Unrequited College Success Possibly "Deters" High School Seniors in Their Decision Making
By: Sariyah Sparks
November 2, 2022
A screenshot, taken and edited from the "College Board" Major decision menu.
Careers and college majors have always been a systematic way of measuring ones worth, and future. For example how successful someone would be, or how secure will their lives be financially in the long run. This fact alone could have more than likely convinced many graduating high school seniors to leave behind a more “ambiguous” college dream, like Visual Arts Majors, for a more “secure” major like STEM.
Carver senior Shirley Ha thinks that the way people view some career paths as more socially acceptable or secure can affect which path students choose to pursue.
“I think that a more secure career path is better suited than an "unpredictable" career path because I need the assurance that I'll be able to provide for myself and my family.” Ha said. “Going down an "unpredictable" career path would threaten the life I wish to achieve.”
Senior Tsion Bezabih also gave their input on how socially acceptable certain College majors and career paths are in this day and age, but also added some input on why some “arguable” majors are becoming more socially acceptable.
“I do believe certain career paths have become more desired in these past few years because a lot of careers in the social media world weren't accepted in the past”, Bezabih said, “however, due to their popularity now everyone wants to be an influencer.”
After hearing Bezabih’s input, the question of, “If given equal opportunity and leniency, would a senior at carver think about changing the career path they have chosen for themselves at the moment”. Was asked to fellow senior Amirah Fullard.
“I used to want to be a fashion designer or a professional dancer but now I want to be a forensic psychologist.” Fullard said, "Yes, I would still do something close to what I wanted to, when I was younger. Like now I'm interested in graphic design which is independent like fashion design."
With quite the optimistic view given by Fullard, Senior Siani Elliot, also stated if given a chance with equal leniency, they would choose to follow a career path they had previously hoped for, however showing a more uncertain view on the matter.
“There's a lot of anxiety that comes with becoming an adult and one of the main things that drive it is financial insecurity. A lot of people might change their career paths out of fear of financial insecurity in the future.” Elliot stated, “This is my reasoning for choosing a different path and I feel like the same could be said for others as well."
A piece of work written by one of the following seniors interviewed Siani Elliott
With Elliot and Ha both bringing up the topic of stable financeability, the acronym ROI (Return of Investment) showed in the article “Is College Worth It? A Comprehensive Return on Investment Analysis” can be thought of, and be quite the turning point when looking at finance with college majors.
“The median bachelor’s degree is worth $306,000 for students who graduate on time. But the median conceals enormous variation. According to the article “Is College Worth It? A Comprehensive Return on Investment Analysis” Some fields of study, including engineering, computer science, nursing, and economics, can produce returns of $1 million or more. Others, including art, music, religion, and psychology, often have a zero or even negative net financial value.”
Statistics show the clear disadvantage between the types of majors. However college professors such as Christine Cruzvergara, says in a US News Article called “Choosing a Major in College: What to Know” often advise college, and upcoming college students to choose a major that matches the individual and their interest best.
"Consider your strengths and preferences," said Cruzvergara “Where do you thrive and do your best? Figuring out your unique skill set can help inform what areas of study may be of interest to you."
After some compelling arguments, on what major may be the right choice for a specific graduating senior, whether it be a STEM Major or an Arts Major, it may someday all come down to what many can depend on.
“Even though I prefer another,” Daniel Elleston said “I can guarantee at least some success with the one that I do not prefer.”