Dear Yana:
I’m a Graduating Senior in high school and I will be attending Alcorn in the Fall of 2023. I will be majoring in Nursing but herein lies the problem, I don’t want to major in this. My mother has strongly suggested that this be my major because it makes a lot of money and is stable. Yana, I can’t stand the sight of blood and I hate hospitals. I am more of an artsy type of individual who enjoys writing stories and reading fiction. I’d love to major in Mass Communications or English but when I tell her this she just shuts me down and tells me that there is no money to be made in either one of those majors. She makes me feel as though my talents are useless. How can I explain to her, in a kind and respectful manner, that this is my passion without upsetting her because after all she is my mother and my financial lifeline until I graduate and find a job? I just want to be happy. HELP ME PLEASE!
Running Out of Options
Dear Running Out of Options:
First, if you can’t stand the sight of blood then you need to change your major. As a nurse you have to be comfortable with seeing blood and being in a hospital. Working as a nurse you could put someone’s life in jeopardy if you can’t help them. If you already know you won’t be able to handle the responsibilities of a nurse then change to a major that you would actually like to do as soon as you can.
Second, if you like to write then I suggest you look into English or Mass Communication as your major. Both require you to do a lot of writing and to be creative. The only difference is with Mass Communications you don’t just write but you also learn broadcasting as well. When you are choosing a major don’t base it off of where you are going to get paid the most. You could have a job that you hate but pays you a lot of money. Choose something that is going to make you happy and want to go to work and not something you would regret for the rest of your life.
Lastly, you need to sit down and talk to your mom about your decision. If you explain to her you can’t handle the responsibilities of being a nurse then she should understand. Tell her your heart’s desires and that you have your heart set on a different major. If you are consistent about it then she might change her mind and support you. Even if she doesn’t agree, you need to do what’s best for you. Don’t base anything off of your mom because at the end of the day you have to live your life and she has to live hers.
