I’ve always been a planner. From my first house to my dream job to my wedding, I have, at some point or another, planned every major event I will face.
College was no different. Starting the day I entered seventh grade, I planned for college extensively — ask anyone who knows me. I knew where I wanted to go, what I wanted to major in and exactly where I’d like to end up when I graduated.
I was one stubborn 13-year-old, and, sure enough, when I entered college I majored in journalism just as I always told myself I would. I quickly added a second major in motion pictures, convinced I was about to start the life I always dreamed of.
As college picked up, however, I found myself realizing I didn’t want to major in motion pictures.
In fact, part of me wasn’t even sure I wanted to major in journalism.
After several long talks with my parents and a few with a new mentor, I decided to switch from motion pictures to publishing and stick with journalism.
Now, I’m a sophomore, and my last few weeks have been filled with questions about what I really want to do with my life. Where do I want to work? Can my degree get me there? Do I really love what I’m doing?
It’s safe to say I’m confused, and, as a planner, that isn’t a comfortable place to be.
But that’s OK.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 80 percent of college students will change their major at least once, so as confused as I am, I am far from alone.
And you’re not alone, either.
If you’re doubting your major, doubting your path, feeling like you’re taking a step forward with no idea where you’re going — it’s OK. I’m right there with you.
College is a time of high stress and anxiety where many hard decisions about the future need to be made, but I promise we’re all in this together.
Just this week I’ve thought about dropping publishing to a minor several times. I’ve considered majoring in political science, global leadership, just about anything you can think of, and that’s OK.
Don’t fight the confusion. Embrace all the parts of you that feel lost and acknowledge where you’re at. You rarely get where you’re going without doubting the path.