airam
How will I know that the major that I chose is the one for me?
I really want to go into the medical field but also there is that feeling of wanting to become a teacher. I'm still going to apply for the medical field but I do not know if it is the one for me.
#major
2 answers
Alexys Gilcreast
Alexys’s Answer
Hi Airam,
This is a great question. When I was a freshman in college I had similar questions. I felt stuck because I greatly enjoyed the field of psychology, but was also greatly interested in the business field, specifically accounting. My advice to you, if you attend a college that might allow you to have an interdisciplinary background, is to go to career services or your advising office and talk to them about how you might be able to pursue an educational background that gives you experience and insight into both teaching and the medical field. This might be through a minor, a double major, a volunteer role, or an internship. For instance, your major might be pre-med, but you can gain teaching experience by asking your professor to be a teachers assistant. Additionally, you might be able to volunteer at an elementary or middle school as a substitute teacher. There are always way to pursue your passions, you just have to be dedicated to your planning and outreach.
I wish you all the best and I hope that you are able to pursue everything that you are passionate about!
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Shane Mason
Shane’s Answer
The two fields you've mentioned are very noble pursuits and are not mutually exclusive. I would encourage you to pursue the most difficult/longest to achieve that you're interested in. You mentioned healthcare, so let's use surgeon for example. Should you pursue a surgical career, you'll need many years of college. All those count towards teaching should you decide that the surgical career isn't for you. Just be sure to live way below your financial means should you start your career as a surgeon so if you decide you'd like to teach, you have the flexibility to do so. I have a friend who is a medical doctor and gave up his practice to teach biologically focused classes in college. He's very happy, but less compensated (sadly). I also know folks who have gone into medical fields and returned and taught these courses in medical school.
Keep focused on what you love and work hard... the teach or practice decision will work itself out.
God Bless!