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Is it ok to not be sure what I want to do during junior year of highschool??
I’m going to be a junior next year and I thought I wanted to be a pharmacist but I feel doubtful. What if I’m not sure by the time I go to college? I’m a little scared tbh
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7 answers
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Ezra’s Answer
Greetings,
Feeling apprehensive about the future and unsure about your career path is absolutely normal. Allocate some time to thoroughly investigate potential jobs that pique your interest and understand the steps necessary to reach that stage. Remember, there's no rush to dive headfirst into a career; it's always possible to switch your career path at any time. Make the most of your summer by exploring fresh opportunities. You might just stumble upon something that ignites a deep passion within you. This platform is a treasure trove of knowledge, with countless individuals who could provide insights into virtually any career field.
Feeling apprehensive about the future and unsure about your career path is absolutely normal. Allocate some time to thoroughly investigate potential jobs that pique your interest and understand the steps necessary to reach that stage. Remember, there's no rush to dive headfirst into a career; it's always possible to switch your career path at any time. Make the most of your summer by exploring fresh opportunities. You might just stumble upon something that ignites a deep passion within you. This platform is a treasure trove of knowledge, with countless individuals who could provide insights into virtually any career field.
Updated
Miriam’s Answer
There's no rush to decide on your career path while you're a junior in high school. It's a common occurrence for most individuals to choose their major during their second or third year in college, and even then, changing careers isn't unusual. I, for instance, made a career switch after graduation, and it turned out to be a fantastic move! You've got plenty of time to explore various majors and career paths. I recommend getting in touch with your school counselor to delve into diverse career options and to have conversations with professionals in fields that catch your interest. Reflect on your interest in pharmacy too. What elements of being a pharmacist appeal to you and what makes you hesitate? This reflection could guide you towards other careers that are akin to pharmacy and stimulate your curiosity without making you second-guess your decision.
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Patrick’s Answer
Katherine, it's absolutely fine to feel a bit unsure about your future career in your junior year of high school. This is a period of exploration and self-understanding, and it's only natural to have some doubts as your passions and goals evolve. It's a common experience for many students to start college without a solid idea of their future profession, and that's perfectly okay. Colleges are built to assist you in discovering and honing your interests through a range of courses and experiences.
To help you through this period of uncertainty, think about utilizing resources such as career counseling, job shadowing, internships, and extracurricular activities. These opportunities can offer valuable perspectives into various fields and assist you in making a more informed decision. Additionally, having conversations with professionals in careers you're intrigued by, like pharmacists, can give you a realistic glimpse of what those jobs involve.
Keep in mind, your college major doesn't permanently dictate your career; many individuals find rewarding careers in fields that aren't directly related to their initial studies. View this time of uncertainty as a chance to learn more about yourself and what you genuinely enjoy, and find solace in the fact that it’s a typical part of the journey toward finding a career that suits you.
To help you through this period of uncertainty, think about utilizing resources such as career counseling, job shadowing, internships, and extracurricular activities. These opportunities can offer valuable perspectives into various fields and assist you in making a more informed decision. Additionally, having conversations with professionals in careers you're intrigued by, like pharmacists, can give you a realistic glimpse of what those jobs involve.
Keep in mind, your college major doesn't permanently dictate your career; many individuals find rewarding careers in fields that aren't directly related to their initial studies. View this time of uncertainty as a chance to learn more about yourself and what you genuinely enjoy, and find solace in the fact that it’s a typical part of the journey toward finding a career that suits you.
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Guensly’s Answer
I would imagine it's absolutely normal to not have a great insight on your career track as a high school junior, so don't be afraid. If you want to narrow that process, I would start writing down meaningful questions. What do I enjoy doing? What do I think I'm good at? What do people say I'm good at and would be willing to compensate me for? Once you have created these three distinct lists, you can start narrowing interests that fall either in two or all three of these categories.
In my experience, I had interest in creative writing around your age. It's something that I was fairly passionate about yet I knew that it didn't really pay. I was into computers and particularly learning about the intricacies of video games so when Computer Science was recommended to me during the middle of my Freshman year in College, I was able to easily transition into that major. And yes, there was a lot of setbacks and moments of doubts, but I stuck to the vision and my goal.
Instead of being paralyzed by fear, I recommend you to applaud yourself for having the foresight to take your career seriously at a young age, but work and school is not everything as we must live a balanced life to be truly happy. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
In my experience, I had interest in creative writing around your age. It's something that I was fairly passionate about yet I knew that it didn't really pay. I was into computers and particularly learning about the intricacies of video games so when Computer Science was recommended to me during the middle of my Freshman year in College, I was able to easily transition into that major. And yes, there was a lot of setbacks and moments of doubts, but I stuck to the vision and my goal.
