Crisis in camp college: what are you doing with your life?
Keely Lyons, Staff Writer
As the anticipatory nostalgia of college draws nearer and the days of being a student begin bidding adieu, many students struggle with the existential question, “What am I doing with my life?”
While this feeling is common in students at some point in their college career, Sara Black, counselor and coordinator of education and outreach, said, “I don’t see it as often for people in the middle of college, but more for seniors.” She said, “From my experience, it boils down to a basic fear of the unknown. In any transition, fear is unusually present.”
There are, however, some people who may experience a mid-college crisis. Mary Flook, communications major with a minor in Christian studies said, “I have always doubted my path. I even doubt my path now. Yet, I know God is sovereign over my steps.”
Some college students find themselves changing directions and passions many times before college starts because of multiple interests. Flook said, “I have had a lot of dreams and aspirations. Throughout most of my life, I have wanted to be a teacher and a coach.”
She said, “Prior to college and throughout high school, I wanted to be a teacher. I have also wanted to be a missionary. Recently I have wanted to become a better writer. When I first came to NGU I thought heavily about doing sports management or physical education in order to inspire athletes and coach. I also considered doing intercultural studies because I love to do missions and share the gospel. All of these I considered.”
As a Christian university with a goal to disciple and lead the current generation, the North Greenville faculty hopes to provide encouragement to those experiencing indecision and uncertainty. Black said, “It helps when people hear that fear is a normal part of transition.” She said, “Sometimes people don’t fully process what they are going through and need to talk it out.”
In reflecting on personal experience, Black said, “I did change my major when I was in college, from psychology to education. I went on to teach elementary school and then the Lord brought me back to ministry.” It helps students to understand that many people go through a similar process and can relate, Black said.
In addition to students relaying they feel pressure from the input of family and other outside sources, Black said, ”I do have a lot of conversations about the reality that just because you are committing to a major doesn’t mean you are committed to it for the rest of your life. A lot of students feel like they are married to their major and that can cause a lot of anxiety.”
In counseling, Black desires to point people to Christ in order to settle their anxious thoughts. She said, “If you don’t have peace about keeping or changing your major, that is something to consider.” When people are in crisis mode, they can make hasty decisions, Black said. She said, “Prayerfully make your decisions. I think we underestimate the power of prayer.”
*Featured Image: Graphic courtesy of Keely Lyons.
