why??

Many people have posed this question throughout history. I pose this question as someone who is trying her hardest at something she wants. I completely understand that I don't have as much responsibility as someone with a house to pay for and bills due, but does that mean that what I am doing doesn't matter as much. I put all my effort into my education and working, trying to actually get somewhere in life, but why? No one seems to respect it. Why do something you want so much in your heart and be critisized for it every step of the way? I see the potential in myself, but what does that matter if I don't have the self-esteem to believe in it?