5 answers
makala
Student
Ocala, Florida
1
Question
Updated
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how do I decide what I want to do with my life? I know I want to go to college but how do I decide where? ? ?
Im go to fort king middle school and I am in 8th grade and I Know I want to go to college but I don't know where. I know that I want to help people and I know what I don't want to work in the Hospital. Some of my interests are crossfit and I love volleyball. I also love drawing and I love helping people.
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5 answers
Ibrahim Farah
Senior Medical Laboratory Technologist
1
Answer
Doha, Qatar
Updated
Ibrahim’s Answer
Choosing your life's path, especially as an 8th grader, can seem like a daunting task. But it's fantastic that you're already thinking about college and have a sense of what you enjoy and what you'd rather avoid. Here are some suggestions to help you fine-tune your options.
Start with a Self-Assessment by noting down Your Interests: You've mentioned that you enjoy CrossFit, volleyball, drawing, and helping others. Can you think of any other hobbies or skills to add to this list?
Reflect on your strengths and areas for growth. Often, our natural talents coincide with our interests, making certain paths more rewarding and easier to pursue.
Research Potential Careers Based on your interests, look into careers that involve those elements. For example, you might look into fields related to physical therapy, sports psychology, graphic design, or social work. Also you should focus on Educational Requirements once you have some career ideas, research what educational background they require. Do you need a particular type of degree, certification, or training?
College consideration's location is also important. Do you want to stay close to home or are you open to studying in another state or even abroad? Colleges with strong Programs are the best so Look for colleges that offer strong programs related to your interests. Furthermore, consider the tuition costs, availability of scholarships, and other financial aid options. Do they offer extracurriculars that you are interested in, like a volleyball team or a CrossFit gym?
Seek guidance and talk to adults like speaking with teachers, guidance counselors, or family members who know you well. They might offer insights that you haven't considered. Consider seeking a mentor in the fields you're interested in.
As you get older, look for opportunities to gain hands-on experience. This will give you a better sense of what a particular career might be like. Internships and volunteering are great chances to do so.
Revisit your plans and adapt as needed. What you want at this age may evolve as you gain more experience and knowledge. You have plenty of time to explore and decide. The important thing is to stay curious and open to opportunities that come your way. Good luck!
Start with a Self-Assessment by noting down Your Interests: You've mentioned that you enjoy CrossFit, volleyball, drawing, and helping others. Can you think of any other hobbies or skills to add to this list?
Reflect on your strengths and areas for growth. Often, our natural talents coincide with our interests, making certain paths more rewarding and easier to pursue.
Ibrahim recommends the following next steps:
Richard Smith
Co-owner and Design Partner at 11:22 Creative Design, LLC
31
Answers
Rio Rancho, New Mexico
Updated
Richard’s Answer
Hi Makala! It's great that you're already thinking about your future and college options while in 8th grade! Here's a step-by-step guide to help you decide which college to attend and how to align your interests with your career aspirations:
1. **Explore Your Interests:**
- Continue to explore your interests in activities like crossfit, volleyball, drawing, and helping people. These interests can help shape your future career.
2. **Research Career Paths:**
- Explore career paths that involve your interests. For example, you might consider careers in sports coaching, physical therapy, art therapy, counseling, or social work.
3. **Seek Guidance:**
- Talk to your school counselor, teachers, and family members about your interests and potential career paths. They can offer valuable insights and advice.
4. **Visit Colleges:**
- As you progress through high school, visit different colleges to get a sense of the campus environment and programs they offer. This can help you determine which colleges align with your goals.
5. **Consider Location:**
- Think about whether you'd like to attend college near Ocala or are open to relocating. The location can impact your college experience.
6. **Choose a College Major:**
- Once you have a better idea of your desired career path, select a college major that aligns with it. For example, if you're interested in art therapy, consider a major in psychology or art.
