THE UNCERTAIN JOURNEY OF COLLEGE LIFE

Start college, pick a major, don't screw up and graduate. The order seems about right, but that's not exactly how it goes. Declaring a major is exhausting, frustrating and the determination of what the rest of your years are going to look like. When you finish high school you are ready for a whole new experience, decisions to make all on your own, and adventures to live. With all of this freedom comes uncertainty. For the ten percent of students who go to college knowing exactly what they want to do, there's a level of security, but there is also a level of wonder- of thought- for some, not all. For the rest of us, well we just have to figure it out. The pressure instilled by colleges on declaring a major within the first year is challenging, especially and mainly because most of us don't have a clue on what we want to do with our lives. We pick a major and begin exploring new possibilities, which in turn creates doubt on whether or not we made the right choice. We change our majors and then close to graduation we are nearly certain that our choice wasn't the right one. We know we want to do something else or perhaps are still just as or completely clueless as the first day of school. 

Most college graduates who go on internships to begin their career realize within the first few years that perhaps what they studied is not what they want to do. Being in the world changes perspective. Some realize they don't care about making money and just want to be artistic and creative. Others realize the opposite or that they just want to live. Hence, the reason why so many people opt to travel or go back to school. 

Michael, 38, is happy with her career change and has found what many call the true passion. 
Jamie, 35, is back in town after traveling for a few months around the world. She has no idea what she's going to do. This is the happiest she's ever been.  
Debbie, 32, is doing what she loves and continues to build a path for herself. 
Peter, 27 got his degree in the mail after three change of majors and opted for Liberal Studies because he got tired of changing majors and realized he just needed a damn diploma. He's now his own boss.
Lisa,19, is in college completely lost and without a clue on what her major will be. 
Jennifer, 23 has changed her major twice and is thinking about changing it again. 

All of these students and former students are people just like you. Some have found their way. Others are still uncertain or finding their way gradually. The point is, there is no right or wrong answer. Forget what some may think. Things can get difficult, messy, and senseless. But they also get easier, in order and fall into place. Time can be of the essence. Uncertainty will always find its way back (in other things) one way or another, but you learn to make decisions based on what you feel and know is right for you. So don't be tough on yourself. Take an artistic class, attend school events, meet new friends, build relationships, say what you want, face a fear, and appreciate the experiences this journey brings.