“Just do what you’re passionate about!” is a phrase I often hear. I am entering my freshman year of college and it is finally time to decide what I will spend the next four years studying. As a recent graduate, the three questions I receive most often are: “What school are you attending next year?”, “What’s your major?”, and “What do you want to do with that?”. I then proceed to answer the first two questions, but when it comes to the third, I hesitate and then say, “I’m not sure but I think I want to…” As students, we feel pressured to have a plan for college and our careers. But I am here to tell you that it’s completely fine to be unsure of what you want to do in life.
I have a field of interest, but I wouldn’t say I’m “passionate” about it. Sometimes, people know what they love to do at a young age. They participate in a sport or art and immediately know that they’ve found what they want to do for the rest of their lives. I on the other hand, have never found an activity or hobby that I love with all my heart. I’ve tried every sport imaginable, the piano, and choir, but none of these things have brought me complete fulfillment and joy. If you don’t have a passion or the faintest idea of what you want to do in college or with your career, don’t worry about it. As humans, we are constantly changing. Our interests and skill sets evolve, and you may end up loving something you completely hated earlier in life. My advice to you is to try new things. I know it sounds completely cliché, but you’ll never know if you like something until you try it yourself. Another tip would be to completely eliminate all majors/career options that you know won’t bring you happiness. Life is far too short to spend that much time doing something you don’t like.
We are so young and have yet to experience the many different facets of life that will eventually shape us into who we are. I have faith that you will eventually find what you’re passionate about and pursue a career that was hand-molded for you. Continue to enjoy the opportunities life presents you and try new things until you find something that sparks your interest. Also, remember to focus on your own growth. Don’t compare yourself to others and realize that you will find your purpose in the right timing.
To conclude I’ll share this quote: “Relax. You will become an adult. You will figure out your career. You will find someone who loves you. You have a whole lifetime; time takes time. The only way to fail at life is to abstain.” –Johanna de Siliento
