By Cassandra Sparks, College Admissions Counselor
Let’s be real: There’s a lot of pressure to “have it all figured out” by the time you’re 16, 17, or 18 years old.
Maybe you’ve had family members, teachers, or well-meaning friends ask you, “So, what are you going to do with your life?” as if you should already have your 20-year plan neatly typed up and saved as an inspirational wallpaper on your laptop.
The truth is, it’s 100% okay not to have all the answers right now. In fact, not knowing is completely normal, and may even be preferable – embrace it!
Here’s why being uncertain is more than okay…it’s an opportunity!
Don’t Let Pressure Make the Decision for You
The people who care about you – your parents, teachers, mentors – will often share advice about your future. They have your best interests at heart, and some of what they say might be spot-on. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to follow the path they imagine for you.
Speaking as a former admissions counselor and career advisor, I can tell you that very few students stick with the same path from high school to college graduation. In fact, this point is supported by research by the National Center of Education Statistics (NCES) which indicates that at least 40% of college students change their major. And 10% change their major twice! Your college years are filled with exploration, growth, and eye-opening experiences. You’ll discover classes, opportunities, and even whole career fields you never knew existed. The journey is a thrill-ride, so buckle up and enjoy!
Listen to Yourself, Too
Believe me, I get the urge to listen to your elders. I’m a recovering people-pleaser myself, and I spent my first two years of college in a major I didn’t love because people I trusted said I’d be a great teacher. But my gut was sending up red flags, and deep down, I knew I wasn’t meant for the classroom.
Eventually, I tuned into my own instincts, listening to my heart on my way up to my brain. Halfway through my collegiate experience, I changed my major to Communication Studies, and to this day, more than 20 years later, it is still one of the best decisions I have ever made.
So, if your gut is telling you that a certain major or career isn’t for you, LISTEN! Trust yourself to make choices that align with your true passions, even if they’re different from what others expect. It’s your life and you know you best.
Exploration is Your Friend
If you don’t know exactly what you want to study, that’s okay! College is the perfect time to explore. In fact, many colleges encourage students to enter as Undeclared, giving you the freedom to take a variety of courses before choosing a major.
Imagine starting your college journey as if you were an explorer – every class is a fresh opportunity to discover what lights you up. If a course sounds intriguing, take it! You never know what you might fall in love with.
Pro Tip: Even if you’ve already declared a major, don’t hesitate to enroll in classes outside your chosen field. But first, always check with your academic advisor to make sure they fit into your schedule.
Keep an Open Mind – Talk to Everyone!
College is a melting pot of ideas, perspectives, and people. Take the time to have conversations with classmates who have different majors, backgrounds, and interests. You’ll be surprised at how much you learn about yourself when you’re open to other points of view.
There’s no better way to get a feel for what you might want to do (or avoid doing!) than by hearing about other people’s experiences. Sometimes, a casual conversation with a roommate, a professor, or a guest speaker can change your entire outlook.
Changing Your Mind Is Okay – It’s Part of the Process
Maybe you’ve started on one path and realize it’s not for you. Guess what? That’s normal! It’s not a sign of failure. It’s proof that you’re learning more about yourself and refining your goals.
Leave room to shift gears if something isn’t working. Changing your mind doesn’t mean you’re lost; it means you’re growing, and that’s what college is all about.
Finding Your Sweet Spot
Over time, you’ll find your “sweet spot” – that perfect balance of friends, activities, and classes that makes you feel like you’re in the right place. It won’t happen overnight, and that’s okay. Some of the most fulfilling careers are discovered after a period of exploration and uncertainty.
So, take the pressure off yourself. You don’t have to have it all figured out today, tomorrow, or even next year. You are allowed to change your mind and explore new possibilities as you grow and evolve.
So go ahead – explore, experiment, and embrace the unexpected. It’s okay not to know exactly where you’re headed, because in the end, you’re building a future that is uniquely you.
