Choosing a college major is often considered a defining moment in one’s life. When making that choice, people tend to find themselves being influenced by the common narrative of “following your dreams.” While this is said with good intentions, I find this approach to be rather limiting, as it implies that we should dedicate our time and energy to a single path or destination.

As someone with multiple interests, I believe being educated in a wide range of subjects is really valuable; therefore, this idea of choosing one particular area or field of interest to pursue seems like it limits the ways in which we can grow as individuals.

Following my dreams, pursuing them throughout my life and never exploring anything else with the expectation that I’m satisfied just doesn’t seem fulfilling.

Realistically, it builds pressure: pressure to stick to one area of interest, improve in only that area and feel satisfied with just that. It creates the idea that we’re defined by only that and that we aren’t capable of having success outside of that area.

As I begin considering what I’d like to do after high school, I’ve realized that many people choose a major based on security, pay or out of interest, but as someone with multiple interests, this path can feel restricting. The way I’ve approached this is by considering how my skills can complement my interests, so I don’t feel like I’m leaving anything important behind.

Choosing a college major should be about balancing your skills and interests – not about choosing one over the other, but finding a balance between them and not letting either define you. Don’t let yourself be completely defined by one field or area of interest. Be open to opportunities, and to wherever your skills might take you.

Even in high school, we often let ourselves be defined by one specific area of skill or interest. But my goal is to look back and feel satisfied, knowing I chose a path that reflects both my skills and my interests.