5 Appeasing Things You Should Know Before Going to a University

Especially if you have no idea which major to take.

I heard someone crying in the bathroom.

It was me when I was frustrated about what to major in three years ago.

Like the majority of students, I chose to go to university. There was no grand reason. It was just because it seemed like the right thing to do after high school, considering that I had zero plans about the future.

University wasn’t terrible, but I wished someone had told me about their stories and not just “Choose what you like!”

1. You don’t have to go to university.

If you think that university isn’t for you, then don’t go to one.

When you go to one only because everyone is doing it, you’re hindering yourself from finding or doing what you really want.

Oh, you want to paint now? Here’s a bible-thick assignment for you to do due tomorrow. You’re welcome.

2. Choosing a major isn’t a permanent contract with a specific industry.

Before going into university, you’d think that if you choose the wrong major, that’s the end of your life.

You feel that pressure because it seems that if you sign up for a journalism major, you must get a job in the journalism field after you graduate, and you can’t jump into another industry if you don’t get one.

But many things in each industry are actually connected. Even if they’re not, as long as you‘re willing to work, that’s a good enough reason for people to want you or for you to build something.

That’s why you see architects running a restaurant or accountants as a writer.

3. It is just a peek at your potential career of choice

No one knows what they’re going to be the rest of their lives at 18. We’d all be soothsayers if we can.

Don’t treat university as a life-changing moment. Treat going to university as an introduction to your potential career.

If it turns out you don’t like it, you can always leave.

4. You won’t learn much in terms of studies.

I major in hospitality management. I thought that I would be learning something that would blow my mind about hotels — they use cleaning fairies when no one’s looking.

But most of the time, the things I learn are just common knowledge. Customer service? Be empathic, knowledgeable, etc. Chefs? Be hygienic, follow the recipes, etc.

Nothing you can’t learn on your own. So, chill, it doesn’t really matter.

5. It is more about honing your soft skills.

You’ll learn more about how to handle various people, and if you’re lucky, you’ll have group work for every subject, like me.

Most people dislike teamwork. Professors don’t seem to understand that some teamwork would never work.

But being forced into doing teamwork with different kinds of people regularly hone your soft skills really quickly.

I was a leader that everyone would hate. I told my members what to do, and when they’re lacking, I redid everything all by myself. Selfish, I know.

After two years, I learned to stop pursuing perfection when doing group work. I learned to give my members a chance to grow by explaining any misunderstandings, what they’re lacking, what can be improved, and I even ask for feedback about myself.

Extra — We’re all sick of our majors when we reach the third and fourth years anyway.

Proof?

• Brad Pitt dropped out two weeks before graduation.
• Russel Simmons dropped out when he was about to finish his degree.
• My sister wanted to quit right before her dissertation.
• I’m sick of mine now and I’m in my third year.

Final Thoughts

Going to a university may seem like a big deal now. But once you’re done with it, there won’t be any police to bring you to jail if you can’t answer what major you took.

So don’t worry. It’s just a piece of paper.

Choose whatever you feel right at the moment and if your interest change along the way, then so be it.

What matters is that you keep on growing to be your better self.

Read me!