Choosing a major is HARD. If you think about it, it's pretty crazy to expect someone who is only 18 years old to decide what he or she wants to do for the rest of his or her life. Interests change, the job market changes, the world changes...it can be incredibly difficult to lock down on a major.

Lucky for me, I've known what I want to do since late elementary school. However, I realize that for many people, it's not that easy. I'm now approaching my junior year of college and have a number of friends who could end up down a number of different career paths. For me, my true passion for working with kids perfectly aligned with the education field. Sometimes I wonder how I've been so sure for so long of what I want to do with the rest of my life, but I think I've realized why I haven't yet changed my mind.

Passion is the most important element, in my opinion, to consider when choosing a college major. If you enter a particular field solely for the pay or the perks, you're not going to be truly happy. Trust me, I'm well aware that I could be setting myself up to make a heck of a lot more money in the future with another job route. But, for me, no amount of money in the world would compare to having a classroom and students. Sitting in an office making millions just wouldn't be the right choice for me because it isn't something that aligns with my passions.

Of course, everyone has different values, hobbies, lifestyles, and passions. Just because I can't see myself sitting in a cubicle working for a company doesn't mean that type of work isn't the perfect fit for someone else. Your life and your personality is unique from that of anyone else; what works for your best friend isn't necessarily going to work for you. What your parents want you to be isn't necessarily what you were meant to be.

I strongly believe that I was meant to be a teacher. I can't imagine myself doing anything else in the world and I can't think of another job that would make me as happy as teaching does. And really, I think that's the key. The whole "major in something that makes money and minor in something you love" doesn't work when the two don't work with one another. You have to be passionate about your career or you won't be motivated in the future to do well. It's scary to think about, but we, in reality, spend most of our lives at work. That's a good chunk of time, so you might as well spend it doing something you love.

I'll admit that I don't really know what it feels like not to know how to choose a major that suits me. But that's not why I'm writing this article. I'm writing to emphasize the importance of passion. Figure out what you really care about and what is most prevalent in your life. I guarantee that there is some way to turn what you love into a major and eventual career. The link may not seem obvious at first, but it's out there.

I won't say choosing a college major is easy. But I will say that it all starts with following your heart. Maybe it's cliché, but the right decision will come when you trust your passions and your instincts. You're a unique person with unique things to offer to the world, so consider what drives and motivates you when choosing a major. I promise you'll be happier in the long run when you go down a path that truly makes you happy.