The Red and Black

Issue date: 8/22/07 Section: Opinions

Now that I am a junior at the University, the Question has changed. No longer does everyone I meet ask, "So what's your major?" Now they want to know-"What in the world are you planning on doing in two years?"

Recently, an acquaintance and I were going through the getting-to-know-each-other conversation, answering almost robotically with the same responses we had already given a hundred times. My answers were ready before she even asked the questions: "Taylor, junior, history, nice to meet you, too!"

Then she asked me the new Question reserved for those of us on campus over 20. I quickly gave her my rehearsed response, explaining that I'm researching graduate schools, and trying to sound like this was actually a concrete plan with potential for professional success.

As she listened, her eyes grew a little wider, a look of thinly masked awe on her face. She said, "Wow, you seem like you know exactly what you want to do. I wish I was like that!"

Later, I thought about her reaction. Little did she know that since arriving at the University, I have changed my major a grand total of four times, and I'm sure that's no record. So much for being sure of what I want to do, right?

Well, actually, yes. I feel like the fact that I have tried on so many majors has given me strengthened conviction that now I am following the path that is right for me. Without the experience of changing my plans, I would not have been able to make the informed decision that I did.

One of the great things about our University the number and diversity of majors available. That's primarily why I came here instead of the other places I was accepted; I knew that I was unsure of what I wanted to do, and coming to a school like Georgia with at least 170 different areas of study available allowed me, the ultimate non-committal, to take time in making my decision.

However, many people left me feeling snubbed when as a freshman I answered the Question with a defeated shrug and a bewildered expression.

In a setting that expects us to explore all the options the world has to offer, it feels crazy to me to have this stigma attached to those of us who take a little longer to commit. Just because I changed my major four times doesn't mean I'm lazy or that I don't have any goals.

Still, I was often dealt a raised eyebrow and look of pity during the time in my life when I had been through the same number of majors as the number of months I had actually attended college.

This semester as I observe the new freshmen, I remember how daunting it felt.

People expect the entering student to be committed to a specific major, with internship options researched and a list of extracurricular activities. Yeah, right.

Don't get me wrong, it's very helpful and rewarding to get involved on campus. I just don't think that new students should allow themselves to feel overwhelmed prematurely at this new stage of life.

That said, here is my advice to the class of 2011 (and, who are we kidding, the upperclassmen, too - we are still just as shifty with our major commitment issues): Take your time selecting a comfortable major and don't let anyone make you feel bad for redirecting your plans a few times in the beginning.

In my experience, introductory and survey courses are the best way to find out if you are right for a major. Do not be afraid to change your mind, and don't let anticipation of the Question keep you from finding the major that is right for you.

- Taylor Rhodes is a junior from Snellville majoring in history.

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