Being a Sport and Exercise Science major has taught me many things. One of the things that I find most intriguing is that what most people believe is a typical sport major is not the only type of person that is included in the amazing group of people that I have had the privilege to meet throughout my college career. For example, I am probably the most un-athletic Sport and Exercise Science major that I know. I have shocked many people when I tell them that I have not taken a part in any type of sport since I was 14. Most people are confused when I tell them this because society shows a typical Sport and Exercise Science major as someone who wants to become a coach and is probably involved in different athletic activities throughout college, not someone who is inactive and wants to be an Occupational Therapist. I will say that I am glad that I chose the major that I did because I have learned the importance of keeping an open mind and why it is important to always be willing to learn something new.
Society has set specific viewpoints and expectations in our minds about certain things that have no true significance or actual meaning to what we know to be true. There are also many different opportunities that a person is given every day to learn something. Whether it is a new culture, a new job, or a new perspective, there are many different things that the world has to offer each individual. Being able to keep an open mind about the surroundings that you are placed in and being willing to try new things are some factors to consider in every aspect of your life. You may never know if the person with a completely different personality than you could become your best friend if you don’t keep your mind open to meeting different types of people.
Another tool to keep your mind open to new knowledge is to try and be as resourceful as you can be. If you realize that you do not know something, you should be more willing to get out there and learn. As soon as you learn this new piece of information, then you will be better prepared for the situation the next time that you are faced with it. There will always be someone with a different opinion than you do. There will be some cases where instead of listening to someone else’s perspective you will want to follow only what you know. Being able to accept another person’s opinion can be beneficial when you are trying to make new friends. Once you learn that the world does not revolve around the expectations and social "norms" that you grew up with, then you will soon realize that the world is filled with beautiful things that need to be discovered.