"What do you mean you don't know what you want to do?" While those exact words may not come out of people's mouths when I admit that I am a freshman in college and I am still undecided, they give me that same look. The look says everything that they don't. "That's okay." They try to comfort me for my lack of "direction." Here's the thing. I do not need them to tell me that it is okay. I know it is okay.

Everyone thinks they have to have it all figured out. It is so weird of me not to have a 10-year plan all set… right? While I admire people who know they want to be doctors or engineers or teachers, I also understand that that is just not the case for me.

My interests and passions branch out to so many different places. I love sitting down and writing an article as much as I love to exercise and learning about earth science and traveling. I am not required to declare a major until sophomore year, so let me explore. Do not look down on me for loving so many things.

Being unsure of your next step is so normal that it shouldn't be a taboo. No one actually knows where life is going to take them. Did you know you were going to be in the place you are right now five years ago? Probably not. In fact, I did not even know where I would be right now one year ago. One year ago I was stressing about where I would end up at college. Everything worked out, didn't it?

Now, I am not telling you to sit back and not worry because everything will just fall into place. This is no passive task. I work hard. I may not know exactly where I am headed, but I know what makes me happy. Choose classes that interest you and excel in classes that make you want to quit. You will grow. You do not attend college as though it is a trade school. At least, I don't. Allow your whole self to be educated- your mind, your body, your heart.

Do not be discouraged by "the look." The look that says you should have well-outlined career goals for the future. The look that tries to comfort you but only ends up making you more anxious. You know the look I am talking about. Return the look with a bright smile and keep working hard. Being undecided does not make you any less than anyone else.