2 answers
Pragya
Student
Plymouth, Minnesota
1
Question
Updated
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Is it best to explore all your passions in college or double down on one of your passions?
I'm majoring in Applied Mathematics, but I also care deeply about public policy and social impact. I'm wondering if it's worth it to explore both in college to see where my strengths lie or just stick to one? #Spring25
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2 answers
Doug Johnson
Project Manager
26
Answers
Orland Park, Illinois
Updated
Doug’s Answer
Hi Pragya.
I think it’s great that you’ve identified a main passion and some other passions or areas of serious interest at this point in your life. I think it reflects maturity. When I attended college, I started without any deep interests, and most of the people I knew in college were in the same situation. I used all four years to get to know myself and my interests.
Several people I knew in college started thinking a specific major was what they wanted but ended up changing direction at least once and eventually selecting a different major. That’s a typical experience. If you are in your first year at college, be sure to take some classes in public policy and any other areas of interest to see if a deeper understanding causes you to develop a new main passion.
If you are confident in your passion and feel like making it the focus of your career, then, by all means, select a major that most embodies that passion. You will still have time and opportunity to take classes in other areas to explore them.
Wishing you all the best!
I think it’s great that you’ve identified a main passion and some other passions or areas of serious interest at this point in your life. I think it reflects maturity. When I attended college, I started without any deep interests, and most of the people I knew in college were in the same situation. I used all four years to get to know myself and my interests.
Several people I knew in college started thinking a specific major was what they wanted but ended up changing direction at least once and eventually selecting a different major. That’s a typical experience. If you are in your first year at college, be sure to take some classes in public policy and any other areas of interest to see if a deeper understanding causes you to develop a new main passion.
If you are confident in your passion and feel like making it the focus of your career, then, by all means, select a major that most embodies that passion. You will still have time and opportunity to take classes in other areas to explore them.
Wishing you all the best!
Melissa Tan
Government Affairs & Public Affairs
1
Answer
Singapore
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
Hi Pragya, it's great to hear about your many interests and passions. I encourage you to explore these curiosities both in college and after. Some people are lucky to have one main passion their whole life, but for most of us, finding what we're truly passionate about comes from trying different things and practicing those skills over time. There's also something wonderful about having a variety of passions, and I believe this love for learning and curiosity should last our entire lives.