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Dilemma with Majors
Lately I've been feeling extremely insecure about myself. I know its wrong, but I feel like whatever Major I get or university I graduate from will speak too much of me. A cousin of mine didn't manage to get into the one I did, which is a nice college, and my mom Heard that apparently his mother (who is also my godmother) was talking about me behind my back. She said in a discreet way that I would either not make it through college or that I would end up like my two cousins - pregnant. It really hurt me and everytime I think about changing majors that pops up and restrains me. I'm in the science department, in Geology or Earth Sciences. I like it, but its not my passion. I would prefer going into journalism or graphic arts. In the college I'm in the closest things I have to those are either a Major in English or in Plastic Arts, since this college doesn't give much emphasis to arts, but more to the sciences and mathematics. There are other colleges that are even closer to my own home, one has a program on Technology on Tele-Radial Communications and the other has a program in Graphic Arts. I'm afraid of not finding a job with these though. Any suggestions about any of that? Preferably if its worth following my dreams in the "arts" business.
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Deciding upon a college major can be a big challenge for any young person. That's probably why so many students don't declare a major until a few years into their college education.
When it comes to your godmother, I would try not to worry about what she has to say. Negative attitudes don't help anyone.
Now, as far as your dilemma between changing majors and even schools goes, I think that in life you do have to follow your passions. But, at the same time, it's not a bad idea to have a backup of sorts. Perhaps you can major in something like graphic arts and minor in something more science or math related. Another option, if you're up for the extra work, is to double major.
When it comes to your worries about getting a job, it is my experience that most vocations don't necessarily require a specific degree but just that you have one at all.
But, if you just want to be on the safe side, you can always look into the job market for the field you want to study. Sometimes the job market can be sluggish but it's usually pretty diverse when it comes to opportunities.
If you're still unsure, go ahead and do as I mentioned other students sometimes do earlier, treat yourself an undeclared major by taking the core classes every major has to take first and getting them out of the way. That will give you some extra time to think about what you want to do with your shcooling.
Good luck.
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I'm not sure how you are paying for college but seeing as college is incredibly expensive I suggest that you attend a community college or state college just to complete your general ed. prerequisites. This way you can spend the least amount of money while figuring out exactly what major you are truly passionate about. I know for me I changed my mind a hundred times before choosing a major and even after graduating I ended up in a field that has nothing to do with my major. Having said all of this you should definately go with your heart and your passion. Unfortunately you will always encounter people who talk behind your back and try to break you down. This is the world we live in. But whats more hurtful is that it comes from some one close to you that should be building you up. Most people talk badly about others out of jealousy. The best thing for you to do is to succeed. You are not your cousins and your future is all up to you. You have an incredible life to look forward to. You can be and do anything you like. Please don't let one hateful comment slow you down. Use this as ammunition to fight back and prove how strong you really are. Look how far you've come so far. So many young ladies never even graduate highschool but you made it and you are on your way to bigger better things. College can be tough but you can do it. Like I said you may want to take it slowly in a community college before choosing your major just yet. However, I'm sure you'll do great which ever path you choose. Journalism is a great field with so many options for a career. Arts can be a tricky field to find employment so you may want to do a double major such as business with arts. Having a business degree opens up an incredible amount of opportunities for employment. You should have no problem finding a good paying job with a business degree. Then you add your art degree you'll be an incredible asset having all this knowledge and education.
Please don't be discouraged. Remember if someone is talking about you behind your back then your life must be more interesting then their own. While you're busy concentrating on yourself others are busy concentrating on you because you are just that special. Stay focused and enjoy your life and prove them wrong along the way. There's no better way to shut them up then by living an incredible life.
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Geology or Earth Sciences, journalism or graphic arts all very good courses of study. Of the four the one with the best prospect for a job is Graphic arts followed by Electronic Journalism as in TV or Web Reporting. News paper and magazine types of Journalism is I fear going to succumb to the electronic media of news or other forms of electronic reporting.
Geology and Earth Science are both very interesting career fields though employment in these field is not that good and the compensation is not that high. But that should not be your over riding reason for how you pick your major.
How you pick your major is dependent on:
1. Something that is going to make you want to get out of bed every morning and go to work. High compensation is not always a reason to get up and go to work if you don't love your job.
2. Must be something of a passion for you will be doing this work for the next thirty to forty years.
3. Should compensate you sufficiently to provide for the creature comforts of life or a long with a partner raise a family in comfort.
Having the College Degree, even if it is in Liberal Arts is what is important today. The name of the College on that Diploma is not that important in todays market place. Unless you are going to be a Doctor or a Lawyer and then where you receive your education and training is a factor.
While you have not said what year you are in at college, I have the feeling you may be in your first year. If so selecting a major is not that important at this time. The first two years of most Majors can be dedicated to the Liberal Arts portions of the degree and for most majors they are the same.
This means you can spend this year taking and passing those courses you have selected. You can even do so next year. Most if not all of those credits would be transferrable to another school at the end of this year or next. This gives you time to really think about what is truly your passion.
While I took Graphic Arts as a Major I spent almost my entire career in Sales and Marketing. It just happened to be something I gravitated to. I didn't waste my education as my graphic design played a big part in my success both in the sales and the marketing side of my business.
I tell you this for at 18 or 21 we really do not know what path we will truly follow. Prepare for a career in something that excites you. Then be open to what lives brings to you. You will find it surprising just what doors your preparation opens for you.
For the record I'm probably old enough to be your grandfather and I am retired now.
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