College is a time of growth and exploration, and for many students, it is the first step into adulthood and independence.
It is also the time when students must decide what they want to do for the rest of their life, often with very little experience of what different career fields and courses are like.
College is an investment of thousands of dollars and years of labor. Therefore, I don’t think choosing a concentration should be taken lightly.
When I chose my major, I had no idea what the real world was like, or even what the field of environment and natural resources would entail. I simply chose something that I thought I might like based on my interests as the time.
I am so glad that I chose to be an Energy and Nautral Resources major, but for many people, a decision made straight out of high school might not lead to happiness or success.
Before making a leap of faith into a major in college, it might be better to take some time to explore different classes, otherwise known as starting out undeclared. This is especially true if a student isn’t sure what they’re passionate about yet.
First, it will allow one to explore different options from a wide variety of subjects, with very little pressure.
Some of my favorite classes in college thus far have been ones that have nothing to do with my major. Using the first year of college without focusing only on a degree plan may give students more freedom to take these interesting classes and keep an open mind about different subject areas.
Second, being a well-rounded student is a desirable trait to have. People who aren’t limited to one area of study may be more open to new ideas, more knowledgeable in different areas of study, and better able to connect different fields to one another.
Additionally, being well-rounded also means having a wider network of people across campus. This can allow students to gain new perspectives and even meet new friends and people who can help with success on the professional level.
One of the scariest things about being undeclared is that it can be hard to navigate how credits will apply to a degree once a student does choose a major.
However, most degree plans require some elective credit, meaning that most degree paths are flexible.
Additionally, changing majors and entering college undecided are common practices. According to the U.S. Department of Education, 28% of undergraduates changed their major at least once in 2018.
There are so many pressures on new college students. The pressure to pick a major that will lead to a job or a big salary, or the pressure to find internships and get involved on campus, with very little preparation or guidance.
I don’t think this is a productive way to think about the first year of college.
Instead, allowing for open exploration will allow students to find an area of study they are truly interested in while gaining new skills and experiences.
College is not merely a transaction, but an opportunity to grow into a better, more worldly person.
