Like so many people, I struggle with finding a major that fits me just right. I always have to remind myself that it's OK to not know quite what you want to do. There is no reason to feel like you are not “doing the right thing" because really who actually knows what is right for you? I always thought that as soon as you got to school you needed to know, but quickly I learned that you don't even need to know because there's a ton of “wiggle room."
Some of the amazing things I've learned about knowing your major are:
1. You Can Switch.
One of the great things about college is that they give you what feels like thousands of different choices when it comes to picking what goes on your diploma. One of the not so great things about college is also that they have what feels like a thousand different choices of what goes on your diploma. BUT they also don't really tell you that it's OK to switch WHENEVER you want.
The office of whatever department you are in just wants you to succeed, graduate and go on your way. They don't judge you when you are changing your major for the third time this year, they just smile, sign a tiny note card, and send you on your way.
(They also will explain in depth answers to any questions you may have, and can show you examples of degrees and what they can do in the real world)
2. You Get a Wide Variety of Experience.
When you switch your degree around, it is just a bonus, and you can use the "extras" that you learn to help you in your final career. Your extra math classes could help you down the line and so could your P.E. credits because no matter what you get a degree in you never know what you'll end up doing! Who knows maybe someone will become an accountant who can do some side yoga on the weekends.
3. You Can Choose What Makes You Happy.
I'm going to start this by stating that parental influence does have a role in what you end up majoring in and so that is being acknowledged, but that is not always the case. For most student's college is something new and exciting, it is that step away from the forced curriculum of grade school, and it feels like you can finally focus on what you love to do.
If you were one of those students itching to get out and explore people and places, maybe explore anthropology. If you have always been good at math, try engineering or a chemistry class.
Your options are (almost) endless, you can explore, and discover the things you love.
4. You Have Time.
You are young, and you can take your time deciding what is right for you. If you can, I recommend taking the time to discover and see what you really like doing, and not just defaulting on something because you heard it was "the easy way" to go through school.
5. Everything Will Be Alright.
Everyone needs to hear this:
Everything is going to be OK. You are no less of a student for not knowing what you are doing, and it is amazing that you care about what you are doing so much that you are waiting to be sure. You are a great student, and you will find the perfect match in no time.
One of the best things about college is that they won't rush you into making any decisions that you can't undo. One thing that they don't tell you though is that it will all be OK. Which it will because You Got This!
