In a blink of sight I have reached my wonderful 4th semester
of college year. It is always fascinating for me every time I look back and see
things that have happened during freshmen year! Seems like it was just filled
with curiosity and anxiety of how my future will be. However as time passed,
each awkwardness has been settled down now and I am more relaxed to face
unexpected issue.
But far before I enrolled to university, I had grown bigger anxiety than
it was during college’s freshmen year.
As a first child raised by an average parents who lived in countryside, I
had not much general knowledge about what university is and how I could enter
it. I used to study by my own and barely rely to my parents about life outside
the city. So the thought of enrolling to university only came to my mind, not
my parents’. I found the way by myself and luckily, along the way I got
assisted by wonderful consultants at my high school (I owed them much!).
To explain the process of getting into university will be a long story,
which soon I will post it in a different time. So for today, I will tell you
the episode of how I chose my major and how it had helped me in many ways to
stay stable at college.
Picking up a major has always been an overwhelming task for many of us – so do I. I still remember clearly how perplexed
I was when our senior class was occupied to pick one of many subjects written
at a brochure. It was a brochure of well-known university next town. Knowing
that it could be a good beginning, I discussed it with students’ consultant.
I could not imagine what would happen to me now if I never contacted them
to give me long yet complete information about what college is. I always
thanked them for being there in their cubicles, was prepared to answer each
questions students had – although some of
it might be silly to be heard – even though lunch time had arrived.
Ask
your school’s students’ consultant any information regarding universities which
they have in their connection list and jot them down. Bring home some brochures
will be good too for future reference.
The brochures were provided with dense information about general stuff I
had to know firstly. For example, I was handed with A University’s brochure.
What I glared at first was its major list part and checked if any had fit my
interest.
Oh, I should’ve told you about this earlier. I had always been interested
in English and its literature – actually,
I had been always attracted to learn foreign language. When I uttered this
to my consultant (whom I will call by Mrs. M from now on for easier spelling),
she said that it was a good choice since I always got quite satisfying score
about that subject. She added one more thing that I had to know that to be able
to ace the university entry test, I had to have required score on major that I
would pick later. In my case, it was the English major that I would choose.
A strong statement that I still remember today was come from Mr. I, a
senior consultant at my school. He stated that a skill would outgrow less
without the help of big interest. He said it would be dangerous if an individual
got to major he was mastered but never been able to get along the way because
he had no passion in it.
Pick a major you have always been interested
in and pay attention to your study report card. Look at the related subject
during high school and think whether the score will aid you to pass the entry
test or not. If it is still inadequate, seek for complementary score which may
come from winning a competition related to the major that will be picked.
I thanked myself for studying so hard that it made me easier to join the
entry test. Since my score was adequate enough to assist me getting in the
major I desired, I was not too nervous compared to some friends of mine who
had to struggle further mile. (Result never betrays your effort!)
Next I browsed for university which had the major I desired in and paid
attention to other requirements needed. While I knew being a dreamer was a good
thing, but in the end Alexander the Great himself was getting further instead
from his primary goal. I had to keep realistic when it came to choose a university
since this would be the beginning of my journey to have a better future, wasn’t
it?
Which aspect that I really put concern on while picking a university?
There were not much, actually. One thing I was really worried about was
the tuition fee. Luckily I was assisted by a scholarship from a local
government so that my worry had been totally erased. But as for those who sadly
aren’t able to get any scholarship, I suggest you to pick one university among
your list which offers you less tuition fee and/or provides you with various
scholarship programs. Even though you have a wealthy family background, but no
one knows what will happen in the future.
You may be on top right now, but in
the lowest position of social ladder the next morning. Scary, isn’t it?
I was very relieved when I was chosen to receive the scholarship since it
really helped my family up to today to save money on the other needs.
Choose a university which offers less
tuition fee, better if it can assist you on giving student debt loan or
providing you with various scholarship programs.
It was not always an easy path to be walked in, I meant, enrolling in
English Department. In the middle of my journey there had been countless people
who restlessly asked me disrespectful questions, such as “what will you be then?” or “how
much will you get if you become an A/B/C after graduating?”. People would
always look down on me after knowing my major. However that would not
discourage me easily because I had been extremely devoted in this subject I
chose and I could not imagine there would be a day I regretted my decision.
I am lucky enough to have a very supportive parents who let me live my
dream – not theirs, since I heard there
are many parents outside there who burdens their children by asking them to
live their unrequited youth dreams. I always thank them for letting me be
responsible of my choice and not interrupting me on my way.
Be sure of your choice and don’t let any
negative comments discourage you. People may roughly suggest you one or two
things, but don’t let it ruin your plan. This struggle is about you, not them.
That has been my explanation about how I chose my major and how I manage
to stay strong on standing in this path I have chosen. I know the struggle will
never be easy – since I have even been
there too! – but I am sure there is nothing can take us down if we are
really willing to fulfill our dream. I hope my post can give you an insight on
how to choose your major at university, and if it is possible, to encourage you
to be sure about your decision! Good
luck, freshmen!
What about you? What do you have in mind to be concerned when it comes
about choosing a major at university?
