By: Uliana Rodríguez Pacheco
It’s September! You’re getting used to the new classes, new schedules, new friends and new goals to reach. You’re ready to take on this year by the reins and actually put yourself out there. This is your year. But, there is something considerable missing, a pretty significant factor in your college life. You still don’t have a clue of what the heck to study. Your family is still questioning your future, your friends are decisive and actually doing something with their studies, you’re not interested in the classes you’re taking, you’re faculty doesn’t inspire you at all, and worst, all your studying and all-nighters may be for a major you’re not even sure you want. The feeling of getting left behind, frustration and stress may be a constant in your life. Although, the truth is you’re not alone in this. Many students, be it freshmen or even juniors, are still in that dreaded gray area. It’s a problem most of us face, and not an easy one at that.
But do not fret! Here are ten tips to set your foot in the right direction:
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Take a time to get to know yourself better. Your interests, talents and goals. What makes you feel gratified and comfortable? What doesn’t grab your attention? What are your passions? What are your distastes? What do you do that makes you happy?
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Use the internet! This is a tool that we all have and most of us don’t use it to its full potential. Do research on your interest, look for the fields it has in studies and jobs. Do some more research on the options that get your attention. Google will be your new best friend.
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There is nothing stronger than the power of attraction. Visualize yourself doing what you want. See yourself actually working on something that satisfies you.
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Get oriented! If you’re interested in another department or faculty that’s not your own, get an orientation. See for yourself the classes you will take and the credits you need. Learn if they are what you are looking for or not.
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Don’t be afraid to get help! Talk to your parents or friends, to people who study or work in what you’re interested, to people who support your ideas and want to see you succeed in life. Their tips may be what you were waiting for all along.
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Get electives! This are a great way for you to broaden your horizons and take classes outside of your faculty. You’ll be able get experience and new interests that may benefit you at the end.
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Look for alternatives in your studies or you working field. It’s always useful to have a Plan B or Plan C up your sleeve.
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Don’t let yourself be influenced by others. The options that people, be it family or friends, want for you may not be for your personal benefit, but for their own. Listen to advice but always remember: it’s your life! Your decisions are yours and nobody else’s.
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Change is good. What you desire right now may not be what you want in the next three years. There is no shame in changing majors or interests.
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Get moving! If you’re indecisive, don’t expect for the answers to fall from the sky, because they won’t. The only way for you to find them is if you start advancing. Get moving and dare to dream!
Thinking about the future is a scary thing and the pressure of not knowing what to do with it can stunt anyone. But the truth is, we will never be certain of where we are going to end up. Maybe we wind up in a job that doesn’t have anything to do with our major or the career of our dreams. But, we’re living in the present, and right now the important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident in your studies. Do something that you feel is worth your time and effort. You may think that you started late in the race called “life”, but that doesn’t mean you won’t get to the finish line!