When I went into college, I was sure I wanted to be in the journalism school. I was so crazy confident that the strategic communication track was the perfect fit for me. Yet here I am, in my second semester, switching out of the program entirely. As a 19-year-old freshman, I'm more than sure my story is as old as time.
There's this common misconception that you have to find that one major that's the "one" for you. People have this idea that they will only have one major that's right for them, like your career soulmate. But I must argue that I believe you can be a great match in multiple majors. Who says you can only be a doctor, an engineer, a journalist? No one is defined by one simple label. We're human, we have so many different and wonderful qualities that make us, us. I truly think this should be reflected in our careers, as well as our majors. There's no harm in trying something you have interest or curiosity in.
I have no idea who I'll be in the future. Last semester, I spent countless days and nights crying and stressing over what I want to become and what I want to major in; what's right for me. I finally figured out that I don't have to know what I'll do for the rest of my life yet. It's not an impending due date like that English essay; it's my life, my future. For all I know, I could change my major again, and even again after that. And that doesn't really matter to me anymore. It doesn't choke me with anxiety or stress.
All I know about my future is that I will be happy in whatever I choose to do. The cliché that you need to find what makes you happy and what you have passion in is actually extremely true. The money will come, but you have to find something that excites you. Something that makes you feel as though you're reaching your potential and finding your individual purpose. This might not be simply medicine or culinary. In my future, I could be a child life specialist and a novelist at the same time. You don't have to cut out your dreams and passions to fit into a cookie-cutter career. Use your skills, what you love, and make something out of them. Worry about defining yourself; who you aspire to be and what you aspire to do, not your major.
I know too many people to count on my hand that have graduated college with one major and have ended up doing something entirely different. My own mom went to school for athletic training and later became a pharmaceutical sales representative. Your DARS is just a document. Your major is just an idea, a rough draft. We're just beginning as young adults; this is the time for us to try things. In fact, there's no better time to fail and get up again (maybe even a few more times than we'd prefer.) So, close out of those silly "What's your perfect major?" quizzes. Take a breath, relax and enjoy this time to try new things and discover what you really want in life. There's no due date on your happiness.
