English, journalism, psychology, business, communications, history, criminal justice, political science, public policy, economics, sociology. All of these are majors I've considered in the past year, and about half of them are majors I genuinely looked into and thought about switching into. That's a lot of majors, connected by little other than a shared association with the fields of the humanities and social sciences.

Over the course of a year, my mind jumped from one major possibility to another, panicked that by choosing one, I'd be locking myself into a lifetime of self-loathing and dissatisfaction. How could I possibly commit to something without immediately shutting myself off from other possibilities? This question tormented me, whispering in my ear during class that I was wasting my time, that my decisions were all wrong.

To the person who just can't pick a major, I want to say this: you really, really aren't alone. I'm right here, and I'm going through the same thing you are. It feels like everyone around you knows exactly what they're doing, but they don't. Life is like that sometimes, where you think that you're alone and in the shadows, while everyone else is somehow in the light. You know it's illogical to think that way, but you just can't help it. It's just what it feels like.

So I'd advise that you stop mulling over how you feel about others. It's useless, and it doesn't provide you with the clarity needed to make a life choice. Instead, think about your feelings towards your options. Think about how each major will benefit you, think about how it will shape your future. Think, and don't overthink. Give yourself a chance to care about something rather than letting your thoughts run away with any shred of decisiveness you ever had.

Most of all, think about what you value. Is it practicality? Is it self-fulfillment? Is it a particular community you want to become a part of? Think about yourself first, then think about your major. Don't let others mandate your future. This is ultimately your choice, and no one is going to force you into it. If you want to leave your options open, that's fine. Almost every major will do that, because you're an undergraduate, and you've got time.

To the person who just can't choose their major, I want you to know that it's fine. You're fine. Everyone says one of two things to you, and you probably hate both of them. They tell you that no one else knows what they're doing, and they tell you that you can always switch. Go ahead, argue with them. Tell them they're wrong, that everyone has their whole life figured out and you don't. But remember, at the end, to take a step back. You're smart, you're hardworking, and no matter what happens, you're going to figure this out. It just might take you a little more time.