Ah the age old question of what you want to do for the rest of your life. I’ll never understand why people ask six-year-olds this; I’m still heartbroken that being a princess isn’t an option. There were so many kids my age who “knew” what they wanted to do while growing up. When we got to high school and figuring out a career path became more serious they continued on the path to pursue their dreams. Not me though! I had no idea what I wanted to do with my future. And nothing is more discouraging than going to a school where everyone seems to have it all figured out.
I want to tell all the kids in high school or just starting college that it’s OKAY not to have all the answers. Everyone around you might seem completely sure with their future, but they’re not. They’ll change their major, or decide college isn’t for them, or might pursue the wrong thing. There is nothing wrong with not knowing what the future holds, that’s what makes it interesting. This allows you to explore all your interests and passions and figure it out as you go. I encourage you to try new things just for the experience. You might end up finding a new talent or career out of it.
I went into college as an education major. Not because I wanted to be a teacher, but because that’s the only thing I thought I would be good at. I thought I had to come into college knowing where I wanted to be after I graduated. Now I don’t regret this because it allowed me to meet some amazing people and try new classes. But, after a year I realized I never wanted to be a teacher. Ad after taking some classes I knew what I wanted to pursue as my major.
And after I started taking classes I was interested in I started doing immensely better academically, weird right. But even today my future continues to change. I want to do so much after I graduate and pursue ALL my interests. So, I want you to know that you don’t have to limit yourself to just one thing. You can be whatever you want to be and that can include multiple careers. Also, don’t do anything because someone else tells you that’s what they expect you to do. This is your life and no one else is living it, so why would you do something you hate?
I don’t have all the answers. But, I’ve seen so many people around me continuously change what they thought was “perfect” for them. You’ve got to take it day-by-day and it will work out. I realized that what I thought my career path two years ago would make me unhappy so I changed my plans. We’re always changing so never box your potential in because that’s the biggest waste of talent in my opinion. We can all do so much all we need is to brave while facing the uncertainty while we figure it out.
So if you feel like you’re not entirely sure where your life is going to take you don’t panic! Do some research online on careers and colleges based on your interests. Maybe do an internship in a field that’s always fascinated you! This is the perfect time to ask experts about their fields. But, always remember no one is a “grown up” and they don’t have it all figured out. Everyone is just as confused as you so you’re not alone. If we all knew what we were doing life would be a lot more boring!
