2 answers
Catherine
Student
Mountlake Terrace, Washington
1
Question
Updated
138 views
What was the moment that made you decide that was the major for you?
Going to UW Bothell
Undecided major
Still doesn't know what major to choose
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2 answers
Kelly Donnellan
Associate Professor
27
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Hi Catherine,
This is a great question and honestly, a lot of people expect there to be one big moment where everything clicks.
For me, it didn’t happen that way. I actually started in a completely different field (physical therapy) before finding my way into film.
It wasn’t one big decision, it was a series of experiences where I started to notice what I was drawn to and what I enjoyed.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO KNOW RIGHT AWAY Being undecided is not a problem, it’s actually an opportunity.
This is your chance to:
- Keep an open mind
- Try things you’ve never considered before
- “Paint outside the lines”
TRY CLASSES THAT SPARK CURIOSITY
Look at course titles and descriptions and ask:
“Does this sound interesting?”
It might be something you never expected, like:
- A class on horror and the uncanny
- Podcasting
- Technology and education
- Something completely random that just catches your attention
Sometimes the class you didn’t plan for ends up being the one that really clicks with you.
FOLLOW WHAT EXCITES YOU
It’s easy to start thinking:
“Can I make money from this?”
“Is this practical?”
Those are valid questions, but don’t let them be the only thing guiding you right now. Ask yourself:
- What actually excites me?
- What makes me want to show up and engage?
- What makes me lose track of time because I’m so into it?
When you find something that gives you that feeling like, “this is it, this is the one”, that’s worth paying attention to.
IT’S OKAY TO CHANGE YOUR MIND
A lot of people don’t get it right on the first try. You’re not locking yourself into one path forever, you’re learning what fits and what doesn’t.
FINAL THOUGHT
You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Stay open, try things, and pay attention to what genuinely interests you.
That’s how you find your direction, and eventually, your passion.
This is a great question and honestly, a lot of people expect there to be one big moment where everything clicks.
For me, it didn’t happen that way. I actually started in a completely different field (physical therapy) before finding my way into film.
It wasn’t one big decision, it was a series of experiences where I started to notice what I was drawn to and what I enjoyed.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO KNOW RIGHT AWAY Being undecided is not a problem, it’s actually an opportunity.
This is your chance to:
- Keep an open mind
- Try things you’ve never considered before
- “Paint outside the lines”
TRY CLASSES THAT SPARK CURIOSITY
Look at course titles and descriptions and ask:
“Does this sound interesting?”
It might be something you never expected, like:
- A class on horror and the uncanny
- Podcasting
- Technology and education
- Something completely random that just catches your attention
Sometimes the class you didn’t plan for ends up being the one that really clicks with you.
FOLLOW WHAT EXCITES YOU
It’s easy to start thinking:
“Can I make money from this?”
“Is this practical?”
Those are valid questions, but don’t let them be the only thing guiding you right now. Ask yourself:
- What actually excites me?
- What makes me want to show up and engage?
- What makes me lose track of time because I’m so into it?
When you find something that gives you that feeling like, “this is it, this is the one”, that’s worth paying attention to.
IT’S OKAY TO CHANGE YOUR MIND
A lot of people don’t get it right on the first try. You’re not locking yourself into one path forever, you’re learning what fits and what doesn’t.
FINAL THOUGHT
You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Stay open, try things, and pay attention to what genuinely interests you.
That’s how you find your direction, and eventually, your passion.
Amanda Rurak
Social impact
10
Answers
Portland, Maine
Updated
Amanda’s Answer
When thinking about what major it is important to think about what interests you, what lights you up, what energizes you so that you can maintain dedication. It is good to think about longevity as well. You might be interested in one thing now, but it would be helpful to think about what can come from the major after you graduate. It would be great to talk to the career counselor about potential professions post graduation for those from majors in which you are interested. But also, your major will not define you. You can go to law school after graduation and not have taken one law class in undergrad. Don't put too much pressure on yourself.