Starting college is filled with firsts for many incoming freshmen. First time living away from family, first time calling a teacher “Professor” instead of another title, first time doing laundry without a mother or father double checking the load. But for more than some, it is the first time thinking, “What career is most suitable for me?”
It is far from uncommon for college freshmen to enter into their school with their major undeclared. High school can be a complete mess of different classes that are designated by a school official and not chosen by the students themselves. In this case, it is difficult to familiarize oneself with something that they are interested in.
Longwood has designed specific classes and sessions made especially for those students who come in with open or confused minds. Every freshman is required to take a class called Longwood Seminar, more commonly referred to as LSEM. Students are chosen for this class based on their major that they have declared at orientation; however, there are numerous LSEM classes that are created for undeclared folks.
Some advice: Longwood offers dozens of majors with numerous concentrations and even more minors, so explore your options. If you have always wanted to try out your creative side, try taking an art class or a creative writing class. Majors are also added almost every year, and new students are always welcome in the programs.
While taking your general education classes, see if there is anything related to those classes that strike your interest. Perhaps you may want to pursue some- thing related to science or history because you love dealing with chemicals or learning about the past thrills you.
Getting involved is very important as well with so many opportunities offered on campus as far as campus jobs, internships, study abroad programs and sports teams.
There are also many extracurricular activities offered during the school year that allow students to explore different paths while meeting new people and making connections at the same time.
One of the most important things you can do as an upcoming freshman, though, would be to talk to your advisor; they are available to help discover some new interests and possible careers that could arise out of those interests.
It helps to also talk with your advisor on the many opportunities that can come from certain majors. Every major may seem black and white, but there is a vast amount of careers that can come out of having even the simplest of majors or minors.
There is a place for everyone at Longwood, as well as a major for everyone. It is okay to be undecided coming in as a freshman. There is no rush in choosing what interests you or what you would want to do when you grow up, as the saying goes.
Majors are not required to be declared until the end of a student’s sophomore year. Take those four semesters and look at them as an opportunity to explore what Longwood has to offer.
Do not feel pressured to declare a major; instead, take time to look into each one and decide if it is the right place for you.
