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How do you know what you doing in college is for yourself and not for the ones around you?

I am going to college to major in biology to eventually get my doctorate in veterinary medicine, during this time I will be running track. If anyone has advice to help know if it's what I want or just for the people around me.

college spring26 biology veterinarian veterinary
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LaTausha’s Answer

If you are looking at course selections or sit in those lectures and feel completely unmotivated and disinterested, you're probably doing it for others rather than yourself. If you more concerned about disappointing others rather than yourself, you're going for others. If you are just saying what you think other people want to hear because it sounds "successful" , you're doing it for others.

You should feel inspired to challenge yourself while you explore the field of biology and vet medicine. Biology is a tough major but there will be some classes that ignite a fire to keep you motivated. You should also shadow several vets to see the work environment and find a mentor. Pre-med/ vet/ dental tracks are a educational commitment and having someone in the field can help keep you encouraged.
And it's ok to change your mind along the way if you discover that it's not really your thing.
Good luck
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Michael’s Answer

Thank you, Maximus, for such an interesting question. When I graduated from vet school, I had spent 4 years of college, a year studying abroad, and 4 years of graduate school, which totaled to be almost a decade long. My sense was that this was a sacrifice because I had not had enough time, nor taken the time, to stay in touch with family as well as what I would have wanted. My family was spread out over 2 continents (USA and Europe) and it would have required funds and time to visit them, but both were often in limited supply. I am still measuring the impact of being so single-mindedly focused on my school work back then in terms of who I am and what my place is in my family today. On the other hand, this single-mindedness allowed me to make the most of my time getting a higher degree which is paying off in my professional life, especially since I enjoy what I do - while it pays the bills. Does this bit of background qualify me to answer your question? You will be the judge of that! If you are talking about parents who may want you to do one thing or another, parents will have the role of guiding you in life so it is normal that they have some say. Some individuals may strive for a certain career in order to assure the livelihood of a sibling, or elderly parent, or even their own young children. Now, your studies may or may not 'pay off' exactly, so it is wise to also think of your studies as something you might do for its own sake. For its own sake really means you do them for yourself. Who your family is will not be static as you grow older; on the contrary, it will evolve. Where your family is will evolve over time. I think being aware of this constant flux allows you to do your studies better because you can always think of yourself more as being in relation to the people you know, love, and want to be with. Your studies can constitute a grounding force, ideally an inner compass. My advice is to see it like that: Your own you is not the destination; rather, building the you allows you in the long run to better approach the others you may have well been, at some point, in conflict with. Veterinarians are very good at working with patients who can't tell them what they feel or what they think may be wrong with them. One has to be pretty good, no, one has to be pretty good at developing skills in the quiet, the interior monologue, the figuring it by yourself. If that speaks to you, then you are on the right track. But a domestic animal always has an owner or a keeper whom you will have to communicate with and communicate to about whatever disease affects their animal. Happy clients in a private clinic setting, happy stakeholders in a public health veterinary position, that may not be the finality of your profession, but it is integral to your success and your continual well-being.
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