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10/6/2015, 8:46pm

Deciding a major, discovering a career

By Natalie Eastwood
Deciding a major, discovering a career
Natalie Eastwood

Jonathan Wightman talks with Cindy Murray on Sept. 1

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She wrote creative stories when she was 10, took Advanced Placement English courses in high school and enrolled in college as a psychology major, but graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology — along with minors in physics, chemistry, philosophy and religion.

Like many students, Cindy Murray, undeclared academic advisor and learning specialist, had to figure out what majors and minors were right for her. Murray helped answer questions for Shippensburg University students at the Major and Minor Fair on Thursday, Sept. 1.

The Major and Minor Fair, which is hosted by the Career and Community Engagement Center and the School of Academic Services and Programs, attracted more than 200 students who were undeclared, interested in adding a major or minor, or simply wanting to learn more about their major.

“Sometimes you’re in a class and it lights you up … If something lights you up, try to pursue that,” Murray said.

Murray said she switched her major to biology when she discovered a passion for the subject in a biology class.

“I would encourage students to find a way to connect to all of [their] gen-eds and then follow [their instinct when classes really interest them],” Murray said.

Freshman Amy Tosten’s solution to decide her major is to take some general education classes to see what works best for her.

“I’m thinking of majoring in either math or art,” Tosten said.

However, for undeclared freshman Amy Tosten, she said that the decision between her two majors comes down to the jobs available in each field.

Professor Niel Brasher, who manned the political science table, said that a frequent question students have at the Major and Minor Fair is the kind of career they can get with a particular degree.

“It’s difficult to find out what you want to do in life,” Brasher said.

Brasher said that success in the classroom as well as the workforce is partly determined by a person’s passion for that field.

“It’s extra important to like the subject matter…The most important thing is to find something you’re passionate about because you’ll do better,” Brasher said.

Freshman Sammy Kalp is already driven by her passion. Kalp said she knows exactly what she wants to do — teach. Although currently undeclared, Kalp is declaring an education major in the Spring semester.

“I love kids, and I’ve always wanted to make an impact in a kid’s life,” Tosten said.

Tosten attended the Major and Minor Fair to become more involved with the education field by joining an education club.

“[Students] are searching,” Brasher said simply.

That is what the Major and Minor Fair is all about — a search for the right fit.

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