Parents, you’ve been responsible for your child their whole life. You’ve nurtured, guided, corrected, and modeled your values. You want the best for them, especially now that they’re nearly ready to fly your nest and spread their own wings. Their education and choice of career is important to you. Seeing them head off to college is a source of pride, but it can also make you feel a bit anxious. They’ll be on their own, probably for the first time. You won’t be there to get them out of bed, tell them it’s time for class, make sure they eat properly, and remind them of assignments. And if your student hasn’t yet decided what they want to study, this anxiety can be magnified. You might be tempted to think, “They’re just going to drift,” or “They’re not focused on their future.”
We’re here to help you be a bit comfortable with uncertainty. There are actually good reasons why not declaring a major right away can be beneficial. So, embrace the unknown! Here are a few things that may bring you some peace:
- Exploration Leads to Passion
Students who enter college with an undeclared major have a bit more freedom to explore areas before committing to just one (or two). Maybe your daughter loves physics, but she’s also an athlete and is interested in helping others improve their performance. After taking some elective courses, she might decide to be a mechanical engineer, but she might also decide physical therapy is a better fit for her. Exploring interests is a crucial part of her development and will help her discover what she’s truly passionate about. We’ve all heard stories of someone who rushed to declare a major and later regretted it but felt stuck in a career. By taking diverse courses (including general education courses) your student will help hone their interests and discover strengths they didn’t know they had. This exploration can lead to a more informed and fulfilling decision when it is time to declare a major.
- Reduced Pressure and Anxiety
Going to college is a big step with lots of unknowns and lots of stress. The additional pressure to choose a major right away can push a student to feel overwhelmed. And feeling overwhelmed causes many young adults to shut down. Your student already knows that choosing a major is a significant decision, one that impacts their future career and their personal fulfillment. By encouraging him to take time to explore his options you will help alleviate some of this pressure. You want your child to get a great education, but you probably also want them to have an enjoyable college experience with time to relax and have fun with new friends. When students are comfortable, their stress level is reduced. Reduced stress means increased academic performance and an enhanced sense of well being.
- A Well-Rounded Skill Set
Students who are undecided often take courses across a range of disciplines, especially at liberal arts universities like NNU. Choosing a liberal arts university means your student will be exposed to history, literature, the arts and sciences, Bible, sociology, philosophy and more. This diverse range of courses broadens their knowledge base and skill set, making them more adaptable and versatile in the job market. Employers increasingly value graduates who can think critically, communicate effectively, and solve problems creatively. These skills are taught and absorbed through the study of many disciplines, no matter what your student eventually chooses.
- Flexibility in Career Choices
The rapid pace of change, especially in technology, means the job market is constantly evolving. Many careers of the future do not yet exist. Say your son has always been interested in coding and has dabbled a bit with AI. By remaining undecided for a while, he can stay flexible and open to emerging opportunities. He can also better understand how different fields intersect and might lead to innovative career paths. This flexibility can be a significant advantage in a rapidly changing world.
- Personal Growth and Self-Discovery
College and university is not just about academics, it should be a holistic time of discovery. Young adults are still growing, their brains are still developing, and they are separating from their parents as preparation for their future lives. Students who haven’t yet decided on a major can invest deeply in the maturing process. They can join clubs or social groups, meet people from differing backgrounds, and participate in seminars and workshops. All of this can help your student discover who they are meant to be without the pressures of a major course of study right away. This process can lead to a more confident and self-assured individual. Of course, there will come a time when they must make a decision, but in general, students will come to that on their own.
So what can you do as parents?
What you’ve always done! Be there for them! Your support and understanding makes a significant difference in your child’s college experience. Encourage your student to explore their interests, reassure them that it’s okay to be undecided, and remind them that many successful professionals took time to find their true calling.
An unknown major is not a setback; it’s an opportunity. It does require something of you though. You must trust the process and trust your child as they discover their own path to a fulfilling and successful career. This is difficult for most parents, but the rewards of seeing your child pursuing their chosen field is well worth the discomfort of the unknown.
