Picking a major in college is hard. I initially had thoughts of being an English or Journalism major, with thoughts of law school in mind, or even biology, with following the suit of many of my family members and become a doctor. Once I looked at the course work for these kind of majors, though, I realized something: I didn't like most of the classes I would have to take. A few here and there were cool, but for the most part, I was pretty disappointed that I wasn't as excited as my pre-med and pre-law friends were about these classes. Don't get me wrong---these classes are probably great. They just weren't great for me.
That's when I became a psychology major, a decision I haven't regretted since I made it. Sure, the aspects of learning about the human mind played a part in making me a better person, but it has not been entirely the case. Following my passions, though, has been.Being able to study what I love is a blessing, with far too many people graduating with majors that they never liked. The motivation to make a lot of money is a strong force, a force that can distract someone from what they really want. But is it really worth it? To spend so much money on something you are not passionate about is a sad realization. I know that I would not be able to handle such a realization.
With a psychology degree, you can already guess that I will not be the next Donald Trump billionaire. Money is great and all, but in my three semesters of college, I've realized it's not what makes the happiest life. Once I started doing what I was passionate about, I became a happier person. I was no longer trying to fit a mold that was not my own. I still struggled, though, since college classes are hard. I was happier struggling, though. I saw a purpose for my struggle, and I saw the benefits of what I was learning in the classroom. I began to envision a life for myself beyond college, one that seemed extremely realistic to me.
So don't let money rule your decision on a major. Don't let anyone's expectations rule it, either. The choice is yours. It has always been and always will be yours. If you can make a career that you would love and love doing every day, then do that. Besides, who really wants to be one of those people that ends up hating their job of 40 years?
Do what you love, study what you love. Money, fame, fortune---they all aren't necessary in the pursuit of happiness. It may seem like it, especially in today's materialistic world, but it isn't. It's what you do that makes you happy, and your happiness is all that really matters in the end.
