figuring life out

The last month has forced me to figure out some stuff. When you drop a major that you really hate, but that would gaurantee you graduation by May 2008, and you're left with the possibility of starting from scratch, and having to stay in Madison for 2 more years, and feel stuck and lost with different interests tugging you in all directions, things can get intense.
When you find out your dad's moving back to Madison in May, it gets a bit more intense.

I dropped my economics major and felt lost. I knew what I didn't want to do, which is a start to figuring out what I actually want to do. I knew I lov art, and theater, and also knew I couldn't imagine myself pursuing either of these as a career for the rest of my life. I knew I wanted to be in the place that would let me most effectively contribute something positive to the world.

I know I'm creative, and have been told I'm pretty good at figuring out systems. I also know that I cannot be working a corporate job at a desk from 9-5 for the rest of my life. I know I hate economics, and I know I need to be seeing a direct result of the work I'm doing to feel like I'm making a difference.

That's a start.

So, I left for China giving in to the thought of a mass comm major, which would keep me here another year. I felt unsettled and a bit sick to my stomach.

If nothing else, China trip came at a perfect place and time to figure stuff out. A series of experiences and people during this trip made me figure out where I needed to be and what I was most passionate about and able to contribute to.

I came back knowing what I wanted to do...and simply had to figure out the best way for me to get there.

So I will be graduating in May 2008 with an International Studies and Spanish degree, and pursuing a career in educational policy.

That sounds about right.