Deciding On A Major And Career Choice

Most people are easily frustrated by something “mind-boggling” take a Rubik’s Cube for instance. Some people become so aggravated with it that they remove the stickers and put it back together again. However, with time and patience, a few are able to “weave their way through the cobwebs” and solve the Rubik’s Cube. I call these people “problem solvers.”

I relate deciding on a major and a career choice as another “mind-boggling” experience. A majority of students in all colleges are uncertain of their major, and also a career. Choosing a major and thinking about a career is very stressful. Some students know exactly their major and career ambitions, but the majority of students do not. It is common that students in college change their major at least once in college; and many change their major several times over the course of their college career. Fortunately, I am a student at St. John’s University who knows exactly what I want to do.

During my earlier years in grammar school, Math was “impossible” to me. I recall asking my father to help me with my multiplication and division tables. I hated Math, and I thought I would never understand it, but I kept trying. Much to my surprise, I was not only able to comprehend these tables but to do them on my own. I was proud that I had mastered multiplication and division, and I couldn’t help but wonder, “Is this the only thing I can figure out, or is there more?”

Ever since then, I have a profound love for Math. Now, I don’t have to fret over multiplication and division, its derivatives and anti-derivatives which are the focus of my concern. My interest in Math has evolved from my ability to solve these complex equations.

At a young age, I was very inquisitive. I would ask, “Daddy, Why is the sky blue?” But, I wouldn’t accept an answer like “to match your blue eyes.” Some children did, and went on their merry way. As for me, I wanted a REAL answer. I have always sought a rational explanation, even as a young girl. My parents were able to answer most, if not, all of my questions as a young child. But as I grew older, the questions became more difficult, and their response became, “Look it up!”

My fervor for learning and persistence to find a correct answer has continued throughout my life. Now, I consider myself a “quasi-perfectionist” because I’m not satisfied with simple explanations to complex problems. This attitude has led me to an overwhelming adoration of Math. I receive great satisfaction and a feeling of achievement when I solve a problem and understand how it works.

Deciding on a major is a journey, so it is important to spend some time thinking about it before making a decision. It is a journey in which you examine your abilities. I found my strengths and weaknesses and came to the decision of becoming an accountant due to my math skills. My goal was to narrow down my focus from all possible majors to a few that I can explore in greater depth.