What makes you passionate?

I went to a departmental dinner last night for majors, minors, and a few alums who were in attendance to talk about life after college. Everyone sat around a few tables, ate, chatted, and then eventually each alum introduced herself to the group. After dinner was over, we had a chance to mingle so I went up to an alum who began her introduction with a summary of a quote. I found the quote word-for-word online today:

According to this law [the law of Dharma], you have a unique talent and a unique way of expressing it. There is something that you can do better than anyone else in the whole world--and for every unique talent and unique expression of that talent, there are also unique needs. When these needs are matched with the creative expression of your talent, that is the spark that creates affluence. Expressing your talents to fulfill needs creates unlimited wealth and abundance.” 
― Deepak Chopra

This was something I needed to hear. I needed to hear that unique is good... that who I am is good. It confirmed what I believed, and was worded so beautifully. When I walked up to her afterwards I thanked her for sharing the quote. She was glad to hear that it resonated with me, and then asked me what I wanted to do after college. I admitted to her that I have absolutely no idea where I see myself in a year and a half. She responded, simply, "What makes you passionate?"

When is the last time someone asked you that question? I cannot remember the last time it was asked of me.

I've been asked many times, "What are you interested in?" "What do you want to do after graduation?" "What are you studying?" "What classes have you taken?" But, I cannot recall the last time someone mentioned the word 'passion.' Passion implies a much more important connection. It isn't just an interest, it isn't just something that makes you curious. It is something that drives you, that is connected to you deeply and emotionally. It gives you motivation to work, to wake up, to be.

"What makes you passionate?" she asked. And I froze. Or rather, I felt like I was suddenly defrosting from a long time spent immobile in a cold and contained state. A state where I forgot who I was and why I was there. A state where I felt uncomfortable with my decision to study what I am studying and where I am studying. A state that I accepted as formed, as decided, as fact.

"What makes me passionate?" I asked her rhetorically  The ice shattered and at last I remembered. At that moment,  I finally re-"felt."