For Students

Let’s start with this:
What does “passionate” even mean?
The definition of passionate is showing or caused by strong feelings or strong belief.

Growing up, I always heard things like, “Just pick a job and stick with it for 40 years until you retire.”
But… why would anyone choose a job they don’t even like? Why suffer through the madness of building a life around something that brings you no joy—just for the sake of having a job?

Now don’t get me wrong—I completely understand taking a job to provide for yourself or your family. But if you can find a role that supports you and feeds your soul? You’re setting yourself up for a more positive, fulfilled life.

Because the truth is, when you’re passionate about what you do, you tend to live a happier and healthier life.

So, what’s my passion?

My passion is helping people. But how did I figure that out? Trial and error.

Most of my full-time jobs since I was 24 have involved supporting others in some way. I’ve worked in law enforcement, college housing, admissions, recruiting—and for the last 6 years, I’ve finally found my true career home: Career Services.

It took time. It took patience. It took learning from experiences that weren’t always the right fit. But that journey helped me get here.

And maybe you’re reading this and thinking of people in your life who already seem to have it all figured out. Maybe things just… came easier to them. And hey, good for them. Seriously.

But for the rest of us? Sometimes we have to walk a few unexpected paths before we land on the right one. And I promise you—the destination is that much sweeter when you’ve worked hard to get there.

So what can you do right now?

Start by looking at the things you love. What lights you up? What makes you feel like you? Even if your passion doesn’t turn into a full-time career, it may still hold the key to the transferable skills you already have.

For example, maybe you love playing Dungeons & Dragons (DND). You may not want a job in DND, but think about the skills you use when you play:

• Communication
• Patience
• Loyalty
• Time management
• Teamwork
• Planning
• Vision
• And yes—imagination is a strength in life.

Now take those strengths and look at which careers value them. You’ll be surprised how much of what you already love doing is preparing you for something bigger.

Choosing a career isn’t just a coin toss. Don’t rush something that’s going to become such a big part of your identity just to make others happy or proud.

Do it for you.
Be patient with yourself.
And never forget that your passion matters.

When I started college, I planned to become a psychologist. I loved helping others through peer mentoring in high school and liked the salary potential. Then, a year later, I discovered I enjoyed teaching through preparing class presentations. My career goal and major shifted to preparing to become a middle-school English teacher to combine my newfound enjoyment of teaching with my skills in reading and writing.

That excitement didn’t last. My first education course required observing classrooms, and I quickly realized I didn’t have the patience—or desire—to manage groups of children all day. In my final paper, I wrote: “I do not want to be an unhappy teacher that yells in the classroom—students and I both deserve better than that.”

Quick Tip: Take an experiential course in your field early. It can confirm your  decision—or save you from pursuing the wrong path. Ask your academic advisor about options.

After stepping away from teaching, I had 70+ credits but no clear career goal. Unsure of my next step, I sought advice from faculty and staff and completed career assessments. Still, nothing clicked until one professor asked: Which classes do you actually look forward to?

The answer was fast and clear – psychology. I loved learning about people, behavior, and the mind. Even if I wasn’t sure about being a psychologist, I knew I’d enjoy the major. Psychology also offered flexibility, preparing me for multiple careers or graduate school. That choice helped me become the first in my family to graduate college.

Later, I earned a master’s in Clinical Psychology. While I originally planned to become a therapist, I found a fulfilling career in higher education—working in Admissions, Advising, teaching a psychology course, and now Career Services. My psychology background has been valuable every step of the way.

So,once again, Are you still searching for a career path? Start with the classes you enjoy most and see where they lead, and reach out to Career Services at COM—we’d love to help you explore your options.