Just as the fall semester starts to speed up in preparation for finals week, schedule-making for the spring semester is in full swing. Appointments with advisors, trial schedules, and frantic emails sent back and forth to professors are starting to take their toll. The stressed caused by this time of the year is ridiculous and super evident on campus.
If you're a senior, schedule-making is a little more light-hearted. You're packing in some last-minute gen eds and counting down the days until graduation, and your classes might consist of Jogging 101, the foreign language you forgot to take, Intro to Communications, or the dreaded LU Engagements.
On the other hand, you're preoccupied with the thought of having to "adult" soon. Grad school applications, "grownup" job interviews, or the possibility of moving to a new place...that's some scary stuff to figure out.
For underclassmen, scheduling is a little bit different. We have complete control in the courses we choose, and based on our major we have the potential to change our future with just one class.
As a freshman I spent my first year of college listed as an "Undecided" major. I knew what I liked and didn't like but wanted to take the time to find out what I was passionate about. While many of my peers came in with a clear idea of their futures, mine looked clouded. I signed up for classes varying in interests from art to writing to media, figuring it was better to dabble in them all before choosing.
Throughout that year, I heard "What's your major?" so many times I lost count. When I answered that I was undeclared, I felt guilty because I automatically received "the look" AKA the half-smile and "Oh, you're one of those people" looks, even from fellow students.
While other people had the entirety of their college experience planned out, I was making it up as I went along and trying to narrow down my choices. I felt scattered and somehow less responsible than my peers.
Over time I learned that being undecided is nothing to be embarrassed about. The average college student changes their major at least three times over the course of their undergrad years, and if I'm being totally honest, I don't feel like an individual is destined for one clear, specific career choice.I have friends with intentions to go to medical school that love playing music. Others want to own a business but are fascinated by nutrition. If humans were only given one singular interest or talent, we would be so boring. I love writing and art, but I also feel strongly called to help others with philanthropy.
I am now decided on a major, but to those of you who aren't yet: you have every right to take as long as you need to choose. Don't let others pick a path for you, and don't let them make you feel inferior for not deciding yet.
Whether it takes you a week to decide on a major or a year, choose your path based on your passions and remember that sometimes those passions might evolve and change. Take your time and don't be discouraged, and take heart knowing that the choices you make with your future are entirely yours.
