Adventures of Jin & Friends

Q:Hi Jin! I am a big fan of you and your friends and I wanted to ask you guys a question. How did you guys know what you wanted to take up in college? Most of my friends already have a course in mind but for me I still don't have. I'm already second year and most of the people I know already know what they will take up. They told me i should take up what I want but I'm scared that my parents might be against it. Hope to here from you soon. Please help me. Thanks:)

Hello! Here are some things you can ask yourself:

1. Do you have a dream job? Your choice should be one that would lead you to the path of your ideal career.

2. Is there something you’re considered particularly skilled at? Maybe you can consider something related to that so that you can utilize your strengths.

3. What are you passionate about? Is there something that excites you so much you’d put off sleeping because you were researching about it just for fun? Is there an area of interest that you know an inordinate amount of trivia about?

(Related to No. 3 — I know it’s fun to stay up and look at random things on Tumblr but I must stress on how important it is for us to also take some time to immerse ourselves on substantial, relevant things that will be beneficial to us in the future. Teach yourself some skills. Read about the history behind your interests. Learn the biographies of people you look up to. It can really shape the outcome of our own work.)

You absolutely should take up what you want! Your decision will determine the place where you will be pouring your efforts for the next four years or so, and will affect the people you meet and the kind of work you will get into later on. So it ought to be for a course you would be willing to give your whole heart to.

You don’t know yet if your parents won’t be supportive. As early as now, it would be nice if you could talk to them about it.

At first, my parents were against me taking an art course. They were just trying to be practical, and doing their best to look out for me based on what they knew. But I fought for what I wanted. Eventually, I proved to them that they didn’t need to worry about me. I managed this by working hard and doing well, and so I earned their support. (And now sometimes they act so proud of me that I get embarrassed. Hahah)

If they have doubts about what you have in mind, you can discuss them as early as now. Maybe they can get you into some training programs or internships so you can be better prepared and get a feel of that field of work. Find opportunities to prove to them that you can do it.

Sorry if some parts of this are kind of vague! I’m not sure what course you’re considering so I’m unable to be more specific. I hope this helps you, and any others who might be struggling with the same problem!

A little something to remember: It’s okay to switch to a different course if you realize what you really want while you’re already in college. Some people even end up taking a second degree. It’s normal and completely okay. :)