Exactly it doesn't guarantee income but I love it

[@emilywhiteaker779]

You are such an inspiration

[@anwarbabran7438]

Thank you , nowadays I am having anxiety and overthinking after getting into English literature, which I wanted for years , but , I don't know why doubts are just all around ... hope I find my way and most importantly anxiety fades away , since it is too overwhelming and makes life dark

[@dostoevskyrat]

i wish i had seen this before i chose what to study for my alevels. i’ve always been someone who’s interested in literature and philosophy but i was also very smart in STEM subjects and so i felt like i HAD to choose STEM subjects (pressure from family lol) and i felt like i would “waste” my potential on studying english literature. i recently came to the realisation that i shouldn’t study a subject and pursue a career i don’t enjoy just because it’ll earn me good money, which i know is a simple idea that people have constantly said but i never understood it until now. i don’t know how long i’ll live and i’d rather pursue something i genuinely want and brings me happiness than to be unhappy studying a subject. literally one of my biggest regrets ever.

[@luiscarlos-mn5rk]

My primary major is journalism, for the sole purpose of being able to write. But one day i decided to also major in Literature and Comparative Literature in University. Since i love reading, i literally read everyday and everyweek, so i said why not?. It falls under my interests and so far ive been enjoying writing essays about novels, and i can't wait to read the classic novels and to write about them.

[@myriamcote6005]

thank you for this video

[@idklol-eu6fh]

this literally came out right when I was having a mental crisis over what im going to do with my life once im done with school

[@princessraven5519]

pls make more videos like this!!! i enjoyed it sm

[@TM-mi3wi]

In my head I kept shouting, "yasss 🐝tchhhhh! Preach! Exactly sister!". Oh this was beautiful. Didn't necessarily answer my question but it made me think. And the way she was seated and speaking, her attitude... She radiated had 🐝tch energy. A woman who knows she's in charge. Power! 🔥😂 ❤️

[@amalsobsessions_]

Love love love your videos

[@user-lb9td1cy1m]

girl! pls where are all your artworks and decor from i'm obsessed w it! x

[@samaaladwani925]

I would like more of these talks please :)

[@yasmin-uk4gt]

i love your room :)

[@jazminemcmahon5366]

I really wanna study literature honestly but I’m so scared it won’t work out

[@avesmith5447]

I also thinking of doing so, I’m thinking of working in publishing which i’m under the impression is an easier field to get into

[@douloureux.]

That could always happen, with any degree. It’s about what YOU want.

[@helenapardo7663]

This video reminds me of a philosophical book called 'The Usefulness of the Useless' by Nuccio Ordine. If you can give it a read, it's worth it.

[@girlmeetschaos]

I felt crazy when I applied for this degree out of interest but now I feel valid

[@theandreabyor]

I wish people could see creativity as something really necessarty in life, not a "waste of time" they really cannot live without music, cinema, writing, reading, as small as it is is just impossible. My parents are Doctors,and I have never wanted to follow an artstic path so much until I turned 30, depite even going to Acting school and getting a degree. I have been apart from art for so long is hard to start again. But I know I am not going to give up. Thank you for posting this.

[@nxreu]

alright camilla macaulay 😫❤

[@neydralelotar3851]

"what i am doing now is all i have ever dreamt of, i just didn't know it"

[@Dys_phoria]

Boy that voice increased my anxiety. Maybe it's the cup of black coffee I just had but that voice, the tone, those slight trembles surely pushing it for some reason. I can barely focus on voice, just the emotions and the urge to see behind those words rendering my thoughts back and forth like a camera trying to focus on a close object.

[@mayamemories]

i have never been this early i was literally stalking your socials did i summon you???

[@freyalovesbooks3824]

I am a high school trident in grade 11 who would love to study classics and English but I’m worried I don’t have the skills/enough previous knowledge. I don’t know how to write proper essays, I don’t know how to analyze texts. I’m worried that if I get into a university for classics and English I won’t know the basics so I won’t be able to learn all the new things.

[@MrKadirbey]

That's what the university is for! If you like the subject and willing to learn go for it. Nobody starts the university as the whole package. Otherwise, they wouldn't be there.

[@RandomPerson-bc6td]

Even though I want to pursue literature as a hobby, it's difficult in my country.

[@emiliabugueiromeyer8166]

ugh that last stare into my soul kdlhdkjshlis

[@emmabernadettehappy]

I'd love be so strongly passionate about literature

[@cashwilder27]

As a current classics major, I will teach or die.

[@PoetryETrain]

Applause, remain in the realm!

[@ANGEL_OF_ART694]

my dad was a poet what he was younger thats why i adore litrature, my love for poetry i write my own poems in primry school i was amazing at stories my love for victorians i'm in year 11 and 15 i want to further y mind i am thankul i found you i also love reading i as well as my dad and brother all wat to write books i am honestly greatful i have found you

[@ANGEL_OF_ART694]

also i love art and music and history ( picked for gcses)

[@neydralelotar3851]

"the truth is i don't really know anything, but i also know everything"

[@isacorreal9734]

For so many years now i've been dreaming with studing literature, but I'm afraid I'm not smart enough or good enough

[@avesmith5447]

When your book comes out how will i be able to purchase it? Will it ship to the us ?

[@lovetahera217]

How do I become like you?

[@watcher8582]

If somebody in the 80's would have given this monologue, it would probably work without changing a single word.

[@MlondiHlophe-cw9hp]

I love English Literature

[@ultlaw5396]

i love u so much

[@luisechevarria186]

Damn, RC Waldun takes notes, cuh.

[@Ozgipsy]

Yes, my return to university at middle age is purely for intellectual gain and to indulge my hobbies.

[@n.3167]

For some reason, I can't open your poems on your blog!

[@jeevaniv9692]

It makes me sick or tears me up gor not having a deep passionate hobbie or a subject or love for a interest i am tired of evythinng i do average on everything i am soo dam tired without passion

[@freya7879]

i am obsessed with you, sorry not sorry.

[@ebonyjean9894]

i need to read the story you wrote when you were nine