The first week of college is like getting lost in the mall and becoming separated from your parents, but then realizing that this has to go on for at least four more years. A mix of eagerness and terror boils in your blood, and an atmosphere of mystery and excitement surrounds you as you trek to your first college class.
It warms my heart to see wide-eyed freshmen ambling around campus and enthusiastic to be in college. On the outside they may be gleaming with confidence, but I know they are slightly terrified on the inside. That’s okay.
You may have heard from your parents or an older adult that college is supposed to be the “best four years of your life.” If this is true, how can you make the most of it? I still don’t have an answer for that question after my three years here at Kennesaw State University.
Here is what I have really learned about making the most of your college career: you can make plans, you can create goals and even draw out charts, but just know that all of that is likely to change.
It is not uncommon for students to change their majors at least once in the course of their college careers. The National Center for Education Statistics reported that 80 percent of college students change their major at least once before graduating. Other sources say 75 or 85 percent of college students change their majors.
George Steele and Virginia Gordon, authors of “The Undecided College Student: An Academic and Career Advising Challenge,” say that students should not be afraid of changing their minds.
“Students need to understand that initial decisions may be tentative and that changing their minds is not only acceptable, but often desirable behavior,” Steele and Gordon wrote in their book. “Although some students find this process stressful, changing majors is often logical and predictable.”
I am one of the unique students here who has never changed my major, and I plan to graduate with the same major I declared freshman year. However, although my major has never changed, my goals and aspirations certainly have.
Here is just one example. After attending a colloquium at KSU, I changed my mind about aspiring to work at some of the large corporations that were represented at that event. I’d prefer to work at a smaller, close-knit company. I’ve also quit my retail job at a popular grocery story to find part-time work that I would enjoy more.
The decision about what you want to do for the rest of your life is extremely overwhelming. It may seem like there are too many options to choose from. However, you will discover your likes and dislikes sooner or later
You never know where life will take you and the lessons you learn along the way. Be prepared for the unexpected.
Because you are beginning a new chapter, you should not expect life to go on as it has usually gone for you. Realize that your entire environment has changed and welcome these new opportunities into your life. You may not see them yet, but they are headed in your direction.