Problem: too many interests, not sure which major to choose

<p>My favorite subjects of study in school are English literature (love love reading, analyzing books, and writing) and history. I do particularly well on these subjects too. I will definitely major in English simply because I love the subject but I want to decide on a second major, for I'm not sure I want to do anything that is particularly English-oriented. I've done 5 years of newspaper writing for high school and now college and I know I wouldn't want to be a journalist. I also wouldn't want to be an editor since I care more about writing, experimenting with styles and languages than correcting on others' works. Nowadays I found myself extremely interested in international affairs and global problems and I'm thinking of a major in international relations. I want to do something that involves a global perspective and makes contributions to those in need. I'm thinking of going to law school and studying international law but I'm not sure if I'm the kind of person fit for the job, since I find myself often too empathetic and sentimental.
However, I'm also extremely strong in art in general-designing and creatively solving problems-which leads me to think about majoring in architecture. I think being an architect is fascinating, because the profession encompasses a lot of essential skills-communication, business, math, problem solving, and creativity. If I were to do architecture, I'd want to travel around a lot, interact with different people (which I love to do), solve problems, and really use my imagination and collaboration with others to create an always novel project. I really like it when the work is challenging and never the same on a day to day basis. While I'm not particularly strong in math, I think I can deal with it. But I'm afraid that by studying architecture (which I heard is intense and time-consuming), I wouldn't have time for other things I love to do, such as writing. Architecture seems so unrelated to English and my interest and curiosity on international relations.
While I understand the decision is mine to make, I would greatly appreciate any inputs and suggestions offered on my dilemma.</p>

<p>If you can’t conceive doing anything career related to English, then why major in it? Just because you love something doesn’t mean you should major in it- when other possible majors you are talented at and lead to a career you want (something, perhaps for the next 50 years after college). You don’t need to take an English class to read Ivanhoe you’ve already learned how to read and annotate and think about books. But also, you don’t necessarily need an Architecture major to (*insert a way to do what architechts do as a personal hobby)</p>

<p>woah, hold on now, dont be the kid that says, “Id really enjoy majoring in English, but I dont know what I could do with it so Ill major in _________ instead.” Doing what you love is better than doing something that you hate.</p>

<p>Don’t simplify what I said so extensively. It’s funny how people expect others to conform to preconceived archetypes of different forms and then persevere their blindly rigid associations.</p>

<p>I am being the kid who sais “I love this but I don’t know what I’ll do with it…but I love that, am good at that, and think that will lead me to do something I want to do for the rest of my life or at least the start of a career”</p>

<p>I think you should double major in English and International Relations, then go onto law school to become a lawyer. That way, you get two satisfy your two main passions AND you get a well-paying career. Lawyers have to read, write, and analyze extensively, all things you said you love. Words are very important when arguing a point in court, just rephrasing a sentence can make all the difference. It’s a practical application of your interests.</p>

<p>If you think that you’d like studying architecture and english/international relations about the same, then study architecture. That degree will pay the rent.</p>

<p>marylandmike09, sometimes it has to do with the limited time we all have. If someone loves English a lot, why would you ask him to spend years studying something else instead? Sure, we can all read Ivanhoe without taking classes. But what if we want to read thousands of other books as well? A whole lifetime can’t achieve that. And here you are asking the OP to waste four precious years reading books that don’t excite him as much.</p>

<p>Without the major, you have freedom to read what you want. So if you love English, then read whatever book you want and that’ll be better than an English major particularly if there’s another strong (not merely “something else” interest that will also foment a career.</p>

<p>Do not not major in something because you are afraid there will be no opportunities to use your skills upon graduation. Choose what you love and you will find an enjoyable job. Dont go into something that you dont enjoy otherwise you will have 40 years of hell!</p>