If you’re feeling unsure about your major, don’t worry! Hope College gives you the freedom to explore and find your path.
Choosing a major is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make in college. For me, it wasn’t a straight path—it was a journey of trial, error, and self-discovery. And honestly? That’s the best part. Here’s how I went from coding in Python to pursuing a future in law, and how Hope College helped me every step of the way.
The summer before I started at Hope College, I thought I had it all figured out. I was leaning toward business or marketing because I love working with people. I’m passionate about building relationships, communicating ideas, and helping others, so I thought, “This could work!”
But deep down, I wasn’t entirely sure. I had no idea that choosing a career path could feel this overwhelming. Still, I was excited to start college and explore my options.
Exploring Different Paths
When I arrived at Hope, I decided to try something completely different. I enrolled in an intro to programming class, Python, with the amazing Dr. Fola Olagbemi. I thought, “Maybe I’ll be a software engineer!”
“Maybe I’ll be a software engineer!”
But as I spent hours writing code alone, I realized it didn’t match my outgoing personality. I loved solving problems step by step, but I missed working with people.
That’s when I learned one of the best things about Hope College—it’s okay to be undecided! The liberal arts approach here lets you shape your passion and pursue it. I talked to my friends, met with advisers, and even took classes in different subjects to figure out what I really wanted.
Discovering My Strengths
One of the most helpful resources has been the Boerigter Center for Calling and Career. They helped me understand my strengths and values through various assessments. I discovered my top five strengths: Empathy, Communication, Relator, Developer, and Woo.
No wonder I wasn’t happy coding alone!
The Boerigter Center offers so much more than just assessments. They provide:
- One-on-one appointments with career advisors
- Help with choosing a major
- Assistance with internships and job searches
- Networking events with alumni
- And even a special program called DiscoverWork for career exploration
Finding My True Calling
As I explored more, I thought about my background as an Afghan woman and my experiences with women’s rights issues. I realized I had a deep passion for helping people, especially immigrant women. That’s when it hit me—maybe I could become an immigration lawyer specializing in women’s rights.
The Boerigter Center connected me with Dr. David Ryden, the faculty advisor for the Hope College Pre-Law Program. I was amazed to learn that Hope offers a pre-law undergraduate program. Suddenly, studying women and gender studies, psychology, and other subjects to prepare for law school seemed like the perfect fit.
Hope College’s Support System
What makes Hope College special is the incredible support system. Here are some of the resources that helped me find my path:
- Academic Advising: My advisor helped me explore different classes and majors.
- Boerigter Center for Calling and Career: They offer career planning, job postings, and even alumni connections.
- Handshake: This platform helped me find job and internship opportunities.
- Academic Success Center: They provide tutoring and study skills support.
- Klooster Center for Excellence in Writing: Great for getting help with essays and papers.
Declaring Your Major
If you’re feeling unsure about your major, don’t worry! Hope College gives you the freedom to explore and find your path. Whether you’re interested in business, computer science, or law like me, there’s a place for you here. And remember, it’s okay to change your mind—that’s all part of the journey!
Hope College is more than just a place to get a degree. It’s a supportive community that helps you discover your calling, prepare for your future, and pursue your dreams. So come with an open mind, take advantage of all the resources available, and get ready to shape your own unique path. Trust me, if I can go from coding in Python to dreaming about law school, you can do anything at Hope College!