Your first year in college will be one of the most transformative times in your life. You'll most likely be living somewhere new, meeting new friends, and finding what you want to do in life. Finding your major can be extremely stressful. But fear not, here is a simple, straightforward guide to help you discover the major that's right for you.
Explore!
College is the time to experiment, so don't be afraid to try out a multitude of courses. Let your first year in college be a time to bask in the different fields of knowledge. If you want to be really clever with your adventures in learning, see if you can find classes that also satisfy general education requirements. This approach will ensure you find your calling while minimizing the chance of you spending additional years in college (which translates to a more expensive degree).
Don't listen to your parents.
This might be the most controversial piece of advice you will hear. We love our parents and in most cases, they're paying the bills for college. But even they have their own biases, and dreams they've had for you. The purpose of college is to embrace the opportunities afforded by a liberal education. Let your own curiosity guide your class choices; only you are capable of finding the subjects that elicit your joy.
Do what you love
This is perhaps the ultimate cliche, but it remains for a reason. Choosing a major based on its earning potential will only serve as a recipe for your own misery. We could all become accountants instead of art teachers. We would certainly be paid well, but would we find meaning and joy in the work we do? Probably not. Do what you love, and forget about the money.
Good luck in finding yourself and your ideal major! You can do this, don't worry about it. College is about finding yourself and it will happen soon enough.
