"What do you want to be when you grow up?" everyone would ask me. I remember the frustration I felt when I would reply "I don't have a clue!" I am a perfectionist by nature and I felt that I had to attack this decision in an organized fashion. I did not want to jump into something without considering every possible alternative. I felt totally overwhelmed. I wasnt sure how to even begin this process of figuring out what I wanted to do with the rest of my life! I spent hours in the Career Development Center making lists of pros and cons for at least 15 different majors. My problem wasnt finding something I liked - I wanted to do it all! I was interested in everything from medical school, to tourism, to biology, to psychology, to English. In a way, it was nice to know that I had so many options and that I was qualified to do almost anything. However, it was a long process to narrow these interests down. I took two tests at the Career Development Center to help me figure out what area my strengths would work best in and how my personality would fit into specific careers. A counselor helped me interpret these results and recommended something in the medical field. This is what I was leaning towards already, and so these test results gave me confidence that I was heading in the right direction.

From here I decided my next step was talking to academic advisors in 5 or 6 of the fields that I was interested in. They all gave me specific advice about their area and answered my questions about requirements, etc. This was one of the most important steps in my decision making process because the academic advisors were honest about their fields. They even included some negative aspects that I had not considered. After this, I had it narrowed down to occupational therapy or outdoor recreation management. I was getting closer!

What finally helped me make up my mind was when I shadowed several occupational therapists at various places in Bloomington. I had not realized that the field was so diverse, each one of the areas I visited put a little different twist on being an occupational therapist. Seeing the everyday aspects of this career really excited me and I knew thats what I wanted to do. I remember how excited I was when I finally declared my major! I filled out the forms at Maxwell Hall and then yelled, "I finally have a goal! I have a purpose and a reason to be studying!!"

Sometimes it is discouraging if you arent even sure why you are in college, if you dont have a goal or major you are striving for. I feel very confident about the decision I made because it was based on much research and thought. Its funny, I am more positive about college in general, now that I have figured out what I want to be when I grow up!