I recently made a decision not to pursue a second minor for my undergraduate degree. After much debate, I decided against trying to cram 12 credits of upper-level advertising classes into my last semester. The issue is I need at least 124 credits total to graduate. With my major in integrative public relations and leadership minor combined, my total falls at 112.
Instead of enrolling in a semester of advertising classes, I decided to take the opportunity to pursue some areas I haven't had the chance to. I've always wanted to take a class in yoga, pottery or photojournalism. This spring, I'll finally be able to. My spring schedule is completely open--the only requirement is that I enroll in 12 credits. What a feeling...
Now trust me, as an overachiever, this has not been an easy choice for me. Some may consider this "the easy way out" or even the wrong decision. However, I'm confident that my knowledge, work experience, internships and extra curricular involvements speak volumes more than a second minor would.
The reason for this decision came about after I had a major wake-up call this summer. I realized I was heading into my senior year of college. People say college is the best four (or five) years of your life. I've already begun my final year and there are still so many things I want to experience as a college student. This is time that I will never get back. I have my entire life to work, but only one year left to enjoy the luxury of being a college student.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not looking to blow off my responsibilities. In fact, I think having a lighter class load will allow me to put forth more effort toward my involvements and passions. Not to mention I'll have a chance to experience things I've been putting off. For example, I finally stopped making excuses and joined the intramural tennis team.
I've really been making an attempt to take advantage of the little time I have left at CMU. After this year, my roommates and I will be going our separate ways and no one knows exactly where we'll end up. As college students, it's important to find the balance between responsibility and freedom. There will always be work to be done, but some opportunities won't come around more than once. Make the most of each and every day.
What do you think? Do people put too much emphasis on degree minors? Grads: Is there anything you wish you would've experienced during college that you never got around to?
First of all, good game this weekend. I'm glad this post isn't gloating :)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, I had to do the same thing. And I don't blame senioritis. The fact that you have a major and a minor, among the millions of other things, speaks miles and I think any HR rep would appreciate you taking time for yourself. Work-life balance is so essential and it seems like you're figuring that out.
lol you guys put up a good fight! What a game, eh?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your support. It means a lot coming from you!
I completely agree with this post. I had the opportunity to not only double minor, but to write a thesis. I turned both of them down. I also had the opportunity to minor in Marketing, something I truly had no interest in doing. I finally settled on a minor that I really loved (criminal justice), not because it was the most logical; but because I had a yearning to learn the information. I also only took 12 hours both my fall and spring semesters of my Senior year. And these were the results:
ReplyDelete1. I had time to focus more on myself and to decided how I wanted to take on the next chapter in my book.
2. I also had time to fully dedicate myself as the Director of our student-run firm, as the Vice President for our PRSSA chapter, and as a newbie with our local Public Relations Association of Mississippi chapter. These three things were very pertinent to my development as a pre-PRo.
3. I enjoyed myself. My senior year was a fun time in which I can reflect and truly hold no regrets.
Good luck with your Senior year and enjoy it all!
Wow, you're quite an inspiration for me Samantha! I really admire you're decision to study criminal justice (I have a secret interest in it also!)
ReplyDeleteI'm serving as president of CMU PRSSA among many other leadership positions, so I'm glad to know you were happy with your decision to dedicate yourself to your roles.
Thanks a lot for the support!
I took Nazis Holocaust History and Photojournalism in my last semester for the same reasons. I think you made the right choice!
ReplyDeleteWow, pretty cool Lauren. Thanks for sharing. I'm glad to know you think I made the right choice!
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