Major Revelations: Finding Your Best Self in Your Humanities Major

One of the hardest decisions a college student will have to make is on their major. Regardless of classification, the pursuit of the perfect major can seem maddening. So when the school had its major fair on September 19^th, I went to hear how the faculty and staff had come to their own decisions. One of the voices I found was that of Ms. Trena Barksdale, who works the director of undergraduate studies in TSU’s College of business. Ms. Barksdale reminisced on previous concerns she had when choosing her major, “The hardest part was making the decision.” From the advice I collected from Ms. Barksdale and others managing booths at the fair, I complied five key questions you should ask yourself when you pick a major.

1.      What do you love?

“If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” My mother used to say this every single time I asked what should I be when I get a job. Everyone I spoke with echoed these same sentiments, but none said them as beautifully as Dr. Kimberly Triplett of the Urban Studies Department, “I would say to the students that they’re passionate about, something that keeps you fueling that keeps you going.”

2.      What might you like?

Most people know what they like, but you should always be open to trying something new. Barksdale says, “When you go to college, you want to experience everything. Anything you can get ahold of, because you find out ‘Hey I really do enjoy this.’” She encourages students to take different electives because you never know what you may find.

3.      What are you good at?

You can love to do something and be total garbage at it. I love reading comic and drawing, but I have no talent for consistency needed to enter that the art department of any comic book company. What I am good at is writing. That’s why I choose English as my major. If you’re really good at writing code, then you may want to consider computer science. If you want to succeed, then you should start with what you can hone. Don’t use your major to complete reinvent yourself. Work with your strengths and those grades will work with you.

4.      What do you want to do with your life?

While in many cases people may end up in a career that seems to have nothing to do with their major, that’s usually a surface issue. For instance, one might think that in order to become a marketing expert they only need to choose a business major. However, on closer inspection, an English major may serve them just as well. Dr. Erik Schmeller defended majors in the Humanities by pointing out, “Most liberal arts majors, history included- English, communications – it’s more about skills as opposed to you can recite who was at the signing of the Declaration.”  Thinking that way, what’s the English major if not constantly making an agreement and attempting to persuade another to think as they do. So, be sure to always think critically about what aspects of a major or majors can best push you towards an end goal.

5.      Are you up for grad school?

The reality of trying to find work in your field also depends a great deal on how far you are willing to take your education. No one is going to become a doctor without going to Medical School. Few English majors will be able to advance in their careers without even higher education. On the other hand, you may be able to pass by as a computer science major with a certification. Take the need for a masters or doctorate to work in that field into consideration as well.

Written by Lynne Barras