Why You Shouldn't Have To Make Big Life Decisions At Age 18 | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Why You Shouldn't Have To Make Big Life Decisions At Age 18

High school guidance counselors do not always have the answers.

86
Why You Shouldn't Have To Make Big Life Decisions At Age 18
Gateway College Preparatory School LMS

When you're a senior in high school, you usually have an idea of what college or university you want to attend. Then comes the process of picking your major, the one decision that is crucial to your four years of higher education. Picking your major can be stressful and high school guidance counselors make it sound like the end of the world if you cannot figure out a major.

I was personally victimized by my high school guidance counselor. I remember sitting down in her office and getting lectured about how I need to make my decision about what I wanted to do for the rest of my life right then and there. Being frightened because I was thrown under the bus for already failing my post high school life, I picked a major based on my art interests without doing any research about the jobs that major pertains to or beginning salaries for when I graduate college.

I'd like to point out that you still have to ask to use the bathroom when you're a senior in high school. How are we expected to make decisions that affect the rest of our lives? Well at that age, whether it be 17 or 18, we have no clue what life is or how to handle it.

Here is a picture to explain being 18 and figuring life out:

Thanks, Xzibit!

Anyway, when you get to college you are going to do one of two things. Enjoy your major and prosper or cry. Just cry.

When I started college, I was a graphic design major. When I started classes, which was two days after I started college, I instantly started crying. The classes were graded on a subjective scale and I could not understand the techniques of graphic design. I did not want to have an in-depth conversation about abstract design or colors. It's not interesting, trust me. I was annoyed that I made the decision to be a graphic design major and I ran to my academic advisor like a freight train to fix that. I was so mad that I wasted my money (thanks, Uncle Sam) on those credits. Now, I'm a semester behind on graduating.

When you're having that life or death talk with your high school guidance counselor or anyone for that matter, DO NOT listen to them. You have your entire life to figure it out.

For those of you who are currently in school with degrees they hate: it's okay. You do NOT have to pursue that degree. Just get that piece of paper and you can do whatever you want. In reality, all you really need is a degree to do something in this world. For those college freshmen or soon to be college students: do not fret. Go undecided. You should get your education requirements out of the way. Do not waste your money on classes you may not even need to graduate. Trust me. From experience, you will be happy in the long run.

Stay classy, friends.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
April Ludgate
NBC Universal

Everyone who is in college right now, or has ever been, knows the struggle of pulling in the strings at the last second. It seems impossible, and you have to do a LOT of things in order to assure your future for the next semester.

April Ludgate, historically, is a very annoyed person, and she doesn't hide it. Of all the times that I binged and re-binged "Parks and Rec," her attitude relates more and more to me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

To The Cheerful Person On Their Rainy Days, You Are Valid

The world is not always sunshine and rainbows, and you do not have to be, either.

330
pug covered with blanket on bedspread
Photo by Matthew Henry on Unsplash

Ask friends of mine to name a quality about me, and one a lot them will point out the fact that I am almost always smiling. I like to laugh and smile -- not to quote Buddy the Elf in April, but smiling is my favorite! It is probably my favorite go-to expression. However, what a lot of people do not see is that I have my down days. I have days when smiling and laughing is a real struggle, or when I have so much on my plate that going out of my way to behappy takes more effort than I have stored in me. Be it a symptom of college and growing up or a facet of life, I cannot always be content.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

11 Struggles of Packing for College

It would be so much easier to just pay someone to do it for you

384
a room with boxes and a window

1. Figuring out when to start

Timing is key, you don’t want to start too early or too late.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

15 Times 'Parks and Recreation' Has Summed Up Your Life

Relatable moments from one of the best shows I have ever watched.

286
parks and rec
Liz Keysmash

Amidst my hectic college career, I always find time for one thing, even on the busiest weeks: Parks and Recreation. This show has made me laugh and has made me cry, but most of all I have related to this show more than I would like to admit.

Here are some "Parks and Rec" moments that relate to life struggles that just about everyone faces.

Keep Reading...Show less
April Ludgate
Facebook

April Ludgate from Parks and Recreation is notorious for her "I don't care" attitude. She speaks her mind without caring what anyone thinks of her. Fans love her because she isn't afraid to be herself. April can seem cold and negative, but she's really just fearless and strong-minded. And despite her sometimes harsh words, April truly cares about the people she's closest to. These are all reasons she is the epitome of a college student. April complains whenever she has to do any kind of work, but ends up doing the work anyway. April Ludgate is the ultimate college student spirit animal.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments