I have never been more aware of myself and my ambitions since I moved away and started college. Everyone told me that you had to go into college knowing who you want to be and what you want to do. I know I want to be the owner of a small digital media business and that I want to major in marketing. But for some people, you start college with the expectation that you're actually going to enjoy a particular field or area of study and end up hating it. Or you just so happen take a course or elective that ignites a desire to learn more about that subject. You find your passion.

Thankfully, I enjoy pretty much all of my classes. Statistics and Theology are my least favorite, however I've discovered that I thoroughly enjoy Economics. I actually have a burning passion for Economics. And thankfully, Economics relates to my Marketing major in more ways than one!

However, one of my close friends has recently discovered that she no longer wants to be on the Pre-Med track. For the last 5 years of her life, my friend and her family were all planning on her becoming an oncologist. But since college started, she realized that Social Psychology is her passion. She discovered that she has the desire to understand the human mind. She's deciding to double major in Biology and Psychology, and is on the track towards becoming a Social Psychologist.

I know that taking interest and career tests don't seem to be all that helpful, but in actuality, they really are. Because you know your interests, and matching your interests to possible careers is an amazing tool to have. When I took the ONET career and job test I had no idea that artistic and social were going to be my top traits. Yet the suggested jobs and careers clearly aligned with what my interests are and seemed to match what I want to do with my life.

College gives us the tools and opportunity to explore ourselves and plan for our future. Who knew that I was going to even enjoy Economics as much as I do, let alone decide to double major in it? Who knew that my friend would no longer want to be on the pre-med track? Who knows how different your life would be if you chose to follow your passions rather than your plans?

Now, I'm not advocating reckless decisions. But I believe that the path to discovering yourself begins with the conscious decision to follow your passions. While your original end goal is still important, maybe its meaning, journey, and end destination will change along the way. College is this journey. And I know that I'll definitely learn more about myself and passions in the next four years.