College...majors...and headaches

       Oh college…a subject that has frequently popped up in my mind lately. Let me rephrase that: Oh college…a subject that has frequently forced itself into my mind lately. 

      Thinking about college is bittersweet.  Freedom, excitement, independence. But then comes the subject of what to study. I was asked when I was little "What do you want to be when you grow up?". "A veterinarian" was my reply, but at that age I couldn't quite pronounce the word correctly. I thought I had it all together. Being little, you can make up your mind about something and not feel even an ounce of regret or wonder as to why you chose that or if it's the best option. You didn't have to think about money, work or time.

      Nowadays I'm frequently asked what I want to study. My answer? "I don't know." Every person reacts to that answer differently. Some say that it's okay to be undecided because I have "plenty" of time. Some just nod mechanically. And others don't really react. They just stand there as we both wait in an awkward silence so intense that people passing by feel uncomfortable. Being undecided can be stressful. Whenever I encounter someone who has it all together I can't help but roll my eyes. Why? I have no idea. Maybe because being undecided is just part of the ride, and having it "together" doesn't necessarily mean you have everything figured out. (No offense to those of you who do have it together.)

      Trying to find the right major is confusing (to say the least). You find yourself thinking more and more about what you're good at. If I could make listening to music into a career I'd be set. If the FBI hired people to Facebook stalk others then I'd be first in line for an interview. Is there a job where I can shop with other people's money? Can I be an expert chocolate taster paid by the hour? Do amusement parks hire people to test if their roller coasters are fun enough? When it comes to realistic jobs I have a hard time trying to image what occupation could be right for me though. But as they say, I have "plenty" of time. Right? And what about the SAT's? Don't even get me started on that...that shall be another story for another day.

~Amanda