I can’t lie and say that I didn’t think I would have declared a major by now. Granted, I’m only a freshman but the stress that comes with not knowing my career path has caused a few breakdowns. I thought that by the end of my first semester, it would’ve just fallen into my lap. I was obviously wrong, and I continue to be asked awkward questions like“ what’s your major?” “what are you thinking about then?” “When will you decide your major?” “When do you have to decide by?”
When people find out that I don’t have a major yet, they try to reassure me with words like “ you’re young you still have plenty of time to find out what you want to do.” That may help some people but if you’re anything like me, the problem isn’t that you haven’t found anything you like. It’s that you’ve found way too many! From history and politics, to atmospheric science and neurology, and even documentary film making. It seems like everyone that I’ve run into has found their calling, except me! However, lately I’ve been thinking that maybe there’s no harm in still being undecided.
Going into college, I had so many interests that my advisor called me out on it. Luckily, I was able to cross a few of those interests off the list. Striking off two or three is progress, right? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with taking a few classes and finding out that you hate the subject. It’s better to try out one class than to waste a few years in a major that you end up switching out of. Trust me, I’ve seen other people go through that. Many students start a major thinking it’s definitely for them, and realize after a few weeks that it isn’t.
Being undecided can be stressful. I understand the struggle but as long as you actively research possible majors, you will eventually figure it out. Purdue has so many great introductory classes, and advisors are always available for guidance. Purdue also offers a great Exploratory Studies program. I am so grateful for that class because it has helped guide me towards possible majors. Not every college has a program that’s specifically designed to help undecided students, and anyone that has taken the Exploratory Studies course at Purdue knows that it’s well worth it. There’s nothing wrong with taking a little more time than others to figure out what you want to do with your life. Keep doing you and studying hard. Eventually you’ll find your calling.