By: Julian Yuliawan

Some people have it all figured out and know what they want to do for the rest of their life. For example, get a bachelor’s degree, go to grad school, and become a doctor.

The truth is, however, most of us don’t know what we want to do and that’s okay. So how does one figure out what they should study in college? The key is to follow your passion. After all, you are going to be paying thousands of dollars and accumulating debt, so make sure you are going to study something that you actually care about or are interested in.

Yes the main goal is to choose a major in which you can find a sustainable job after graduation. However, probably an even more important goal is to love the job you have. As for me, I was always passionate about sports so I decided to major in kinesiology in hopes that I can become an athletic trainer for a professional sports team or university.

For some people though it may not be as easy to automatically know what they are passionate about.

The good news is that this is what college is all about, discovering you. It is perfectly okay to go into college with an undecided major. This allows for opportunity to try different classes and really figure out what interests you and what does not. Also, just because you enter college with a certain major does not mean you will graduate with a degree in that major. I know several people who have changed their majors multiple times throughout their collegiate careers.

What it all connects back to is passion. Don’t be one of those people who chooses a major simply because it makes money. Yes that is important, but what is also important is your happiness. So when the question, “What do you want to be when you’re older?” arises, don’t answer with an occupation such as doctor or lawyer. The real answer is “happy.” The best advice I can give is that when you get to college, lead with your dreams and follow your heart.