Navigating College and Finding Your Passion: Advice for Freshmen in Biomedical Engineering

Many students find themselves in a similar position, unsure whether they are pursuing the right major. Recently, someone shared their uncertainty during their freshman year of college, majoring in biomedical engineering. They mentioned, 'I don’t know anymore… I don’t have a “passion” but don’t really know what my passion is.' This is a common sentiment, especially for freshmen who are just beginning their academic journey in a field they may not yet fully understand.

Exploring Your Interests and Discovering Passion

Take as Many Classes as Possible

The best way to discover if biomedical engineering is the right path for you is to get involved. This means attending as many classes as possible, even those outside of your major. This will help you learn more about various subjects and increase your chances of discovering what truly ignites your passion. As you progress through your studies, pay close attention to what subjects capture your interest. Perhaps you will find a new love for psychology, or maybe you'll become fascinated with a course you never initially thought would pique your interest.

Do Not Rely on Worry

While it can be tempting to stress about finding your passion, there is no point in worrying too much yet. The education you are receiving is crucial, and it's a time to gather information and explore different paths. You need information to make an informed decision about your future. If you spend a significant amount of time reading about great mathematicians, playing a guitar or piano, or delving into your studies, it means you are driving yourself to move forward.

No Clear Goal? Stick with What You Know

The Importance of Knowing Your Goal

It is not uncommon to lack a clear goal or passion, and this can make decision-making challenging. However, it is often better to stick with what you know. If you have spent many years studying a specific topic and haven't found clarity, it might be wise to leverage those years of education rather than starting from scratch in an unrelated field. Investing time and effort into a subject you are familiar with can be more beneficial in the long run, even if you have yet to find your true passion.

Time as an Investment

Think of your time as an investment. If you have spent several years in a particular field, don’t let that investment go to waste. It would be foolish to start anew in another field without any clear benefits, such as enjoying the new field and reaping the rewards of your past efforts. You can always change paths later if you find something more aligned with your career aspirations.

Preparing for the Future

Take Your General Education Requirements

Ensure that you complete your general education requirements. This ensures that you are fulfilling the necessary coursework required for graduation. After completing these initial requirements, sit out a year or two to reflect on the courses you took and identify any that sparked your interest. For example, if psychology caught your attention, you can dive deeper into that subject and see if it aligns with your long-term goals.

Deciding on Your Future Path

When you do ultimately decide to return to school, you may have a clearer idea of what you want to do with your life. This can help inform your decision on which major to pursue. The time you take to explore different subjects during your initial years of college can provide valuable insights into your future directions.

College as Discovery

College is like a store where you might purchase a pair of pants but end up with a desk lamp, a sweatshirt, a bag of apples, and a bird-watching guide. That's the essence of college—exploring different subjects and discovering new passions. Biomedical engineering is an excellent major, but it's not the only one. Take advantage of your first year to explore a variety of interesting courses that have nothing to do with your intended major. You might just discover a new passion that guides your path forward.

Final Thoughts on Change

Entering freshmen often have second thoughts about their intended majors, and it's perfectly okay to have these doubts. Over the years, changing goals becomes increasingly difficult. However, even if you don't change your major or your passion rekindles, those initial excursions into other areas will be invaluable. They will provide you with a broader understanding of different fields and help you make informed decisions about your future.

I wish you the best of luck in your college journey and hope you find your passion and fulfillment. Remember, whether you stay in biomedical engineering or veer off into another exciting area, take each day as an opportunity to explore and discover. Good luck!