I am a freshman, and I am just starting out my college career. I am a Biology major specializing in Chemistry. (And to be frankly honest, I do not want to major in Biology.) I also want to minor in another science or math itself. The worst feeling is family or just strangers coming up to me, and confronting me, and asking, "What are you even going to do with this major?" And to be honest, I don't know yet.

My life was full of "what ifs" and full of "do this and you'll be successful". The truth is still inevitable of what I am doing. Do not ask me how easy my major is because it is not easy. As a freshman, the work for Biology, Chemistry, and the Math subjects are hard. Now before you say, "I took Chem in high school," or "I took Pre-Calculus in high school," remember that college is different. A whole new ball-park. Heck, I am in a sophomore math course. I am the ONLY freshman taking that course. Do not ask if I can handle that, and DO NOT ask how I am even doing it because, you know, I do not know.

There are many, many options out there for me. "But what are those options and why haven't you picked one yet?" My major branches into different categories. Biochemistry is a big one that people always know. But there are MULTIPLE jobs out there. Examples include: Analytical Chemist, Bio-Organic Chemist, Clinical Chemist, Dentist, Industrial Hygienist, and the list can go on forever. I do not want to hear, "You are too stupid to do this major" OR "You do not belong in this major, switch it." You may be a family member, or friend, but it does not matter how smart you are, it matters how hard you work at it.

Those who study chemistry go on to do many exciting things in a whole range of industries. If you were to follow in the footsteps of past chemistry graduates for example, you could become Prime Minister of the United Kingdom á la Margaret Thatcher, or you could even become a heralded writer like Kurt Vonnegut, famed author of many satirical novels including Cat’s Cradle, a fictitious story about the man who invented the atom bomb. While these are two particularly notable examples, it’s still true to say that chemistry graduates can go on to pursue a wide range of career paths.

As I continue my path, whether I will be in one school or I will transfer and go onto bigger things, my major will be guiding me through life. My major IS NOT who I am. To answer your question: I have no idea what I am going to do with my Chemistry major, and my minor in mathematics, or even something you have never heard of. There are way too many options for me to even begin a list. But I can't wait to take my pick.