When choosing which classes to take or which major to pursue, there are always external expectations of what
the “best” option is. Whether it’s the choice between majoring in something in the sciences or something in the humanities, there are often certain choices that fit more comfortably in traditional perceptions of success.
Generally speaking, the socially-perceived “best” option is often the most nancially lucrative one. Choosing a degree program is often complicated by the obligation to pursue the most profitable path within one’s eld of interest.
While I don’t believe this is an entirely senseless practice, especially when one is just beginning to explore their chosen field, I see this hypersensitive regard for money to be a distraction from what I believe many would consider the universal purpose of a college education — personal growth.
People choose to pursue higher education for a myriad of reasons. For some, it’s simply a means to an end in receiving a degree that makes their resume look shiny. For others, it’s purely an experiential exercise, where the degree is just a piece of paper that doesn’t necessarily quantify their growth. Either way, personal growth and change remain the vanguards of a college career.
With that in mind, choosing a major is obviously something that requires some degree of passion. Nobody wants to spend four or more years growing and learning in a direction that doesn’t align with their passions. I think everyone can agree that having a career that they’re passionate about is the ultimate goal.
Of course, it seems simple when spoken about in these terms, but for many, especially incoming freshmen, these choices can be a source of inner turmoil. I changed my major three times my freshman year because I was too afraid to trust whatever choice I made would work out in the end.
In a similar way, the traditional view of success would suggest that the sooner one reaches that financially lucrative, ever rewarding, pinnacle of a career, the better off they will be. The tendency to rush toward success is an epidemic on college campuses.
Choosing which classes to take can be another outlet for the pressure of social obligations. In the process of getting a degree, it can be easy to look around and compare successes with peers.
Everyone has that one friend that somehow makes it through a seemingly impossible class load, a full-time job, an internship and volunteer work. But that lifestyle is not even close to a possibility for everyone.
Choosing classes that fit one’s lifestyle and abilities is the only way to truly take ownership of one’s education. If investing time in that difficult language class is not a possibility this semester, then maybe take it next semester.
Obviously, all degree programs allow variable levels of exibility, but college should be less like a series of obligations and more like a choose-your-own-adven- ture experience.
Instead of focusing all efforts on achieving traditional measures of success, one should cultivate a responsibility to one’s self for personal betterment regarding personal health and ability.
Making a commitment to continually work within one’s own best interest is the best way to feel con dent during those tense, decision-making moments.
Austin Maas can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @austindmaas