Your Path Has a Purpose

As college students, we’ve all heard this question more than a hundred times by now: “Hey! What’s your major?” My answer is Public Policy and Service on the Pre-Law track. I always remember to mention law in efforts to avoid opinions and questions that force me to defend my choice. Unsurprisingly, saying that I am on track for law school satisfies people. For me, it hasn’t done the same. 

What if the real question isn’t about your major, but about how you use it to become the best version of yourself? As I’ve explored all the things I can study, I’ve faced questions that have made me consider this. I’ve also started to think about what kind of person my institution is encouraging me to become. 

Here are some more questions that are worth considering: How do you want to approach your education? What skills are you paying to learn? What will prepare you to make a meaningful impact on your chosen line of work? What sets your heart on fire, and how will you use that to support yourself? Remember that these are big questions to ask, and the answers are going to take time to find. 

For me, there are a few fields that pique my interest: psychology, law, and economics. I’m considering multiple careers, but that’s okay. Instead of worrying, I’ve come up with a plan to explore different possibilities. I am taking classes across fields, reaching out to alumni, and giving myself a little grace. If there is one piece of advice I can give, it’s that you will end up where you belong. That process just happens to look different for everyone. Any major can be a waste of time and money without a plan, so make sure to build a life that is right for you.  

Here are some tips to help you explore!  

• Reach out to alumni in the professions you can see yourself in.  

• Consider what lifestyle you want. 

• Take classes within the specializations you’re considering.  

• Be cautious about what you see on social media.  

• Remember that there are fields overlapping with many degrees: consulting, sales, teaching, HR, policy, etc.  

• Take care of your mind and your body! 

If you’re struggling to find a subject to pursue, know every student has been in the same boat at one point or another. College is a great place to explore what life has to offer, and this meaning is solely yours to uncover! Never be willing to give up what fuels you. The process of growing into the person you are meant to be will look different than the people around you, but there is a place for you! 

• growth mindset
• passion
• self-discovery