At one point in time, we have all been asked the question, "what do you want to be when you grow up?". When we were little, our answers probably ranged from fairytale princesses to superheroes and everything in between. When we got a little older, our answers may have changed to a veterinarian or a police officer. The answer to this question changes so many times in our lives that it is hard to keep track. So, why is it that we have to finally decide when we reach college?
I have been asked over and over and over again what I am studying and where I want to take my degree. Even though I have a good idea of what I want to be, why do I have to have an answer? Why do I have to be sure of exactly what I want to do? I think this is why so many people eventually change their minds about what they want to be after college.
According to the New York Times, over half of college students change their major at least one time. (Read more about these shocking statistics here: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/04/education/edlife...) Think about how many unnecessary classes are being taken during that time and how much money is essentially being wasted. I know that I want to graduate college with as little debt as possible, so I find this to be really unfortunate.
There needs to be something done because clearly there is a problem. The problem could easily have something to do with the significant jump from high school to college. In general, the transition is tough. We are in a new place as college students are most likely living on their own for the first time. We are expected to do well in school, maintain a social life, and stay healthy while earning a few extra bucks. Let's be honest, it is not easy. On top of that, we have to make major life decisions.
In high school, we took mostly required classes. You have your English class, math, science, maybe a language, social studies, etc. When you go to schedule your classes in college, you can choose from hundreds. If you already aren't sure of your direction, then how on earth should you know what to schedule? Not to mention, most freshmen continue to take general education classes for most of the first year. This alone is hindering the decision making process.
College students are paying more and stressing more about their decisions because of the pressure from the people on the outside. I know a lot of working adults who say they still aren't sure what they want to be, so why do we pressure college students to decide right then and there? We must stop pressuring our youth because it only makes us question, "what do I really want to be when I grow up?" when hitting adulthood.
