For some of us, we have always had a plan for what we wanted to do with our lives once we left high school and entered college. We knew since we were five years old that we wanted to be a doctor, a chef, or a news anchor. It was our dream and our passion, and anyone who knew us knew that that was what we were meant to do.
For others, we were content with not stressing too much or too often about our futures. We had too many passions, too many talents, and too many interests to limit ourselves to one career path. We wanted to do something that made us happy and that made us essential. We didn't want to listen too closely to the opinions of others because we didn't want to be pressured into going to a school we weren't sold on or getting a degree for a job we didn't truly want.
Whether you have outlined your life to a T or have always been one to go with the flow, everyone has stressed out about the decisions they make when going to college. Every single one of us.
Not everyone goes to college committed to a major and it's important to understand that it is perfectly OK to be undeclared. Maybe you thought you would really enjoy a specific major, but later you realized that that path was not meant for you. Maybe you came to school with the hopes that you'd find something you're drawn to and you just might not have found it yet. Perhaps you're just nervous about life after school and are second-guessing your classes.
Whatever the case may be, it's natural to be unsure of where you're heading in life and to have your doubts. What you need to remember is that life is long and ever-changing; you'll go through multiple jobs, places, and experiences before finding your true place in life. Everyone takes this journey at their own pace, it's OK if your pace is faster or slower than others.
To the high schoolers getting ready to attend college next semester, don't be too harsh on yourself if your college education doesn't go exactly to plan. If you change your mind on your major or minor, if you realize that you don't have that deep of a passion for what you've always thought you wanted to do, take a moment to take a deep breath and reflect. Talk to family about your fears or worries, speak with your guidance counselors or your college advisor. Get your anxieties off your chest.
To my fellow college freshmen who are still fretting over majors and career paths, you aren't alone. Many college students are still figuring out what they want to do. In fact, the average university student changes their major three times throughout their college life. Don't beat yourself up if you haven't found your niche yet.
