Undecided

“WHAT course are you taking?” asks another one of your curious and well-meaning relatives during an ordinary family gathering. Several heads turn towards your conversation, people clearly interested in knowing your answer. Your nerves go haywire. You feel yourself shrivel under their concerned gazes. You look around nervously and wonder, “what am I supposed to say?” knowing fully well that you’d rather just disappear at that very moment.

It’s that question. That one question that the undecided high school graduate dreads the most. Your career becomes the favorite conversation topic, like a lechon served at a buffet ready for everyone to tear into. Everyone wants to weigh in to give their opinions and some pieces of advice.

Not too long ago, I was in the exact same spot. I still remember when people would ask the question I am desperately trying to answer myself. I could not seem to escape it. It followed—er haunted me everywhere. In my struggle, I started to delay facing it. I avoided confronting it because it just seemed like another can of worms I would rather leave sealed. This, of course did not solve anything. It just pressured me further, seeing that most of my classmates have it all figured out. They had a response ready for anyone who asked them about it. I never felt so lost in my life. I felt as if I were on a boat in the middle of the ocean, stranded and helpless.

Making important life decisions can be difficult and confusing. We should not be ashamed in admitting that at some point we were overwhelmed by it all. After going through such a nerve-wracking experience myself, I definitely gained some wisdom from it. Here are five things I wish I knew while choosing a career path:

1. Take it one step at a time

You do not have to make all your decisions in one day. Decisions such as these take time. Do not delay too much, but do not make hasty decisions as well. Give yourself ample time to consider what you think is best. I found it helpful to set a schedule for myself. Breathe, even little progress is progress.

2. Do some research

Make use of the wide range of information provided by the Internet. Check the official websites of prospective universities. Most importantly, do not hesitate to ask some students, graduates, or professionals who studied the course/s you are interested in. In my experience, they can provide answers that cannot be found on the Internet

3. Narrow down your options

If you are very undecided, go from general to specific to avoid getting more lost. Make categories as you eliminate and consider your options. The K-12 strand and track system can be your guide in making your first decision. Eliminate and speculate until you find what you’re looking for.

4. Prioritize your top three factors

My top three factors were interest, job availability, and skills. The course I chose was in line with these three factors. There may be thousands of things to take into consideration, but it would be very difficult to make a decision in doing so. Try limiting it to three of the most important ones.

5. Listen to yourself

Everyone will have something to say about your college plans. Don’t get me wrong - most of them have your best interests at heart and are genuinely concerned for you. Take note of their advice, but remember that it is ultimately your decision and your journey.

6. It’s not the end of the world

Everyone makes this whole career path decision seem like it is the biggest deal ever. Of course, it is a big deal but it is also not the end of the world if you realize that you did not choose the most well-suited course for you. In the end there is no right or wrong, and life simply goes on.

9-year old me used to think that Troy Bolton was overreacting in the song “Scream” during High School Musical 3: Senior Year. Upon re-watching the movie, I realized that he was in no way overreacting. I can totally understand where he is coming from. My stress levels were over the moon trying to find the best path to take for college. Shout-out to every undecided teen out there! Remember that even the great Troy Bolton was one of us. You are not alone, you will find your path, and things will work out if you are willing to make it work.

Breathe, you will get there.