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I'm not even sure if I made a post like this before, but I'm having so much trouble. I'm a freshman in college (just started a month back). I cry a lot because all my friends (whom I just met) know what they're doing. And 1 friend keeps saying he's known what he wants to do his whole life, and the other 2 did too. 1 says it's a waste of money if I don't know and only STEM careers matter, and that I should know by now. However, I feel like my lack of quality schooling (detroit schools...), and my sheltered home life (never able to go anywhere) didn't expose me to enough so now I'm confused. I even lack basic knowledge of what most things are because of it. I feel stupid because everyone knows.

My major is media. I wanna be an animator for things like vid. games, or television. But I know I'm never confident in my skills, and feel like I never will gain any confidence. Or work somewhere like College Humor- some company like that. So I think I should pick something knowlege based rather than skills/creativity I guess? I don't know. I hate this. It really makes me believe I have no future and I rly hate living already.

Sorry if this is jumbled.

[Sunflower123]

My daughter is a freshman in college and she has shed a few tears herself. She is on an exploratory track because she is not sure what she wants to do. You don't have to know right now. The first two years are usually fulfilling General requirements anyway.

Hang in there. This will be the roughest semester but you'll get the hang of it and you'll gain self esteem. You could always see a career counselor at the college. Good luck and best wishes. Sending big hugs.

Very sorry you are struggling. I can relate to this. I went through a similar, very confusing process during my second year of college where I had no clue what I wanted to do for work or what I should major in. I ended up majoring in Religious Studies, and now I work in digital marketing! LOL. See how that worked out?

Jennifer has a good suggestion -- can you talk to a career counselor or advisor at your school who can help provide specific guidance and help you make some decisions?

I think it's helpful to focus on skills-related classes to build up your confidence in the area of interest, and to also major in the field you think you'll eventually want to work. I wish I had majored in something more practical, like traditional marketing.

Never fear - skills can be developed in time and with proper training. I've learned most of my skills on the job AND with specific education and training.

((((Hugs)))))

[pegasus]

Hi, you said you want to be an animator. That sounds really interesting. I suggest doing what you love or like doing if possible. Talk to the careers advisor, they can head you in the right direction. Good luck.

[eskielover]

I had no idea when I went to junior college what I really wanted to do. Ended up majoring in Music for my AA degree. First 2 years are just general Ed requirements anyway....the perfect time to figure out direction in 2 years when a junior. You can maybe take some STEM classes to fulfill your general classes that way you can see if you are ok with them & take classes you enjoy like your animation classes. ( I took several animation classes way back in 1990 in extension classes at UCLA. really enjoyed them)

I would definitely go to the career counseling office. They have tests to give to find apptitudes & they can also let you know the companies that hire for specific majors. Most colleges have on campus interviews at the time of graduation so the office can definitelybletnyou know current companies that are hiring in different fields.

Some majors actually have intern programs for people in the majors where you get real work experience & college class credit. You can check if the media major you are interested in may have something like that too.

Oh my, you are just starting.....this is not the time when most people even have the foggiest idea of what direction they are going in. SOME do....MOST DON'T. Besides even if they do it doesn't guarantee they will actually like the classes or do well in them when they actually get involved in the classes farther along the major

I changed majors as a junior because music was never going to provide the professional level of work & I found out compared to other performers I would never make it . Changed to Accounting Information a systems with a comp sci minor. Took longer to graduate but came out with a career.....but in media you may find the perfect career. Research wait the school offers. Get involved in any on campus clubs related to the major you want. That way you get to interface & hear other people's experiences.

It will all come together in the long run & it will allnstartntontakenshape & make sense to you. You are just stepping into a huge pond....like you, my parents had no education past high school & had no idea what it was like so I had to figure it all out myself. That is a good experience too, but would seriously look into the career guidance office at this point....no need to spin your wheels any more than is normal coming into college for the first time without much background or coaching or mentoring.....

But you can succeed, just as well if not better than those giving you a bad time......& NO, not a waste of money though I did go to a junior college for the first 2 years in order to complete my general ed cheaper than at the university I ended up at......but take advantage of all the support & guidance your university has to offer that's what it's there for.

Relax & enjoy your experience. You will end up just as successful as those giving you a hard time.