There’s a lot of college students who wander through college trying to figure out what major to pick. While this decision can be overwhelming, it may be easier than you think. Instead of becoming a lawyer, like your father was, instead of studying business to take over the family company, why not study what you love?
There’s a story I once heard about a woman who really had a way with animals. All through her life, people would tell her she needed to become a veterinarian because she was so good with animals. After this conditioning her entire life, when she got to college, she naturally decided to become a veterinarian as everyone had expected and encouraged her to become. After graduating and starting her career as a vet, she found herself absolutely miserable. She wasn’t happy being a vet. After stripping away other people’s expectations for her and some thoughtful soul-searching, she discovered what her true passion was and changed her path.
By and far, the people who seem to have the best college experience are currently studying or majoring in a field that they feel strongly about. The answer for deciding your college major may be this simple: study what you love.
Here are some examples from students on Tumblr who are studying what they love:
- Audrey is studying criminal justice, wants to work for the NYPD and says, “I want to do something to help communities.”
- Syll is studying to become a doctor and work in the medical field. She decided on pre-med “Because since I could remember I wanted to help people and save lives. Truth is, biology is not easy, science is not easy, and mathematics is not easy. Being a Pre med major is lots of work and dedication. While your friends are out having fun catching a movie, you will be home or at the library or with a study group studying.” Despite the challenging nature of her degree, Syll kept focused on her goal to “become a third world country doctor.”
- Kara says, “I am majoring in Sociology. I absolutely love the field.”
- Says Vanessa Mae, “I just freaking love my photography class. Like, so so so much. I can’t even explain it. This is where I’m supposed to be. What I’m supposed to be doing.
If you’re in the process of trying to decide your college major, look past other people’s expectations of you and concentrate on what floats your boat, what makes you feel empowered, strong, and on top of the world. Chances are you have a natural knack for that and will find a way to succeed.