7. **Look for Extracurricular Activities:**
- When researching colleges, pay attention to extracurricular clubs and organizations related to your interests. For instance, if you enjoy crossfit and volleyball, see if colleges offer sports clubs or intramural programs.
8. **Apply for Scholarships:**
- Investigate scholarship opportunities related to your interests and career goals. Scholarships can help reduce the financial burden of college.
9. **Meet with College Advisors:**
- Once you're in high school, meet with college advisors who can guide you through the application process and help you find colleges that suit your interests and goals.
10. **Visit College Career Centers:**
- College career centers can provide resources and counseling to help you make informed decisions about your career path.
Remember that it's okay if you don't have everything figured out right now. Your interests and goals may evolve as you go through high school and college. The key is to remain open to new opportunities and experiences while staying true to your passion for helping people. This can be a rewarding and fulfilling guiding principle for your future.
1. **Explore Your Interests:**
- Continue to explore your interests in activities like crossfit, volleyball, drawing, and helping people. These interests can help shape your future career.
2. **Research Career Paths:**
- Explore career paths that involve your interests. For example, you might consider careers in sports coaching, physical therapy, art therapy, counseling, or social work.
3. **Seek Guidance:**
- Talk to your school counselor, teachers, and family members about your interests and potential career paths. They can offer valuable insights and advice.
4. **Visit Colleges:**
- As you progress through high school, visit different colleges to get a sense of the campus environment and programs they offer. This can help you determine which colleges align with your goals.
5. **Consider Location:**
- Think about whether you'd like to attend college near Ocala or are open to relocating. The location can impact your college experience.
6. **Choose a College Major:**
- Once you have a better idea of your desired career path, select a college major that aligns with it. For example, if you're interested in art therapy, consider a major in psychology or art.
7. **Look for Extracurricular Activities:**
- When researching colleges, pay attention to extracurricular clubs and organizations related to your interests. For instance, if you enjoy crossfit and volleyball, see if colleges offer sports clubs or intramural programs.
8. **Apply for Scholarships:**
- Investigate scholarship opportunities related to your interests and career goals. Scholarships can help reduce the financial burden of college.
9. **Meet with College Advisors:**
- Once you're in high school, meet with college advisors who can guide you through the application process and help you find colleges that suit your interests and goals.
10. **Visit College Career Centers:**
- College career centers can provide resources and counseling to help you make informed decisions about your career path.
Remember that it's okay if you don't have everything figured out right now. Your interests and goals may evolve as you go through high school and college. The key is to remain open to new opportunities and experiences while staying true to your passion for helping people. This can be a rewarding and fulfilling guiding principle for your future.
Alan Weber
writer and retired teacher, teacher educator and academic advisor
207
Answers
Woodstock, New York
Updated
Alan’s Answer
Makala, my reply echoes what another advisor here wrote, that you're actually way ahead. Most young people, and that includes a lot of those already in college, don't quite know what they want to do with their lives. And that's fine. You, unlike some, are already starting with some clear interests, preferences, and, even more importantly, values. The fact that you say you don't want to work in a hospital implies to me that you're interested in some area of health or medicine. So that's one clear direction you can consider. You also say you want to help people, which is commendable. Your interest in sports and fitness by itself wouldn't do that, but things like sports medicine or fitness training certainly would. And then there's art. If you consider that a particular talent and interest, art therapy, or maybe occupational therapy with an emphasis on art, could work. Of course, sports and art could both be done on the side were you to choose health or medicine, or, as I've mentioned, there are ways of combining them. You have more pieces to your ultimate puzzle than most people your age. Step by step you'll put them together, through classes, clubs, volunteering and exploring.
India Squire
Hospitality
5
Answers
Fayetteville, North Carolina
Updated
India’s Answer
Hello Makala! Your concerns are absolutely understandable, and I'm here to tell you that you're already one step ahead. Being in the 8th grade and already thinking about your future is a fantastic start. It's clear that you're passionate about your hobbies, like CrossFit and volleyball, and you have a strong desire to help others. You're definitely on the right path.
