<p>May 1st is approaching quickly and like many of you out there, I’m trying to decide where to spend the next four years of my life. Though I have an idea of what I want to study in college, my parents have been chastising me because I am not 100% sure on what I want to be when I grow up. They’ve literally told me that there’s something wrong with me because I don’t know what I want to be when I grow up. I do have an idea on what I want to study. I’ll probably major something in the business field/maybe even pre-law but I’m really keen on minoring in a language, because it’s something that I enjoy. My parents immediately dismissed that idea and called it foolish because “when I go look for internships in my junior year, no one will care if I have minored in Spanish. Why minor in something unrelated to your major?”</p>
<p>Is it completely bad that I am not 100% sure about what I want to do or study? I’m a firm believer of college is a time to find yourself, but I do understand that I have to figure out a major sooner or later and I do have a few ideas on what I’d like to pursue? Also, what do you think about my parents’ take on my decision to minor? Just asking for some opinions here.</p>
<p>I think minoring in a foreign language is a great idea for almost any major. As for not knowing what you want to do when you grow up - that’s perfectly normal and far more common than those who know exactly what they want to do. It sounds like you have some good starting points - you’ll figure it out.</p>
<p>Minoring in a foreign language would help you in business, law, being a citizen in a global society. Depending on where your internship is, your language skills could be useful. </p>
<p>So many people don’t know what they want to do, and even more shcnage their mind while in college. Pick a school that has several great departments, a school that will challenge you.</p>
<p>One thing to consider is that if the language is a common one (like Spanish), see if beginner/intermediate language courses are available at local community colleges during the summer. Taking such courses can free up schedule space at the four year school, and let you take the more advanced and (presumably) interesting literature and culture courses conducted in the language sooner.</p>
<p>Employers like to hire bilingual employees, so the second language would be a huge asset no matter what your major. And it’s okay to not know your major yet. I hope you select a school where you will feel comfortable going to the professors for guidance. When the professors get to know you, they can give you ideas and help steer you and even open doors sometimes.</p>
<p>Many young people I talk to seem to have definite ideas what they want to study in college. However, that choice of study is typically based on very limited knowledge in their choosen field. Some stick with it as they find that they do indeed like their choosen field. However, many change as they find they really don’t like their choosen area or find another more interesting area. </p>
<p>Going into college with only a general idea of what you want to study is totally acceptable. Look around and see what’s out there, then decide. </p>
<p>Minoring in a language would be a good thing if you are really interested in it. Never know when it could come in handy. Most (all!!) colleges have a humanities requirement. A minor in language might even satisfy part of that requirement.</p>
<p>My daughter doesn’t know what she wants to do and it is ok if you don’t. You are only 18 and most kids change their majors several times. My daughter is all over the place but she is fairly certain she wants to minor in a language. I think it is a fabulous idea and certainly not wasted!</p>
<p>Your parents are wrong. Most kids don’t know what they want to do even if they think they do. That’s what you’re supposed to figure out in college! Unless it’s a major that you need to really start in Freshman year to keep on track, give yourself time to explore your options.</p>
<p>Not sure why they would think that a minor in a language, especially Spanish wouldn’t help you. If you go into law or business, you’ll be multi-lingual, which can only help you and make you more marketable. There are plenty of people in this country who’s first language is Spanish.</p>
<p>It is good to have some idea what you want to do but don’t sweat it if you don’t. I agree a minor in Spanish is a good idea. That is only if you like the subject.</p>
<p>DD thought she like to minor in Spanish but didn’t like writing papers in Spanish enough.</p>
<p>Given that well over half of college students change majors in college, I’d guess that very, very few really “know” what they want to do when they start.</p>
<p>@ucbalumnus-- Brown’s only undergrad requirement is in the ability to write well, and that is determined individually more or less. Each concentration (major) has its own requirements, but there are no distribution requirements at all.</p>
<p>I agree with above posters that there is very little reason at this point to decide what you want to do when you “grow up,” and that many, many college students change their major during their years of study. So relax about that. I also agree with above posters who say that minoring in a language is a great idea. I teach French and Spanish, and I truly believe that by learning another language we become global citizens. That is the only way this world will ever achieve peace, international understanding, etc. etc. etc., not to mention political, economical, social, and environmental accords. The world is shrinking at an incredible pace. Even if you never leave the shores of your homeland, speaking, reading, writing, and listening to other languages can only be an asset in whatever you decide to do.</p>
<p>I’ll echo what’s been said. Employers around here (and I assume in most other parts of the country) want to have employees who speak Spanish, whatever their field. Hospitals want interpreters for patients, schools need Spanish-speaking staff, etc. I think the Spanish minor, even a major, would be a great possibility for you.</p>
<p>Hardly anyone knows what he/she wants to be at this age. Even most people who think they know will change. My big push for my children has been to get them ready for college; after that it’s their turn to decide what they want to be/do.</p>
<p>Why not just identify the thing you are right now most likely to want to study, and tell your parents that? As others have noted, people change their majors all the time.</p>
<p>Agree with Hunt. And you’ll very likely have required courses that all students have to meet in a given college along with leeway to pick some courses you like. So that’ll likely be your focus your first two years.</p>