During the college search process, the casually tossed around question from childhood, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” seems to become a serious reality. Many incoming college freshmen feel pressured to make a decision.
“What?! You do not know the career path you would like to pursue?!”
Do not fret! Here is how I would like to respond to that statement.
It is silly to assume that the majority of 18-year-olds have their lives perfectly planned out; yet, the majority of students are entering college with a declared major. They often make the decision based on factors such as influence from family members and friends, assumptions about the courses within the major and potential job opportunities for the future. These factors may take precedence over self-reflection and understanding of personal strengths and weaknesses. Therefore, it is not very shocking that the majority of declared students switch majors at least once during their college career. “The Class of 2018 was much more likely to declare an academic major during freshman year than their counterparts before the recession" (Wall Street Journal, "Today's Anxious Freshman Declare Majors Far Faster than Their Elders).
What does this say about today’s society? We live in a world that is extremely fast paced and constantly demanding answers. Many of us find comfort in the security of knowing the unknown and living according to plans.
That was me during my senior year of high school. I thought I was 100 percent sure of what I wanted my future career to be. It felt great to have such certainty. Now, here I am in college and I am learning more about myself and my strengths and weaknesses than I ever could have imagined. Maybe I will stick to my future career plans, but I am happy that I am open and accepting of all possibilities. Chances are for all of us, there are lots that we do not know about ourselves at the age of eighteen. Thankfully, that is perfectly OK.
In college, we have the opportunity to truly discover ourselves and what we are passionate about. It is great to make plans, but it is even greater to accept that sometimes our plans may change. When we take away the pressure of determining our exact destinations at such a young age, it becomes easier to live in the moment and enjoy the journey. This is the most amazing time in our lives to explore and dream!
