Some words on choosing a college major and what comes after. Although I'm only in my first year of college, I've experienced overwhelming moments regarding majoring in certain topics. I'm about to start my 5th week of school and there are so many people, myself included, rethinking their majors! This isn't a guide on choosing a major but its more just my thoughts after seeing what other people have gone through and knowing that so many others are in the same place helps keep my thoughts of my education in perspective.

Applying to colleges is a stress filled couple months, and waiting to hear if your accepted might be even more overwhelming. Then comes the next big step: Choosing a college major. It may feel like it's one of the biggest decisions of your life-- mess it up, and you die. Just kidding, in reality deciding what to major in can be done in multiple ways and fyi, it doesn't have to feel like it's the end of the world. When you first get to college, it might seem like everyone has a major chosen already, I know that's how I felt. Plenty of college-goers will change it at some point during the next few years. Not knowing is more common than you might think; you're 18 and just figuring out how to be on your own. Does anybody really know what they’re doing? Probably not. And between school, work, and whatever else, picking a major to study feels like a huge weight on your shoulders. Luckily it's not life and death, If you don’t know what to study that's perfectly okay! There are people at your school to help and guide you. Being undecided isn't a bad thing-- it allows you to get those Gen Eds out of the way!

Now let's say you get to school and already know what you're going to do. Well, good for you! Then you realize your personality isn't a match with this; you're an introvert and your major right now will lead to a career more suited for extroverts. What do you do? Take the initiative to explore some subjects. Research careers that interest you, and the required education to get there. If you go into school studying one thing and change your mind a couple of times, remember that you're just beginning this chapter in life. Deciding what to do with your life is stressful no matter your age. Who says you can't change your mind?

Not knowing where to begin is overwhelming. There are so many websites out there to help you research your interests and possible careers. Your school most likely has advisors and professors that are willing to help you! Don't think you can't ask for direction, they probably were in your shoes at some point. When choosing a college major try thinking about your hobbies and interests. What do you like to do? Can you picture yourself in a career like this? Another thing to consider when selecting what to study is the job outlook and employment rate in that field. Unfortunately, not every major directly translates to a career right after school. Maybe the major you are thinking about won’t lead you into successful career. What do you do then? Well don't freak out and go into hysterics. Maybe try to weigh the pros and cons of that major and the qualifications you will have after completing it.

This may be the most important thing to consider; make sure what you end up studying is what YOU want, don’t let someone else choose for YOU.