If life wasn't challenging, then I really don't think that it would be called life. Facing and overcoming obstacles is essential to the development of an individual both in and out of the workplace, and it is something that many seem to shy away from.

In our society, it is easy to stick with what you know, and that strategy is best exemplified through the choosing of college majors. All throughout primary and secondary education, students are told whether they are right or left-brained. It is very unlikely that a student is ever told that they are equally both creative and artsy yet logical and organized. Then, when students move into post-secondary education, they align with the majors that they know such as math or science vs. English or art history. However, this dual classification does not apply in the real world. Not only are there plenty of interdisciplinary fields in the real world, but also, simply choosing the field that best aligns with your skillset is not the most fulfilling way to a career.

Coming to college opened my eyes into the number of disciplines available that pertain to a student's skillset. For instance, people who are great at math are able to pursue majors in fields such as chemistry, physics, engineering, etc. However, I also learned that there are even more majors that are not defined by a single strength. There are interdisciplinary fields that allow all sorts of thinkers, dreamers, and doers to prosper, and they may not be everyone's first choice.

I was a student who identified with the interdisciplinary approach. I did not see myself falling into a specific bracket of sciences rather than humanities; I felt that I used my whole brain when learning and accomplishing things, so I did not gravitate to a specific field. That being said, I know that I could easily succeed as an English or communications major because of my strengths in both language and communication. Following the path of either one of those majors would not be worth it though because neither would define my passion.

I found my passion for economics through trial and error. Economics did not come easy to me initially. I spent far more time than other students asking questions and leafing through my textbook between classes just to grasp the basic materials. I knew that pursuing economics was not going to be easy, and that I had other more accessible options, but that did not and does not matter to me. Moving forward with a fulfilling major is more important to me than following my "natural talents".

In my mind, failure is an indication of future success. Working to accomplish something is much more insightful and meaningful than simply doing what comes easiest. If your passions align with your talents, then that is fortunate, but for many passions are something that must be worked towards.

In order to find your passion, make sure to listen to yourself and determine what sparks your interest, not what you know the most about. Understand that regardless of the field you decide to enter, you will have attributes that will help you along the way. Just because I am not a math wiz does not mean economics will be impossible for me. I am still able to use my skills about humanity to determine the rationality behind purchases, the expectations of the economy from the consumer's perspective, along with many other trends. Then, the more difficult skills that I will acquire through my degree will aid in my complete understanding of the field.

Finding what you are passionate about is not a matter of success, but rather a journey of discovery. Enter your environment, whether it be college or elsewhere, with an open mind. Do not become overly concerned with the end, and enjoy the journey that you will embark on to find your career. For many students, the jobs they will eventually do are not currently in existence. That being said, take this time to explore your curiosities and embrace failure at every opportunity.