Feel free to shout out, raise your hand, or give any sign to indicate your response to the following question… and it doesn’t matter where you are: library, class, coffee shop, or dorm room. Participation is appreciated.
Am I the only one who panics when someone asks me what my passions are?
I mean, come on. How do some people “just know”? We’re only in our twenties for crying out loud! There’s always that girl in every friend group with 30 passions on any given day. But HOW do we discover our passions?
Well, don’t fret because I got your back and am here to help. Here’s a listicle of suggestions and recommendations for items to pursue to send you on your way to self-discovery and personal growth because now is the time to learn who YOU are.
1. Reading novels and memoirs
For some of us, reading is already a fundamental part of our self-care routines. For others, though, reading can be tedious, overwhelming, or daunting. However, give reading a shot again if you haven’t already!
Reading opens up new worlds and broadens your perspectives immensely. Below are some of my favorite central links containing book recommendations or book-shopping suggestions for all interests and genres to get you started!
(It should be noted there are entire communities within communities of book lovers on social media, appropriately named Bookstagram and BookTok, so check those out by searching for those keywords).
- Goodreads
- New York Times Best Sellers List – Books
- Thriftbooks
- Reading for Sanity Book Reviews
- The Book Slut
2. Watching documentaries or docuseries
You may think documentaries are not your cup of tea, but hear me out… There are so many to choose from in terms of topics of interest and featuring celebrities or high-ranking professionals! These videos and movies can offer you so much fresh perspective, incredible advice, and intriguing food-for-thought content that it is invaluable to pass up.
Here are some expected and unexpected links to platforms and watch recommendations for your perusal.
3. Attending talks, workshops, and presentations
University life is the perfect time to try new things and attend talks, workshops, or presentations — even if you are initially unsure it might interest you. Whether that means campus in-person talks, online Zoom meets through clubs and organizations, or YouTube TED Talks, I’ve got you covered.
- UConn Women’s Center (@uconnwomenscenter) • Instagram photos and videos
- subog (@subogatuconn) • Instagram photos and videos
- UCONN Diversity (@uconndiversity) • Instagram photos and videos
- 20 of the Most Inspiring and Most Popular TED Talks Ever
4. Joining clubs and organizations
Joining college clubs and organizations on campus is a phenomenal way to meet new people and make friends, let alone broaden your perspective on life and find what you are truly passionate about.
For UConn specifically, there are hundreds of clubs to pick from!
5. Working part-time jobs, internships, or volunteering
The working world is hands down one of the best ways to get to know what you like and don’t like in a job, because you are essentially sampling what you can have as a career come college graduation. Even better, volunteering for a cause is great for the purpose of self-discovery, in addition to helping others and making a positive impact.
New to the job search? Here are some useful links to where you can begin applying for these positions:
6. Seeking out mentors
Mentorships are one of the best ways to receive valuable insight into the industry you may be interested in. They also allow you to bounce ideas and gain guidance about what directions you should go in to find your passions.
Check out these links to seek out mentors!
7. Journaling about your thoughts and questions
Finally, journaling about your thoughts, emotions, feelings, and questions regarding what piques your interest can be extremely helpful. After all, self-reflection is a vital tool to gain self-awareness and boost confidence, as well!
Consider these journaling apps or simply any word-processing software with reflective questions for your self-discovery and passion pursuit journey.
All in all, the infamous question “What are your passions?” doesn’t have to be scary as long as you take the time to get to know yourself and discover what makes you happy. I hope this article provides direction for your passion pursuit!