The Aunt Betty Syndrome

Imagine you're sitting with your family for Thanksgiving dinner (or insert any other holiday where family will be attending).  Aunt Betty (again, insert name of relative that fits this scenario) is there, sitting in her usual spot, and she looks across the table at you.  Then comes the million dollar question.  (Choose from the following...)

• What are you majoring in?
• When you are starting college?
• What do you want to be when you grow up?
• Cousin So-and-So is getting his degree in May.  What are you doing with your life?
• Why can't you be like your sister/brother instead of living in your parents' basement?
• What are you going to do with your life?

There are many more questions that could be added but you get the idea.  So what do you do first thing Monday morning after the long weekend full of family and questions?  You head to your nearest community college, apply for admissions, and register for classes.  You're not sure what major you want to pursue but Aunt Betty's comments and questions got you thinking about your life and future.  You meet with an Academic & Career Advisor and you tell him/her, "I'm just here to do my generals."  Which is true.  Aunt Betty said you should go to school but she didn't help you figure out a major and career path.  

Too often, students feel pressure from family and friends to attend college.  Which is not always a bad thing since you have your foot in the door.  Did Aunt Betty's annoying yet kind way of saying get your stuff together make you go to school?  Was it your parents telling you to go to school or get a job or do SOMETHING that got you moving?  Were your friends pressuring you to hang out with them at school since THEIR parents are forcing them to go?  Whatever your reasons, you're here. So now what?  What makes you stay?  What motivates you to continue each semester?  What drives you to complete a degree?  Those are important questions to ask yourself each and every day as you strive to complete a program.  But now it's for you, not Aunt Betty, not your family, not your friends, YOU. Take advantage of the resources available to you in school.  Resources that help you decide on a major and career, help you plan out your semesters, help you find a job, help you with tutoring, help you with understanding how to be a successful college student.  Aunt Betty inspired you to start college, now it's up to you to finish.  So next time you are at the table with family at insert holiday here and Aunt Betty asks you about college, you'll have a well thought out answer to give her and the rest of the crew.  You may even have your graduation date readily available so she can prepare to attend the celebration.  Hopefully with a nice check and a card.  

For resources to assist with major and career exploration, visit http://www.slcc.edu/academicadvising/careeradvising