The number one question I’ve been asked by friends and family this year is, "What’s your major?" My answer to this question changed numerous times over the course of the year.
I came into college thinking I knew exactly what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. The thing is, that’s nearly impossible. At 18 years old, it’s hard to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life.
I shortly realized I wasn't happy with the major I had chosen. I was sitting in all my classes feeling disinterested in the material. I finally came to the realization that I didn't have to major in this if I didn't envision myself with a future in this field. College is all about discovering what you want to do. No one should have to major in something that makes them unhappy.
I learned that it’s completely acceptable to not know what you want to do when you graduate high school. College is a learning experience. You’re here to learn about what you like and what you don’t like. Not knowing exactly what you want to major in is all a part of the college experience. It’s okay to take a variety of classes to figure out what interests you. Approximately every college student will change his or her major about three times, so trust me. You’re not alone.
It’s also important to realize that your opinion is the only one that matters. All of your friends' and family's opinions on what you should do shouldn’t determine what you do. Of course their opinions are important and should be taken into consideration. However, it’s your life. What you’re really passionate about and what you want to do for the rest of your life is completely up to you. You have to make sure you love what you're doing.
My advice to everyone who is still deciding on his or her major is to think about what makes you happy in life, not about what job is going to make you the best salary. Yes, it’s important to make enough money to live a content life. However, your happiness comes first. This is what you’re going to be doing for the rest of your life. You need to love what you’re doing.
So it’s completely acceptable not to know what your major is going to be or what you want to do with the rest of your life. College is a time to learn more about yourself and grow. It’s important to keep an open mind with all your options. Don’t be afraid to try new things. Changing your major is okay, even when you think it’s unacceptable to change it for the third time.
You’re going to spend the rest of your life working. You have the right to make sure you’re going to be happy.
