Hello college student,
You're wondering why I'm writing to you like this. Well, I will tell you. When, and if you are entering college/university for the first time, I want you to know that you will mess up. You will meet friends who won't like you, and you will meet those that'll be your friends for life. You will also come to the point in your college career, which happens during junior year for most, where you will be asked, "What do you plan to do after college?" or "What are you majoring in?"
Now, let's focus on the last question: "What are you majoring in?" There is nothing wrong with not knowing right away, however, there will be a point where you need to come to terms with what it is you want to do for the rest of your life. I've come a long way myself. I knew when I walked into my first semester at a college I wanted to grow myself and indulge in the film program of my chosen school. What I hadn't expected was many naysayer's. I left my college for the local community college, where I experienced many more people who were more inspiring and easy to work with than those that I experienced at the private institution I attended. There is something I learned while spending the last year and a half at this community college: you should challenge yourself. Expect change in any area you believe needs improvement, and don't be afraid to be yourself. Let me also tell you, it is very normal to not know right away. A majority of your incoming class will come in not knowing at the very minute what it is they want to study. According to many studies, the average college freshman will walk in their first day of orientation with many interests, but not certain on which one he or she wants to focus on or put more effort into.
What I learned from experience is that you need to stick to your plans no matter what obstacles get in the way. My original major was film, evidently, and now I am graduating next semester with an Associate's degree in English. The reason why I did not stay with film was because I had professors tell me that my goals were unrealistic. I was criticized, and a past relationship effected my path significantly. I originally was going to double major in English and film, but there wasn't enough time or money for that to happen. I chose to stick with English because I'd developed my writing more, and I felt confident writing to share my voice.
Where I want to venture to next, I am not so sure. I have been exposed to a lot more than what the private institution I'd attended provided and I became aware of a new interest. That was dealing with the problems of those around and going out to seek the best solution for whatever the problem might be. This obviously translates to psychology. I discovered this recently while taking my PSY-101 class this past semester.
Now to sum this up, here is one final piece of advice: major in what you enjoy and what will continue to bring home the paycheck. Don't stick with something you know you aren't going to enjoy. Stick it out, and you'll make it through.
Sincerely yours,
A college junior who was unsure of her own major at first.
