<p>Thanks, kate, but as I said, I've learnt so much from a few recent experiences of mine.</p>
<p>I understand your sentiments about financial security. It's very wise to consider that. That's why we have to be pragmatic here. For instance, you love working among the underprivileged. [I also do.] But there's no such major in college. And that doesn't mean you want to major in poli. sci. or some social science, though you might later be actively involved in public policy-making. You know, you could be involved in charity work while still pursuing your career goal at college.</p>
<p>We love many things, but there is one thing that would give you the greatest fulfillment or satisfaction. But we're talking about college here and it's very important that you're fulfilled in what you're studying because if you don't particularly enjoy your studies, then there's no point studying at all. And of course, you'd be thinking of getting a good job in your first few years so you can find your feet.</p>
<p>Basically, what would really help is to look at the majors at your prospective schools and study the course contents. Read about the career opportunities involved and look for one that catches your interest. Read wide and well. You may just find something that catches you.</p>
<p>Take myself as an example. Though I love music, french, etc, whenever I go out I complain a lot about structures and infrastructure that could be improved upon. I'm a die-hard critic of buildings and there are many things i would love to change. How can I achieve this? Through architecture and civil engineering, but of course anything can crop up along the way, and I may find myself somewhere else. Apart from structures, the one thing that affects me most is the sight of children in terrible conditions, with their poor parents in the dirty markets, children hawking and prone to all sorts of accidents, poor education, etc. Also I don't like the sight of mad people, beggars, senior citizens destitute on the roads. There are many things I could do about that but I'm still going to study architecture.</p>
<p>I'll give you 2 more examples:
My dad got a B.A.(Hons) in English, got an MBA and now he's into Telecomms marketing. My mum got a B.A. (Hons) in French, got an MILR, and now she's into Human Resources management and administration. But those are not really convincing examples, really.</p>
<p>I have a friend who's so disciplined and hard-working. he can succeed in anything he wants to. He's currently studying to be a medical doctor because of the financial gains. he has mapped out his course and he knows exactly what he's doing.</p>
<p>I can't say much except this: Do what lies in your heart.
Just keep in mind that what you do in university doesn't dictate what you do in life. And you must enjoy every bit of your college experience. You must. Also, sometimes, you just have to separate your professional goals from your personal goals. Sometimes, you don't.</p>
<p>Lastly, I give you an example from the life of Scott Joplin. He was the king of ragtime. He was a gifted self-taught musician and spent much of his life teaching others and writing music. A good thing about him was this: he never spent so much time performing because he was not such a good pianist. Instead, he wrote music for others to perform. But the tragedy of his life was this: his goals were beyond ragtime and he spent a lot of energy writing operas and ballets that were never successful simply because he wanted to establish himself as a classical composer. As a result, he rose to international acclaim many years after his death; many of his works didn't survive.</p>
<p>Now, ragtime was joplin's thing. He did it effortlessly, but he kept expending his energy on ragtime operas that were never successful and he frustrated himself a great deal. He could have focussed on ragtime and deepen his mastery of his genre. The lesson is this, once you know your stuff, concentrate on it. Don't waste time and energy on things you like and are not good at. Otherwise, though others may view you as successful, just like Joplin, you'll never be at peace with yourself - a great disservice.</p>