Dear High School Seniors,
I'll bet that most of you are thrilled that graduation is a mere four months away. No more waking up at 6 am, no more uniforms (maybe), no more questionable cafeteria lunches, and no more routine. You've been following the same school schedule since you've started the first grade, and now you're almost finished. You'll be throwing those caps up in the air and daydreaming about a world of endless possibilities. Some of you will go to college, some of you won't. Some of you will be studying, and some of you will be working...and then there are some of you who are absolutely terrified at the thought of your future because you have no idea what you want to do with your life (hint: this was me).
When I graduated high school, I knew that I was going to college. I just didn't know what for. I thought I knew. I was convinced that I would one day become a nurse, until I started taking chemistry courses and microbiology classes and then I realized that I was on the wrong path. I had no passion for medicine and organic chemistry. No, thank you.
Although I realized this fairly early on, it took me until my sophomore year to actually do something about it. I was terrified of changing my major and actually admitting out loud that I had no idea what I wanted to do. I was convinced that everyone who graduated high school already had their life plans sorted out. I was wrong, obviously...very wrong.
It took some research and convincing from academic advisors before I finally changed my major to English, and that was the best decision I've made. Now I can focus on the subject that I'm passionate about, and know in my heart that I am doing the right thing. I may not know where I'll end up one day as far as work is concerned, but I know I will figure all of that out.
It is perfectly normal to have no idea about your future, even if it seems as though your friends all have it figured out. Here's a little secret: most of them will end up changing their career path entirely. Sorry for the spoilers. Not everyone has to go to college. Some of you may decide to take a year or so off, or some of you may decide to work instead. No matter what you decide to do, just make sure that you're happy with your decision and don't let anyone else influence you.
I'm close to graduating college, and I still don't have all the details of my future figured out. That's okay. Take your time. Enjoy life, explore things, find your passion. Everything else will fall into place.
Good luck!
