I'm the only person out of my graduating class, and the past 4 graduating classes who has perused a career in the railroading industry. Many many many people don't fully understand what railroading is.. Hell most people just think of trains that go "choo choo" and puff lots of smoke out. This for me is an inaccurate representation of what railroading is today, in my opinion.
Sure trains did go choo-choo and blew out smoke years and years ago, but now it's working 7 days a week, 12 hour shifts, going to work in sub zero temperatures enduring the elements. Taking a train from one side of a state to another while keeping you, and your engineer/conductor alive while making sure your load gets to its destination on time, while following & abiding all regulations/rules.
Most of my friends went off to a university this year to study something for 4+ years, only to pay student loans off till they're in their 30's and sit behind a desk for the rest of their lives. And for some reason they can't figure out why I want to be a railroader, which is fine I don't expect them to understand.
I made it well known during high school that I was going to be a railroader when I graduated, no one said anything to me other then "How... Unoriginal?" That's about as "negative" (if you call it that) as it would get.. One thing I have lived by for a long time now is don't let people tell you otherwise. If you like trains, COOL, so do I. If people give you crap for liking trains, who cares, honestly. ESPECIALLY in high school. Chances are, you won't see them again after unless you live in a city with a population of 2,000, or go to the same college. If people give you crap because you want to be a railroader/train freak, let them.
Zing.