Choosing the right major is one of the toughest decisions college students face. As young people still figuring out our future goals, it can be hard to pinpoint a subject that will take us there. Of my college friends, I only know of one who has not shifted her major choice. She was one of the few lucky students to have found her ideal major very early on. The rest of us, however, have not been so fortunate. We're out here unable to find our calling, set on molecular biology one day, and linguistics the next hour (or maybe that's just me and my sporadic tendencies -.-).
I am tired of people saying that you'll find a major that is a perfect fit. The one that is just "right" for YOU. Because frankly, there are only so many majors that exist in one college, and unless you go to Cornell (hotel management, anyone?), not all of them will be specifically tailored to your own needs. Sometimes, you will get lucky and find a major in your school that appears to do so, but if you've been undecided for a while, chances are that you won't find the perfect major. The reason why choosing the "right" major is bad advice is due to the fact that it assumes every student can fall perfectly within the categories designated by the school: economics, biology, psychology, engineering, politics, history, etc. But with such a diverse group of students, each having a multitude of interests, there are bound to be a few lost souls unable to find their academic niche.
Furthermore, we are expected to know which subjects we like and dislike by taking only one or two courses in that major. It's like trying to figure out how much we'll enjoy swimming by only dipping our toes in the water. Unless we have an in-depth knowledge of the field, especially a more pre-professional major such as politics and engineering, it will be hard for us to ascertain just how much we "like" the subject. The truth is, most people are "interested" in what they know best. But by sticking to only what we're best at, we are limiting our potential capabilities in other fields.
On a personal note, I have recently been struggling big-time in deciding between two majors: Woodrow Wilson School of Public Affairs & International Relations, and Molecular Biology...two VERY different subjects. As a pre-med, I am naturally inclined toward the natural sciences, and I have a solid foundation of science courses under my belt. So Molecular Biology is the familiar route. However, I am very open to learning more about health policy, and understanding politics and economics, so Woodrow Wilson would provide me with a new perspective on medicine and unique skill sets.
From much thinking, contemplating, restlessness, and two-hour conversations with my amazing father, I have come to realize that the best way to decide on a major is not to choose the one that you "like" simply because you are good at it. Instead, select the one that stirs in your curiosity, and can ultimately provide you with skill sets that you hope to foster or obtain. In order to determine what skill sets you hope to gain from your time at college, it is important to do a self-assessment. Figure out your personal weaknesses, and areas about you that you hope to improve. It would also be useful to have at least a vague idea of a future career. While many people like to determine their career aspirations by first choosing their major, it may be more effective to know what career path you hope to take, and THEN choose the major that will compliment it best.
Remember that ultimately, a major should ignite your mind, challenge your abilities, and broaden your view of the world.
I hope this article has helped you in this beautifully painful process of major selection. Best of luck discovering, loving, pursuing, and carving our your path.
<3
