Before wanting to become an elementary teacher, I’ve wanted to become a singer. Throughout my entire life, music has always been a huge part of my life. I personally love to sing, whether if it’s during a session of carpool karaoke, in talents shows, or even when I’m home alone. However, my parents did not like the idea of me having a singing career as I transitioned into high school; they believed that I could find a better career (preferably in the medical field). So during my high school journey, I decided to major in Educational Studies and become an elementary teacher. I discovered my passion for helping children out when I started volunteering as a teacher’s assistant at my old elementary school in junior year up until the end of my senior year. Of course, it wasn’t what exactly my parents wanted me to do but eventually they accepted my choice in teaching children.
Looking back in the past, I realized that I shouldn’t have let my parents suddenly change my future path. I was always obedient to my parents and would follow what they wanted; I was never the person that followed their own instincts or go with what their heart desired in life. Personally, it was because I was scared of the outcome or the consequence. I always depended or trusted the decisions of everyone else because I would assume that the result would be good if I followed them. I learned that my fear of personal outcomes overpowered my levels of self-confidence and independence. As I grew up, I had to accept the fact that I have to stick with my own choices, whether I’m alone or not, and face any outcome there is to come. Because I didn’t do any of those, I would not only be pleased, but I would not learn from those outcomes.
My personal advice for those that have not decided on a major or career to fulfill, or are having second thoughts, is to remember to have faith with the choices that you personally make and take some time to organize what goals you have for the future, what you would want to achieve, and how you are going to achieve it. It is no one else’s choice to choose what you should fulfill and achieve in life, only yours.
Within this blog post, you will find more stories from UW Students about their (intended) majors, careers, back up plans, as well as personal advice to college students who have not decided on a major or a future career, or have second thoughts on their initial choice. Thank you to those who have shared their stories!