Choosing Your College Major Wisely: Declare a Mission, Not Just a Major

College is a period of significant growth and exploration for young adults. It is a time full of new experiences, opportunities, and the promise of infinite possibilities. However, amidst the excitement and adventurousness, there is often a layer of pressure to choose a path that will lead to a successful and fulfilling career. This is a challenging task, especially for students who are just beginning to understand their interests and aspirations. One common dilemma many students face is deciding a major that won't cause regret or wish for a different choice in the future.

Dealing with Pressure and Uncertainty

The pressures of making long-term career decisions come early in college. Freshmen like myself often find themselves labeled as 'Undecided' as we navigate through a myriad of courses, clubs, and extracurricular activities. The feeling of insecurity and fear of making the wrong choice can be overwhelming. It's natural to feel that you need to figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life in just a few short years.

Insight from Personal Experience

Being a student in a small liberal arts college, much of my early years were spent contemplating my academic path. Growing up, I was deeply interested in comics, dedicating countless hours to sketching and reading about Batman, Superman, and Spiderman. As a result, I chose Visual Communications, hoping it would align with my passion and provide a solid foundation for a future career. However, upon enrolling, I quickly realized that my school prioritized education, nursing, and athletic programs over design.

The design program was under-resourced, with only three professors who were no longer active in the industry. This led to the assignment of outdated and generic design projects, which only reinforced the idea that such a major might not be the best fit for real-world application. My initial enthusiasm waned, and I decided against following a traditional path in pursuit of a career in design.

Freelance Path and Lessons Learned

Instead of adhering to the conventional route, I decided to freelance right out of college. This decision was met with skepticism from peers who were aggressively pursuing internships and job recommendations. However, I persisted in believing that this was a path worth exploring. This experience highlighted the importance of practical application and the need for colleges to provide more hands-on learning opportunities.

The Importance of Personal Mission

The traditional approach to choosing a major often feels inflexible and rigid. Colleges typically offer a curriculum that caters to the majority, but sometimes, students need more flexibility to align their education with their personal mission in life. Declaring a mission rather than a major can provide a more tailored and fulfilling educational experience.

A personal mission is about identifying what you truly care about and how you can contribute to society through your academic and professional journey. It may involve combining multiple fields of study, such as business, design, writing, and computer science, to create a unique pathway that aligns with your goals and values. This approach is fundamentally different from choosing a major and checking off credits, as it requires introspection and adaptation.

Customizing Your Educational Journey

Many colleges now offer initiatives in entrepreneurship, which is a step in the right direction. However, there is still a need for a more robust and applied focus in education. By emphasizing the importance of a personal mission, students can better prepare themselves for a range of future career paths. It is crucial for students to be vocal about their needs and push for a more personalized and effective educational experience.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing a college major solely based on its potential to lead to a successful career can be limiting and potentially regrettable. Instead, focusing on your personal mission and aspirations can lead to a more fulfilling and satisfying academic and professional journey. By declaring your mission, not just a major, you can create a unique path that aligns with your passions and values.

Final Advice: Focus on your personal mission, and don't be afraid to customize your educational journey to suit your needs and aspirations.