I’m a sophomore at UConn double majoring in journalism and political science, and I’m also in a fast-track law program. I’ve always known what I wanted to do, but I also know that’s not how the majority of us feel. Picking a college major is hard, and below is a list of what I think is important to consider when you have to declare.
1. do what you love
It sounds cliche, but most of us know adults who are miserable because they hate their jobs. Money can also be replenished, time cannot.
2. money isn’t everything
I don’t have enough fingers to count how many adults have told me not to study journalism when I was in high school. I was told that it’s hard to be successful, hard to make money, and I won’t be guaranteed a job. But, I knew I loved to write; I love to tell stories, I love to talk, and mostly, I love to learn about other people and what they have to say. Because of all of the passion I have, I know I’m going to be successful no matter what.
“The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
3. find what makes you different
I’ve read at least one book per week for as long as i can remember— literally just for leisure (no I’m not kidding and yes you should too). I know not many college students can say that, and I use it to my advantage. I know going to law school isn’t out of reach for me, and I know that I’ll be good at what I do.
4. your interests are more important than you think
Today you can make a career out of almost anything. Pay attention to your hobbies, what you do when you’re bored, and what makes you happy. I loved my English classes my whole life. I knew I loved to read and write, so I’m doing my best to make a career out of it.
5. YOUR opinion is the only one that matters
You are the only one who has to live with you for the rest of your life. You are going to have to sit at your job everyday, for probably 40 hours a week, not your parents or your guidance counselors. Your happiness is the most important. If you’re going to spend most of your time somewhere, it’s in your best interest to like what you’re doing there.