Time Spent Figuring Out Your Life Isn't Time That's Wasted, It's Necessary
Start writing a post
Student Life

Time Spent Figuring Out Your Life Isn't Time That's Wasted, It's Necessary

It's perfectly fine to be in college and not know what you want to do.

26
Time Spent Figuring Out Your Life Isn't Time That's Wasted, It's Necessary
dotshock/123rf Stock Photo

I’d like to start off by saying something I feel like everyone knows, but from time to time, they still let doubts creep in, or they even start to panic and drive themselves crazy about. Aside from those who choose not to pursue a college education and have plans of their own to succeed in life, I promise you, it's perfectly fine to be in college and not know what you want to do.

Another thing I’d like to say is that cliché about changing your degree a couple of times in college is very real for some people. And there’s no shame in that, nor is there any in not finishing your degree in four years for that same reason. It’s also very OK to be uneasy and worry about not knowing for sure, as long as you’re willing to take the time and be patient while trying figure it all out. Always remember that time spent figuring out your life isn’t time that’s wasted, it’s necessary. We all know that college is a lot of your parents' or your future money (if you use loans) invested in your future. And more importantly, it's an investment in what you plan to do with the rest of your life. Why would you want to invest in something you’re unsure of?

I say all of this because I know from personal experience having changed my major three times before I had “That moment”. That moment of clarity where the stars aligned and flip was switched and all of a sudden I knew one of the things I for sure want to do with my life and almost just as importantly what I want to do with my Health Studies degree. I don’t think I’d be the only one to choose not graduate ‘on time’ knowing I’m working towards something I love over graduating and either not knowing what I want to do or realizing I hate what I do after getting to finally experience it.

The important thing to take away for those of you in college, regardless of where you are in obtaining your degree, is that life is so much longer than you realize, and if you have the will to do so, you really do have all the time in the world. All the time to decide on the thing or things that you’ll do and love to do for the rest of your life.

Who’s to say that you can’t wake up one morning at the age of 40, having fulfilled your desire in life of being a teacher, and going online to apply to school again, but this time to pursue a career in nursing after realizing you want to help people in a different way? I challenge everyone that reads this to really think about that, and maybe it’ll open the eyes of the people that are sleeping on potential or different passions they don’t know they have.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

88027
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

54534
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments