OnlySunshine Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 I have absolutely no idea what I should major in. I thought I wanted to major in biology or another life science and work with wildlife conservation, but I don't really want to major in biology. I am not strong in chemistry and biology majors have to take calculus, physics, chemistry (including organic chemistry, which is EXTREMELY hard). I'm not interested in it anymore. I have changed my major so many times and I cannot settle on anything. The one thing I am interested in would probably put me in debt from student loans and I really don't think it would be a good idea. That would be theology at a Catholic university. I cannot afford that and my grade record is not great either. I am working hard to bring up my GPA, but I have a lot of poor grades from when I was going through some personal issues with depression and couldn't concentrate. I was not dedicated to my school work like I am now. I really am not interested in anything like computer science, engineering, or machinery. Nursing is not attractive anymore, but other healthcare aspects are like nutrition, psychology, etc. How in the world should I figure out what to major in? I need to figure out soon because I am starting the university level next year in the Spring. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emilier98 Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 [quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1303162788' post='2229932'] I have absolutely no idea what I should major in. I thought I wanted to major in biology or another life science and work with wildlife conservation, but I don't really want to major in biology. I am not strong in chemistry and biology majors have to take calculus, physics, chemistry (including organic chemistry, which is EXTREMELY hard). I'm not interested in it anymore. I have changed my major so many times and I cannot settle on anything. The one thing I am interested in would probably put me in debt from student loans and I really don't think it would be a good idea. That would be theology at a Catholic university. I cannot afford that and my grade record is not great either. I am working hard to bring up my GPA, but I have a lot of poor grades from when I was going through some personal issues with depression and couldn't concentrate. I was not dedicated to my school work like I am now. I really am not interested in anything like computer science, engineering, or machinery. Nursing is not attractive anymore, but other healthcare aspects are like nutrition, psychology, etc. How in the world should I figure out what to major in? I need to figure out soon because I am starting the university level next year in the Spring. [/quote] I'm a psychology major and I love it, but I have gone into debt to go to a Catholic university because they teach [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenomenological_psychology"]phenomenological[/url] psychology which takes into account the fullness of what it is to be human. We also learn quantitative research and the [url="http://www.udallas.edu/academics/undergrad/majors/psychology/undergraduate"]program[/url] is amazing and we publish our work and present at conferences (things most undergrads never do). The degree is well worth the debt and I get to learn about something I love and am passionate about. Look for what you love to do anyway, the volunteer work you love to do. If theology is your love, your passion the debt is worth it and if you are meant to become a sister or a nun God will help you take care of the debt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeresaBenedicta Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 Well, one way to go about this is to ask yourself what you plan on [i]doing[/i] with your life, career-wise. Do you want to teach? Work as a psychologist? etc. Also ask yourself... where do you see yourself in the next ten, fifteen, twenty years? Married with children? If so, working? Staying at home? Or in a convent? These sorts of questions can help you A) decide if college is really a good fit or B) what to study. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nihil Obstat Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 I realized a few months before I finished high school that I no longer wanted to take science (specifically I didn't want to take university level physics or do any science labs), so I switched from pure chemistry into finance. Best choice I've made with regards to school so far. I didn't want to be a scientist. I had ideas about going into medicine, but I really didn't want to do medical school; I just wanted to be a doctor. Well whatever. Can't be a doctor if you're not completely dedicated to school. On the other hand, I like learning about business concepts, and it is a career path that aligns closer to my actual interests. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeresaBenedicta Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 [quote name='emilier98' timestamp='1303163330' post='2229934'] I'm a psychology major and I love it, but I have gone into debt to go to a Catholic university because they teach [url="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phenomenological_psychology"]phenomenological[/url] psychology which takes into account the fullness of what it is to be human. We also learn quantitative research and the [url="http://www.udallas.edu/academics/undergrad/majors/psychology/undergraduate"]program[/url] is amazing and we publish our work and present at conferences (things most undergrads never do). The degree is well worth the debt and I get to learn about something I love and am passionate about. Look for what you love to do anyway, the volunteer work you love to do. [b]If theology is your love, your passion the debt is worth it and if you are meant to become a sister or a nun God will help you take care of the debt.[/b] [/quote] Be careful with this. While it is true that God calls those in debt and can and does help them answer that call... We must be prudent about it. If there is [i]any[/i] sense of calling to the religious life, one should focus on that discernment and while doing so, avoid debt as much as possible. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnlySunshine Posted April 18, 2011 Author Share Posted April 18, 2011 (edited) [quote name='TeresaBenedicta' timestamp='1303163416' post='2229935'] Well, one way to go about this is to ask yourself what you plan on [i]doing[/i] with your life, career-wise. Do you want to teach? Work as a psychologist? etc. Also ask yourself... where do you see yourself in the next ten, fifteen, twenty years? Married with children? If so, working? Staying at home? Or in a convent? These sorts of questions can help you A) decide if college is really a good fit or B) what to study. [/quote] I know that I am not cut out for teaching. I have never enjoyed it at all. Psychology is fascinating, but I'm not sure I would want to work as a mental health counselor. I am a little interested in human resources, though. As far as long-term plans, I really hope to enter a convent and become a Sister. I am already in contact with the community I am very much attracted to and I plan to make a visit there the end of the summer if I am able to afford it. My aunt suggested since I was into learning about the Catholic faith that I major in theology, which I have considered before, but the vocation director at the convent said that since I am close to their cut-off age of 30 (I'll be 28 in July), I should consider applying to enter very soon. She suggested that the best time would be to apply after I graduate with my 2-year degree in December this year. The thing is, since I have not made a visit yet and do not know for sure one way or another, I hate to completely throw away my educational plans. I would do it if I was sure that I wanted to enter, but like I said, that is not an option yet. If I did decide to major in theology, and I decided to enter the convent later, I would probably have to apply for loan assistance from Mater Ecclesiae. I am stumped as to if I should do that. I really don't think it's a good idea at all. Edited April 18, 2011 by MaterMisericordiae Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TeresaBenedicta Posted April 18, 2011 Share Posted April 18, 2011 [quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1303164208' post='2229939'] I know that I am not cut out for teaching. I have never enjoyed it at all. Psychology is fascinating, but I'm not sure I would want to work as a mental health counselor. I am a little interested in human resources, though. As far as long-term plans, I really hope to enter a convent and become a Sister. I am already in contact with the community I am very much attracted to and I plan to make a visit there the end of the summer if I am able to afford it. My aunt suggested since I was into learning about the Catholic faith that I major in theology, which I have considered before, but the vocation director at the convent said that since I am close to their cut-off age of 30 (I'll be 28 in July), I should consider applying to enter very soon. She suggested that the best time would be to apply after I graduate with my 2-year degree in December this year. The thing is, since I have not made a visit yet and do not know for sure one way or another, I hate to completely throw away my educational plans. I would do it if I was sure that I wanted to enter, but like I said, that is not an option yet. [b]If I did decide to major in theology, and I decided to enter the convent later, I would probably have to apply for loan assistance from Mater Ecclesiae. I am stumped as to if I should do that. I really don't think it's a good idea at all.[/b] [/quote] I would strongly, strongly discourage this course of action. [i]Mater Ecclesiae[/i] is great, but it shouldn't be used as a go-to plan. What I mean is that the fund is meant to help those who discovered/discerned their vocation [i]after[/i] already being burdened with student debt. I don't think it would be prudent to accrue debt and then bank on loan assistance from them. The great thing about education is that you can always come back and pick up where you left off. I'd suggest visiting that community and discerning further whether you're called there... if you are, you can stop your education and enter. If you're not, you can continue on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnlySunshine Posted April 19, 2011 Author Share Posted April 19, 2011 [quote name='TeresaBenedicta' timestamp='1303164788' post='2229942'] I would strongly, strongly discourage this course of action. [i]Mater Ecclesiae[/i] is great, but it shouldn't be used as a go-to plan. What I mean is that the fund is meant to help those who discovered/discerned their vocation [i]after[/i] already being burdened with student debt. I don't think it would be prudent to accrue debt and then bank on loan assistance from them. The great thing about education is that you can always come back and pick up where you left off. I'd suggest visiting that community and discerning further whether you're called there... if you are, you can stop your education and enter. If you're not, you can continue on. [/quote] Yes, my thoughts exactly. I would hate to have debt anyway, especially that which would prevent me from answering God's call. I could go for an Associate in Science degree in a specific subject so that I would have something to fall back on if needed. I will definitely be praying about this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luigi Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 Two suggestions: 1. Complete some sort of two-year degree. If you're going to a community college, major in General Transfer. It will be the easiest way to rehabilitate your grades, and you should be decently prepared to major in a wide variety of fields should you decide to go on for a bachelor's degree. If you enter the convernt before you go on for a bachelor's, you'll have a general degree under your belt but you won't have gone into debt unnecessarily. And, if you go into religious life, they might want to assign you to a field of study to fill some need in the order. 2. Find a source for career counseling. Almost all colleges have a counseling center or a career center, or something similar. They have standardized 'tests' you can take to figure out what you want to be when you grow up. These 'tests' are just indicators - the answers aren't specific - for instance, the results might say "nursing and allied health" but they won't say "night nurse in the premature nursery." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnlySunshine Posted April 19, 2011 Author Share Posted April 19, 2011 [quote name='Luigi' timestamp='1303186628' post='2230078'] Two suggestions: 1. Complete some sort of two-year degree. If you're going to a community college, major in General Transfer. It will be the easiest way to rehabilitate your grades, and you should be decently prepared to major in a wide variety of fields should you decide to go on for a bachelor's degree. If you enter the convernt before you go on for a bachelor's, you'll have a general degree under your belt but you won't have gone into debt unnecessarily. And, if you go into religious life, they might want to assign you to a field of study to fill some need in the order. 