If You Love It, The Money (and Grades) Will Come

I may be developing an ulcer. I don't think it has reached supreme, bleeding status just yet, but my stomach definitely hurts. It hurts every time a student comes in to my office and says, "just tell me what to major in so that I can graduate quickly and earn a lot of money when I get out of school." There are a few misguided ideas in this statement, so let's ponder them carefully:
1). I (the advisor) should NEVER tell you (the student) what your major should be. I know I've talked a lot about taking ownership of your education...doesn't it strike you as a good idea to begin taking ownership with the most important decision you can make as a college student (deciding on a major)? I have never understood why someone would allow another human being to take that choice away from them. Maybe you don't know all of your options...but you have a handy advisor there to walk you through this process...use them!
2). I understand (probably more than you know) how stressful it is to try to fund even four year's worth of college. Graduating in a timely manner can be important to your bank account. But don't look at the time you're spending in school as time that has to be "survived". The more you treat your classes as a chore to "get through" the less you will actually learn(hint: classes are not the vegetables of the college meal, any more than graduation is the dessert). Real, intuitive, functioning learning only occurs when you apply yourself to the material at hand. When you apply the things you are getting in the classroom to the things you experienced in your life previously, and to all new experiences, then (and only then) can you truly say you KNOW something.
3). For years now, we've been telling our students that they need to earn high-paying jobs right out of college (usually to pay back their student loans). Your parents put pressure on you to major in something "practical" because they've gone through hard times themselves (and really, it's NEVER fun to live in a tiny, cockroach-infested apartment, only eating Ramen Noodles and Kool-Aid) and they want better for their children than they had themselves. Of course, when you do what your parents want, you get terrible grades and then your parents get even more upset ("You're a smart kid!" they scream, "you're capable of better than this!") Sound familiar? And the problem is, they're right. You are capable of doing better. You just have to change your thinking. Here's how:

1). Realize that this is the best time of your life (not the worst). When you switch to an Undeclared major (or Undecided, depending on the school), you actually have the option of changing to every single major that your school offers! Every door is open to you. The only one who can officially tell you "no" (until you apply) is YOU. Do you have any idea how much power that gives you? You are only limited by your likes and dislikes, your passions, interests and curiosity.
2). Start paying attention to those likes and dislikes...then write them down! Do you hate math? Write it down. Do you feel a compelling urge to work with farm animals? Write it down. Think about the things that you love to do on a daily basis (talking to people, playing soccer, etc.)
3). Find your passion. If at all possible, your major (and any future careers) should be tied to something that you love to do. Take a minute and watch people as they go about their days...you can tell the ones who really love their jobs, can't you? Loving your job is the ultimate goal (not money, not parental approval). Because, at the end of the day, the biggest satisfaction you can have is the fact that you LOVE waking up each morning to go to work. There is a job out there that you are uniquely suited for and when you find it, you will be extraordinary at it (thus leading to happiness, more money, and parental approval). The other big secret is that when you are studying something you love, you are far more likely to pay attention in class and get good grades (again, earning the parental approval).
4). Research, research, research, research! Yes, I am a nerd. I believe in getting as much information together as possible before I go anywhere or do anything. But if you're going to commit to a major, shouldn't you learn as much about it as you can? What kind of classes will you be taking? What jobs could you get with that major? When you're looking at the classes, do they actually look interesting (or would you rather be eaten alive by red ants than take all of those classes)?
5). Gather all information and meet up with your advisor. You now probably know more about yourself than the average 18-19 year old so you are uniquely suited to work with your advisor on the selection of a major that best fits YOU.
6). When in doubt, think "outside the box." Maybe your interests and passions don't fit into the conventional mold. That's ok too. Remember that there are a lot of people (very, very successful people) who have created positions for themselves when they didn't fit in. Check out the incredible PBS series Roadtrip Nation (and accompanying books) for interviews with people who have forged their own path. Read the always delightful Anthony Bourdain (who likes travel and likes to eat. He combined the two and an Emmy nominated series was born).

No matter what you do, start taking part in the journey of your education.