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Arianna
Student
San Miguel, California
2
Questions
Asked
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How do I know if this is the right path for me?
I’ve often been unsure of what I wanted to pursue, with switching around career prep pathways in high school, and often jumped from career to career about what I wanted to do.
For a while recently, I’ve looked into going into the legal profession. I found myself interested in reading since childhood, and writing. My strengths and interests tend to lean towards advanced English and Social Science classes, than STEM related courses, which I struggled in. I find myself as well engrossed in political topics.
I may intend on majoring in Political Science with a minor in Literature or Journalism, on a pre-law track, but am not definitely certain yet.
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Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
86
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
What you’re describing is actually very normal, especially for someone who is reflective and paying attention to their interests rather than forcing a decision. The fact that you have noticed consistent patterns in what engages you is more important than having everything figured out right now.
One helpful way to think about whether this path fits is to look for through-lines rather than a single “right” answer. Your long-standing interest in reading and writing, your strength in advanced English and social sciences, and your engagement with political topics all point toward fields that value critical thinking, argumentation, and communication. Law, political science, journalism, and policy-related work all sit naturally at that intersection. Struggling with STEM does not disqualify you from success, especially when your strengths clearly lie elsewhere.
It may also help to separate certainty from commitment. You do not need to be completely certain to move forward. Majoring in political science with a minor in literature or journalism keeps many doors open, including law, public policy, advocacy, communications, and research. A pre-law track is not a binding contract, it is simply a structured way to build skills that are useful even if you later decide not to pursue law school.
Finally, pay attention to how you feel when you are doing the work itself. Do you enjoy close reading, writing arguments, debating ideas, and analyzing social systems even when it is challenging? If the process feels meaningful rather than draining, that is a strong signal you are on a path that fits you. You are allowed to evolve and adjust as you learn more about yourself, and choosing a flexible, interest-aligned path is a thoughtful way to do that rather than a mistake.
One helpful way to think about whether this path fits is to look for through-lines rather than a single “right” answer. Your long-standing interest in reading and writing, your strength in advanced English and social sciences, and your engagement with political topics all point toward fields that value critical thinking, argumentation, and communication. Law, political science, journalism, and policy-related work all sit naturally at that intersection. Struggling with STEM does not disqualify you from success, especially when your strengths clearly lie elsewhere.
It may also help to separate certainty from commitment. You do not need to be completely certain to move forward. Majoring in political science with a minor in literature or journalism keeps many doors open, including law, public policy, advocacy, communications, and research. A pre-law track is not a binding contract, it is simply a structured way to build skills that are useful even if you later decide not to pursue law school.
Finally, pay attention to how you feel when you are doing the work itself. Do you enjoy close reading, writing arguments, debating ideas, and analyzing social systems even when it is challenging? If the process feels meaningful rather than draining, that is a strong signal you are on a path that fits you. You are allowed to evolve and adjust as you learn more about yourself, and choosing a flexible, interest-aligned path is a thoughtful way to do that rather than a mistake.