2. Find a source for career counseling. Almost all colleges have a counseling center or a career center, or something similar. They have standardized 'tests' you can take to figure out what you want to be when you grow up. These 'tests' are just indicators - the answers aren't specific - for instance, the results might say "nursing and allied health" but they won't say "night nurse in the premature nursery." [/quote] I am majoring in general studies because you cannot have a specific major for the AA degree. It's only meant to be a stepping stone to the 4-year degree. I am nearly done with my 2-year studies because after this College Algebra course, I'll only have one more math course to complete before I can graduate--which I plan to do in December. I was previously planning to take Calculus because it was required for Biology majors, but since I am no longer planning to major in Biology, I am going to take Elementary Statistics instead. As far as the career assessments, I took a Myers-Briggs test way back in 2002 and registered as an INFP. However, I believe I have since changed to an ISFJ after taking the Humanmetrics test online. Both of them are pretty similar in that I have protector/nurturer/guardian qualities. This is why I thought I would like nursing. I don't know. Maybe I siked myself out by being a CNA and finding that the work was too difficult. Maybe I gave my former supervisor too much credit or power by allowing her to talk me out of nursing, but I just don't feel attracted to that career path anymore. I do plan to spend some time at the academic advisement office this summer and I think I might ask to take the actual Myers-Briggs test again and/or any other career assessment they have so I can get a better idea of what to do. Right now, getting my AA and then an Associate in Science degree in a chosen field seems like the best option since it will not take me as long to complete as the 4-year Bachelor's. I know I can always continue school should religious life not work out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Papist Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 [quote name='Luigi' timestamp='1303186628' post='2230078'] Two suggestions: 1. Complete some sort of two-year degree. If you're going to a community college, major in General Transfer. It will be the easiest way to rehabilitate your grades, and you should be decently prepared to major in a wide variety of fields should you decide to go on for a bachelor's degree. If you enter the convernt before you go on for a bachelor's, you'll have a general degree under your belt but you won't have gone into debt unnecessarily. And, if you go into religious life, they might want to assign you to a field of study to fill some need in the order. 2. Find a source for career counseling. Almost all colleges have a counseling center or a career center, or something similar. They have standardized 'tests' you can take to figure out what you want to be when you grow up. These 'tests' are just indicators - the answers aren't specific - for instance, the results might say "nursing and allied health" but they won't say "night nurse in the premature nursery." [/quote] Good advice. I would add to discuss your situation with the convent you are in contact with. They may shed some light on this you may have not considered. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah147 Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 [quote name='MaterMisericordiae' timestamp='1303164208' post='2229939'] .... As far as long-term plans, I really hope to enter a convent and become a Sister. I am already in contact with the community I am very much attracted to and I plan to make a visit there the end of the summer if I am able to afford it. My aunt suggested since I was into learning about the Catholic faith that I major in theology, which I have considered before, [b]but the vocation director at the convent said that since I am close to their cut-off age of 30 (I'll be 28 in July), I should consider applying to enter very soon.[/b] She suggested that the best time would be to apply after I graduate with my 2-year degree in December this year. The thing is, since I have not made a visit yet and do not know for sure one way or another, I hate to completely throw away my educational plans. I would do it if I was sure that I wanted to enter, but like I said, that is not an option yet. .... [/quote] That very much concerns me, as Cherie encouraged me that they might wait if I need more time before entering. But, according to what you say, the VD sounds very exacting about the cut-off... :confused: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OnlySunshine Posted April 19, 2011 Author Share Posted April 19, 2011 [quote name='JoyfulLife' timestamp='1303239086' post='2230248'] That very much concerns me, as Cherie encouraged me that they might wait if I need more time before entering. But, according to what you say, the VD sounds very exacting about the cut-off... :confused: [/quote] I was rather shocked when she even mentioned applying because I hadn't even visited yet, but she is correct that I need to be careful and make the right decision if I feel God is calling me. She brought up a very important point that you only have a limited time to enter their order, but if it doesn't work out, you have a long time to finish your education. It just worries me to stop going to school simply because I MIGHT enter. I don't want to rush into any plans because I was so heartbroken the last time I got my hopes up. I thought for sure God was calling me to that place but it turned out I was seriously mistaken. I think it was more about MY plans than His. I'm being careful not to do that again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cherie Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 JoyfulLife, they may have become more stringent about their entrance age cutoff since I was there. It would be worth checking with the VD about that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sarah147 Posted April 19, 2011 Share Posted April 19, 2011 (edited) [quote name='CherieMadame' timestamp='1303241459' post='2230267'] JoyfulLife, they may have become more stringent about their entrance age cutoff since I was there. It would be worth checking with the VD about that! [/quote] Oh boy... That will make things difficult... On the bright side, I'm sure grateful that I'm within the accepted age range! Does "cut-off of 30" mean you can enter AT 30, but must be before you hit 31, or does it mean it must be before you hit 30? Edited April 19, 2011 by JoyfulLife Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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