The Super-Hero Major

*Captain America, my favorite super-hero*

Abraham Erskine: Yeah, but…there were other…effects. The serum was not ready. But more important, the man. The serum amplifies everything that is inside, so good becomes great; bad becomes worse. This is why you were chosen. Because the strong man who has known power all his life, may lose respect for that power, but a weak man knows the value of strength, and knows… compassion.

Steve Rogers (a.k.a. Captain America): Thanks. I think.

Abraham Erskine: [Gesturing toward the wine] Get it, get it. Whatever happens tomorrow, you must promise me one thing. That you will stay who you are, not a perfect soldier, but a good man.

—

If I had a penny for how many times I have been asked “What’s your major?”, I’d be so rich I could buy a million posters of Captain America. It’s the most frequently asked question of college students and if you’re someone like me who is still trying to figure out where your interests and talents lie, let alone what career you’d like to have, not only does this question seem daunting, but it’s somewhat limiting. Or at least it feels that way to me because I have this preconceived notion of what a major must mean.

In my mind, when I say my potential major people are sizing me up based on a stereotype — government majors are power-hungry, business majors just want money, English majors are delusional and won’t find a job, and psychology and education majors aren’t that bright. Now of course, NONE of those stereotypes are true, and I know that because I know whole groups of people who bash each one of those stereotypes and yet…I find myself thinking that ridiculous thought.

And then I inevitably panic because I think that declaring a major will mean I cannot take classes in any other area, must solely focus on that major, and that I’m stuck doing something related to that major for the rest of my life. Another lie.

The reality is that one’s major doesn’t determine one’s entire future and by no means determines your holiness. People can and should change and grow throughout their lives and use their gifts and there are as many paths to holiness as there are saints (which is a whole lot, because we’re all called to be saints after all). Take my mom for instance who graduated from college with an accounting degree, then became a successful lawyer after realizing she disliked being an accountant, then decided she wanted to be a stay-at-home mom, and now is in school to become a psychologist. I’m not saying that you should just pick a major right away and be done with the whole business or that you should remain on the sidelines and avoid the process. Merely, I’m reminding myself be patient, trusting, and approach the whole process with 1) prayer, 2) reflection, and 3) a super-hero-in-training mentality.

First, in regard to prayer, I love this quote from Jeremiah 29: 11-14:

For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope. When you call me, when you go to pray for me, I will listen to you. When you look for me you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, you will find me with you, says the Lord, and I will change your lot

This passage gives me a lot of hope as I consider (1st) how blessed I am to even have the dilemma of deciding between careers and the freedom to do so, but also (2nd) that God has a plan much greater and more mysterious than I can ever know. He’s got me covered. And prayers have a funny way of working themselves out, so I’m going to pray about it.

Second, in the manner of reflection, I want to pick a major (or an area of study) that will reflect my gifts and that will use them to allow me to grow into a better person. Every person’s experiences in life are unique and I don’t believe that is an accident. I believe that God can create really amazing things out of what you offer — whether it’s your experience caring for a sick relative that has given you a unique insight into treating patients with dignity as a doctor, or helping a parent or family friend navigate the complicated immigration system that has allowed you to understand ways in which immigration reform should proceed. Reflect on your experiences and see how you can offer your life to God, using what you already know. I’m in the process of doing that right now–I’ll let you know how it goes!

Lastly, in regard to the “super-hero in training” mentality, I’ve joked around with my friends saying that I want the Super-Hero major because I’ve changed my potential major more times than I’ve shared. Even though the Super-Hero major isn’t a reality, I would like my college experience to reflect the Super-Hero way of life because a super-hero can’t just be strong, he or she also has to be intelligent, kind, and have a motivation to keep on even when there seems to be no cause for hope. I want to be a well-rounded person in the sense that in college I will learn more about my faith, challenge my intellect in areas unfamiliar, treat those around me with kindness, and expand my community to help those from places unfamiliar, whether nearby or far-away.

So, if anyone else out there is concerned about determining a major, don’t lose hope! You are all called to be super-heroes after all, and hope is a super-hero’s greatest weapon. You’ll be in my prayers as I hope I’ll be in yours (see what I did there?).

Yours truly,

GWA

*If anyone has advice on determining a major or career, please share! :)