by What do you want to be when you grow up? My favorite question to ask when working with students, and the question I hated the most when I was a student.
I graduated high school with the road map of starting at the local community college, transferring to a university, and landing an amazing, high paying job after graduation. I had no idea what I wanted to study, but I was more interested in getting involved, and knew I would figure out my major along the way.
During my first year of college, it seemed as if all my friends went in knowing exactly what they wanted to do, while I remained undecided. I grew up wanting to be a pharmacist like my neighbor that drove the cute sports car, until I realized the science was not a strength of mine. I briefly considered careers in public relations and hospitality because of recommendations from family friends, but neither felt right.
Choosing a major felt like such a big decision since it would ultimately lead to my career, but it was because of my involvement as a tour guide for the college that I discovered I was passionate about helping people. I still didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with my life, but I knew that I would rather do something I love than wake up each morning dreading the day.
Entering college, I knew I would have to take the same basic courses required for all college students, but I did not understand why I had to spend several hours each evening studying topics that I really did not care about. It wasn’t until the end of my sophomore year that I declared my major as human resources after taking an elective course based off a recommendation from my English teacher. After declaring I was excited about what I was learning, and I met people that were interested in the same things. I looked forward to class discussions, and my GPA increased.
My senior year I had the opportunity to work in the admissions office and help future students figure out their next steps after high school graduation. I discovered a career I was passionate about because of professors and mentors that encouraged me to discover my purpose.
TIPS:
- It’s ok if you don’t know what you want to do with the rest of your life. This is the time to learn as much as you can about yourself. Try everything, and follow your interests.
- Sometimes knowing what you don’t want can often be more valuable than knowing what you do want, so take this time to evaluate and choose something that has some importance in your life.
- The idea of college is to grow personally and professionally. Don’t be afraid to take classes that interest you and get involved in organizations that will improve your skills and make you more confident.
Great illustration of how the ripple effect makes our community even greater, and more people are helped by sharing our story!