I did not want to do it. I really didn’t want to. But I did. With a deep breath and a feeling of impending nausea I counted the days until I graduate from college. There are only 45. That is an incredibly depressing number. Kim Kardashian’s marriage lasted 72 days. I am beyond upset and am filled with regret for putting the reality of my departure from college in such concrete terms. Just give me a second.
Okay, it’s not the end of the world. It’s really not. That’s what I am here to tell you. This entire blog is supposed to be helpful to people who have not yet had to realize the imminent end of the greatest four years of their lives. So, with 45 (barf) days left it is time to get down to business. I will attempt to be serious. Seriously.
In 45 days I will graduate from college. Everyone around me seems to be at least slightly excited for the next step of their lives. One of my roommates and best friends is ecstatic that all of her hard work has finally paid off as she will be attending Physical Therapy School at the University of North Carolina in the fall. Another one of my best friends cannot wait to start her work in the Peace Corps where she is able to marry her passions for travel and service. Another friend couldn't believe his luck that the condition on which he accepted his dream job at a New York City record label was that he must stay in Athens for another year and obtain his Masters in Music Business. And who could forget my loving father? He is over the moon that his third and last daughter will be graduating and he never has to pay for tuition again (don’t remind him about the three weddings for which he will eventually have to foot the bill). Everyone’s lives seem to be falling perfectly into place. Everyone it seems, except me. Pause for a pity party.
When I first arrived in the Classic City on a blistering hot day, I wanted to be a journalist. Unfortunately, in the fall of 2009, the journalism majors were pretty strict and I could not choose between magazines, newspapers, etc., so I decided to become an English major instead. For kicks I tacked on a Psychology double major because AP psych was my favorite class in high school. Then I realized I needed to choose a more marketable double major to complement my English. I took enough advertising courses to realize it was not all brain storming sessions with the brilliant creative minds that came up with “Where’s the beef?” and “Tape a cheetah to her back!” Next, I tested out Public Relations, decided it was for me, applied and was accepted in the Grady School of Journalism, then had an epiphany and turned down my acceptance. I had had a revelation that I should be a teacher and promptly switched to English and English Education. After one educational psychology course I realized I would be a horrible teacher and would end up corrupting young minds rather than mold them into the future leaders of America. My dreams of being Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society (minus the misinterpretation of Robert Frost’s “The Road Less Traveled” of course) were dashed. What was I left with? Luckily it was the one constant thing in my life: my love of reading, writing, and all things English.
With 45 days until graduation, it seems that every person I encounter is asking me what I plan on doing after college. Most hear that I am an English major and assume I am either going to be a teacher or a novelist. My dad, who thinks he is hilarious, tells people I am going to work in the English factory. What’s the truth? I don’t know what I am doing after graduation, yet. But don’t worry I am not just twiddling my thumbs until I move into my parents’ basement. I am actively applying and interviewing for various jobs in communications, marketing, and advertising (the creative side). My point is that I have never known exactly what I wanted to do and that’s okay. The pieces will eventually fall into place for me, too.
So, if you are undecided on your major explore your options. The University of Georgia has TONS of majors, so take a few intro classes and figure out what you like and don’t like. If you are in a major that you are realizing is not for you, don’t freak out. You can always change your major and (probably) still graduate on time. If you have ever wondered "What can I do with a major in..." then check out the UGA Career Center's website. I have spent countless hours there. The important thing is that you are enjoying school as well as college. And don’t let anyone tell you that you have decide what you want to be when you grow up right this instant because that just isn't true. So, let me reiterate. Explore your options and don't settle for something that won't make you happy. And feel free to borrow that mantra for every aspect of your life be it career choices, romantic pursuits, or what you are going to eat. Definitely don't ever settle on food. (Sorry, I tried, seriously.)
