Ask Aunt B

Dear Aunt B,

I just started college. Now I am even more confused. I don’t know what I really want to study. So of course, I really don’t know what I want to do when I finish school. Where do I even start to figure out these serious questions in my life?

Dear Study What??,

Sweet thing, this is so very natural. Most of the people in your classes are in the same boat as you. They may look and sound like they know exactly what they want, but they probably don’t. There are a few lucky ones that know exactly what they want in life and how to get it, but most don’t. So, my main advice here is to just relax. Pay attention to everything. Enjoy everything. Learn from everything. It will point you in the right direction. The right direction may not be a straight line; just keep paying attention. Personally, I have changed my mind more times than I really want to admit.

Here are a few ideas to hopefully help you on your journey.

If things are the same as back in the day, your first two years are filled with your general studies. In between the studies that are required, slip in some classes that you believe might interest you. This is the time to explore your other interests.

There are a few questions to ask yourself when you are exploring your options for studying in school. Do you follow your passions, or do you remain practical? Explore your passions for sure, and it is a good thing to be practical as well. I believe that you will be able to find a middle ground where you can remain true to your passions and find a way for it to fit in a very exciting life.

As I mentioned earlier, be prepared to change your mind as many times as you need. Some of your fellow students that seem so sure will still change their minds at least one time. When I think back on all the things that I have begun and changed my mind about, I have gotten something from each and every one of them. Nothing is ever lost; just keep learning.

Seek advice from everyone you know. Talk to each department of study. Talk to upper classmates. Talk to your professors. Talk to career counselors. Talk to individuals you know that are in fields that interest you. Put together a list of questions about their fields and job opportunities. What do they like the most about their positions and fields? What do they not like about their positions and fields? What advice would they give you? Where would those individuals gather more information? Check out intern positions where you can learn more about different fields. Check out volunteer positions in those fields that interest you.

Take your time and enjoy this journey. Listen to everyone's advice, and then listen to your heart.

Love,

Aunt B

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