Everyone has goals for their life, some people are just more ambitious than others. Others may not have set "GOALS" written on a marker board, but everyone has some idea for what they would like to do. It's a good trick to find out what your talents are, and try to concentrate your studies in that area. Sometimes teenagers are so pressured with stylish clothes and attending the next party that they never have the time to discover their talents. (If only, if only... stylish clothes and party coordinators were our world's leaders!)
Quite a few things can get in the way of one's hopes during high school, from poor grades, sports injuries, lack of focus, family/parent problems, sicknesses, or for some, a lovelife that needs mending. It is important to prioritize: I know this is available in virtually any high school or teenage magazine, but I say it myself because I know that some prefer to listen to one of their fellow peers rather than a 40 or 50 year old writer.
In addition, I believe God has given us our talents, whether it's singing, working at Quizno's, business management, or marine biology, and if you ask Him too, He will graciously unveil these gifts to you. (I've found I have several!)
I also criticize people who enter college 'undecided'; I feel that if you don't know what you want to do by age 18, then you've wasted a lot of time somewhere, or waited until November your senior year to think about any college plans. (Either way, not a good thing, but you can recover this.) I understand that some may immediately present an argument that college is another level and people may decide to back out of one area and enter another; nevertheless, rarely does someone who was going to major in mathematics change to art or theatre, or vice versa.
In the same way, things to consider when thinking about life after high school:
-Am I leaving my friends? Is that what I want to do?
-Am I leaving my family? Is that what I want to do?
-Does the mission of this school/job reflect my faith?
-Am I perhaps too "married" to my top college, & not pursing all options?
-Does this school offer my club interests and athletic interests?
-Can I handle life with a roommate of another religion/different values?
-Do I want to get married during or shortly after college?
-How do I fit in with the 'typical' student at this school?
-What's the area there like? High crime? Weather? Different atmosphere?
-What am I going to use my college major to do after college?
I know that my freshman year of high school, I thought my senior year would be so far away. Now it's here. I wouldn't make that mistake again of not thinking that the end would ever come. It's important to look at college as a block, but also the time slot after your graduation, and know what you want to do with your degree.
****Just some things to think about, things that were on my mind as I get about 10 college mail pieces every day, and many of them just go into a big box where they are covered up the next day. Also, I'm aware it's summertime, but I would be the person who might think of academic things during the summer when everyone else is zoned out. If I helped you, let me know!
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I disagree. While I had a good idea of what I wanted to do with my life in high school, some people really don't know. Or they have multiple interests and can't decide on one. I don't think it's bad to go in not knowing what to do, or just trying out something interesting. After all, those can be the times when you learn most about yourself, rather than thinking you know everything.
I know my plans changed drastically in the last couple months. I knew what I wanted to do, but didn't do enough to get it. So, I had to reevaluate, and I've learned a lot about myself in that time. I wouldn't change things now for anything.
~C
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College is a perfect time to decide what you want to do with the rest of your life. You learn a lot about yourself and your talents when you're relying more on yourself and meeting new people, and learning new things. Many people change their majors after they start college, so why have a heart attack over not making the decision. I knew exactly what I wanted to do when I started college, but I often think I picked the wrong major, even though I throughly enjoy it. I learned more about other majors that may have suited my career choice better. Besides, some people do not know what career they want after college graduation, and some people make drastic career choices after being in the work force for a while.
http://www.progressiveu.org/blog/tricia0711
I think entering college as an "undecided" major is just fine. Students in that situation should take a variety of general classes, and that can help them figure out what they click with. I don't think it's such a great idea to continue "undecidedness" past freshman year, though.