Instead of being paralyzed by fear, I recommend you to applaud yourself for having the foresight to take your career seriously at a young age, but work and school is not everything as we must live a balanced life to be truly happy. I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors.
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Kristina’s Answer
It's perfectly okay to feel uncertain about your future career in your junior year of high school. This is a time when many students are still discovering what they love and what they're good at. Keep in mind that your career aspirations can shift and develop as time goes on.
If you're having second thoughts about becoming a pharmacist, it could be beneficial to look into other career paths that match your interests and abilities. Think about reaching out to your school counselor, teachers, or professionals from various fields to get more insight and information. Utilizing resources like career assessment tests or job shadowing can also offer a clearer picture of different professions.
Don't worry if you haven't mapped out your entire future just yet. College is an excellent opportunity to delve into various subjects and career paths, and it's quite common for students to change their majors or career targets during their college journey. Have faith that your interests and passions will become more apparent as you continue to learn and evolve.
If you're having second thoughts about becoming a pharmacist, it could be beneficial to look into other career paths that match your interests and abilities. Think about reaching out to your school counselor, teachers, or professionals from various fields to get more insight and information. Utilizing resources like career assessment tests or job shadowing can also offer a clearer picture of different professions.
Don't worry if you haven't mapped out your entire future just yet. College is an excellent opportunity to delve into various subjects and career paths, and it's quite common for students to change their majors or career targets during their college journey. Have faith that your interests and passions will become more apparent as you continue to learn and evolve.
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John’s Answer
I don't think that as a junior in high school you need to be committed to a career path. I am impressed that, as a junior, you have the maturity to be wondering and asking this question.
You obviously have an interest in pharmacy, which is great. So you do have some direction.
When I think back to my own high school days, when I was a junior I was having a similar struggle: should I join the Army? Should I be a musician? Should I try to get a job in government like my dad? (my dad was awesome).
What are your interests? Are there things you enjoy that you would like to pursue as a career? If you become a pharmacist, where would like to work, a drug store, a hospital, a manufacturer research organization?
There is no need to be scared (easy for me to say, right?). Maybe a little apprehensive, the way you feel before you ride a roller coaster; you know nothing can go wrong, but you have butterflies in your stomach because you don't know what the ride is going to be like. This is natural.
I recommend that you discuss this with a trusted adult, like a teacher or counselor. You can think it over some more and then come back here and ask more questions.
Bottom line: You are on track! Enjoy your junior year, consider your options.
You obviously have an interest in pharmacy, which is great. So you do have some direction.
When I think back to my own high school days, when I was a junior I was having a similar struggle: should I join the Army? Should I be a musician? Should I try to get a job in government like my dad? (my dad was awesome).
What are your interests? Are there things you enjoy that you would like to pursue as a career? If you become a pharmacist, where would like to work, a drug store, a hospital, a manufacturer research organization?
There is no need to be scared (easy for me to say, right?). Maybe a little apprehensive, the way you feel before you ride a roller coaster; you know nothing can go wrong, but you have butterflies in your stomach because you don't know what the ride is going to be like. This is natural.
I recommend that you discuss this with a trusted adult, like a teacher or counselor. You can think it over some more and then come back here and ask more questions.
Bottom line: You are on track! Enjoy your junior year, consider your options.
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Shirley’s Answer
Hi Katherine,
It's perfectly normal! There are college students, even college graduates, who don't know what they want to do with their life. I recommend taking electives in high school to see what you might be interested in. By the time you attend college, you first few semesters will be an eclectic mix of classes that may not be related to your degree, but they will help you pinpoint your desired major. Don't forget you can always switch majors in college.
If you're interested in pharmacy, strive to enroll in AP chemistry class, and organic chemistry since they're most likely to be prerequisites in college. They're difficult courses, but certainly doable.
It's perfectly normal! There are college students, even college graduates, who don't know what they want to do with their life. I recommend taking electives in high school to see what you might be interested in. By the time you attend college, you first few semesters will be an eclectic mix of classes that may not be related to your degree, but they will help you pinpoint your desired major. Don't forget you can always switch majors in college.
If you're interested in pharmacy, strive to enroll in AP chemistry class, and organic chemistry since they're most likely to be prerequisites in college. They're difficult courses, but certainly doable.