I think it’s safe to say that every college student has had their choices challenged at some point in their young adult life # their major, in particular.
After finishing required general education courses, taking electives unrelated to anything you ever found interesting, and reading testimonials from upperclassmen, you feel like you’ve got a career in the palm of your hands.
Then, something happens. You realize intimidating prerequisites are blocking the path to all the core courses you were intrigued by in the first place. Suddenly you don’t want to major in biology. Or you find out that the job market for a certain profession is plummeting and you don’t want to take any risks.
Maybe your parents are the worried ones. Even if they aren’t contributing to the cost of tuition, they still have a right to be concerned; they’re Mom and Dad. They want to see you thrive and succeed.
But there’s this strange contradiction in our society. There’s the “do what makes you happy” mantra, and then there’s “but make sure you’ll be stable and making lots of money.” I don’t think that’s a fair evaluation of college. If anything, those are two very broad concepts.
College isn’t solely about preparing for a career. It’s about making connections, getting involved, building relationships and expanding your mind. It’s about the experience you gain balancing a part-time job and academics, and late nights out with your friends. It’s about immersing yourself in new places, cultures and ideas, and establishing yourself as an individual.
There should be a collective notion addressed to every prospective and continuing student, something along the lines of “whatever fulfills you, do that.”
Students should be encouraged to find their sensible, yet comfortable, middle grounds, instead of being forced to identify with either what is considered “fun” and what is considered “profitable.” Nobody is winning or losing when they’re in college; it’s all experience.
I think it’s important to listen to the concerns of others and take their ideas into consideration, especially when it’s coming from your academic adviser. But ultimately, you’re in charge of your own life. Don’t let the scrutiny and attitudes of others hijack your motivation, and know that a bachelor’s degree isn’t the only and final step to a successful life.
