So if you are like me, you probably went through the majority of your college career studying one particular major. You may have even changed it a few times along the way like I did. Now you are on the brink of finishing up when it suddenly hits you- You have absolutely no idea what you want to do with your life. It’s scary and overwhelming, but it is also OK.
How is one expected to decide what they want to do with their entire life when just a few years ago, they had to ask permission to use the bathroom? College is scary and intimidating, but it is one of most exciting, thrilling, and important parts of your life. The past four (or five) years were just the start of your journey in discovering who you are as a person, and that journey is far from over.
I have spent the last eight semesters unsure of myself. I don’t know if it is because graduation is looming so closely over me or what, but every morning that I wake up, I question whether or not this is the career that I actually want to pursue. Of course there are subtle hints that remind me why I am doing what I’m doing, but overall, I am terrified.
When I was little, adults would ask me, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” Back then it was easy. I would rattle off six or seven occupations with hopes of one day pursuing all of them. If you were to ask me that question now, there is no way that I could answer, but this time, I have to because now I am actually somewhat of a grown-up. College is almost over; there isn’t much time left.
I guess my answer isn’t that simple. I have always been jealous of those who have always known what exactly it is that they want to do. I am just too much of a free spirit, I suppose. I can’t put my finger on a single career that combines all of my interests into one, and that is my problem.
The more I search for answers, the more uneasy I become. I’ve realized that as much as they may claim, no one really knows what they are doing. Some days when I wake up I thank god that I chose to go into the field of education, and others I regret not continuing that biochemistry major that would have lead me to medical school. The more I think about it, the more I realize that it’s okay to not have a plan, it’s OK to not know what you are doing, and it is okay to question yourself because that is how you discover who you truly are.
Even though I have absolutely no idea what I am doing and often wonder if the degree that I decided to pursue was the right choice, I know that one thing is for sure- No matter where this life takes me, it is important to always be happy! If your major doesn’t excite you in one way, shape or form, then change it. I know I did. It’s okay not to have all the answers to life’s (or your annoying relatives’) questions right now because you’ll find a way and you’ll figure it out, just don’t lose yourself in the process!