Have you ever considered turning your love for CrossFit and volleyball into a career? It's important to distinguish between a hobby and a daily routine. While hobbies are wonderful, it's also crucial to think about how you want to spend your everyday life. A career is a commitment, it may not always be easy, but it's always rewarding.
So, it's time to decide what is worth your time, what you're willing to give your all to and still remain content, what fulfills you, what brings you joy. If working in a hospital isn't your thing, don't worry, there are plenty of other ways to help people. The hospitality industry, for instance, offers a wealth of opportunities for growth and exploration. Or perhaps you might enjoy working in the veterinary field, helping animals, with a variety of roles that aren't always hospital-based.
When you have some quiet time, I suggest writing down what matters most to you, what you value, and see how it aligns with your personal narrative. It could also be beneficial to brainstorm with your friends, sharing ideas and perspectives.
And don't forget to have fun along the way! High school is a great time to start networking and building your personal brand. Consider getting a part-time job if it doesn't interfere with your schoolwork. If a job isn't feasible, volunteering is a fantastic alternative. You could help out at a hotel, sports convention, animal hospital, daycare, or even your school. Remember, every experience is a stepping stone towards your future.
Have you ever considered turning your love for CrossFit and volleyball into a career? It's important to distinguish between a hobby and a daily routine. While hobbies are wonderful, it's also crucial to think about how you want to spend your everyday life. A career is a commitment, it may not always be easy, but it's always rewarding.
So, it's time to decide what is worth your time, what you're willing to give your all to and still remain content, what fulfills you, what brings you joy. If working in a hospital isn't your thing, don't worry, there are plenty of other ways to help people. The hospitality industry, for instance, offers a wealth of opportunities for growth and exploration. Or perhaps you might enjoy working in the veterinary field, helping animals, with a variety of roles that aren't always hospital-based.
When you have some quiet time, I suggest writing down what matters most to you, what you value, and see how it aligns with your personal narrative. It could also be beneficial to brainstorm with your friends, sharing ideas and perspectives.
And don't forget to have fun along the way! High school is a great time to start networking and building your personal brand. Consider getting a part-time job if it doesn't interfere with your schoolwork. If a job isn't feasible, volunteering is a fantastic alternative. You could help out at a hotel, sports convention, animal hospital, daycare, or even your school. Remember, every experience is a stepping stone towards your future.
A. Michelle Hawkins
Make contributions and identify volunteer opportunities for employees
108
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
A. Michelle’s Answer
Makala - It’s never too early to start planning for your future. For where you should go to college, you should consider the following:
1. What careers or fields interest you most and what schools have the best programs in those areas?
2. What schools are you most likely to get into based on grades and test scores?
3. Do you want to go to school near where you live?
4. Do you prefer a large, medium or small school? An urban, suburban, small town or rural one?
5. Who much can you/your family contribute?
For what career to pursue, think about what you enjoy (courses and activities) and what you are good at. You mentioned enjoying CrossFit and wanting to help people. Two careers that marry those interests are physical therapy and personal training. As you identify more careers that reflect your interests and skills, begin to learn more about them through online research and engagement with people working on the field. By starting in 8th grade, you are giving yourself a good deal of time for self-reflection and research.
1. What careers or fields interest you most and what schools have the best programs in those areas?
2. What schools are you most likely to get into based on grades and test scores?
3. Do you want to go to school near where you live?
4. Do you prefer a large, medium or small school? An urban, suburban, small town or rural one?
5. Who much can you/your family contribute?
For what career to pursue, think about what you enjoy (courses and activities) and what you are good at. You mentioned enjoying CrossFit and wanting to help people. Two careers that marry those interests are physical therapy and personal training. As you identify more careers that reflect your interests and skills, begin to learn more about them through online research and engagement with people working on the field. By starting in 8th grade, you are giving yourself a good deal of time for self-reflection and research.