What should I aim for? A little sense of direction needed here.?

Question

Ok. So I'm 14 and wanting to live my life. One problem: I don't know where I'm heading. I don't really have any specific subject that I enjoy, despite the fact that I'm carrying a 3.34 GPA. (I attend an early college high school so in my world, it's decent.)

The subject that I'm leaning toward is foreign language. I'm currently taking Mandarin and love it. I also have plans for learning other Asian languages as well as one romance language.

Also, I enjoy Art- dance, music, visual arts, and if I must, drama. I know that being an/a artist/dancer/musician/ac... isn't guaranteeing my future so I'm a little quirky about it.

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

There are a lot of careers where you can use language skills and live life.

International studies major requires you to study abroad, how fun! And you can learn about the cultures of people whose languages you have studied. You can learn about their dance and art etc...
It sounds like a perfect fit for you. There are several jobs in this area and it is pretty prestigious.

Also you can do ethnic studies which is studying cultures of other people, mostly education jobs or research jobs come from this.

To learn more go to college websites and click on departments.
Go to ethnic studies dept. or international studies dept.
You can email people from these depts. too and get information.

Answer 2

First, enjoy all the things you are interested in and don't be in a huge hurry to specialize even if it seems like everyone is pushing you to do so.

Second, become an investigative reporter. Ask teachers, parents of friends--everyone you meet--about what they do and what is interesting about it. At the very least you will hear some great stories and perhaps one of them will lead you to an exciting direction you hadn't thought about.

Third, study overseas if you can, or at least go on a trip. It'll help put your growing language skills into context. That may provide some ideas for eventual career directions.

Fourth, start investigating liberal arts college and universities. Even the business world is recognizing the value of a liberal education with broad exposure to the world and its cultures and peoples.

Fifth, trust that it will all make sense in time even if it seems confusing right now. If you are 14 and getting good grades and you are excited about what you are learning, then life is good. Despite the fact that "everyone" pushes you to have a specific plan, there are lots of people who go to college and still don't have a specific plan and they turn out just fine and they live healthy and happy lives.

For better or worse, nothing "guarantees" your future, so don't feel too pressured. With your range of interests there are lots of things to still discover and if you keep exploring your options, the answers that work for you will appear when you need them.

This might sound wishy-washy but it is true. Believe that by being positive and open to options, you'll figure out a good plan or it will find you. Good luck!

Answer 3

It looks like you have a facility for language--have you thought about working as a government interpreter? It could be a great option for you and there is a need for people in that field. Check it out on the government website. That way, you'd be able to study something you really like and still be able to enjoy your arts. Just a thought....

Answer 4

if you are doing well in foreign languages..this could help you in many ways.A translator is always very sought after in these times.Why dont you save your music/dance stuff as a heavy hobby for now and concentrate on the languages so that you always have a valuable skill to fall back on..you wont be singing and dancing at age 60 but you sure will be talking still. Think about it.

Answer 5

Congratulations on taking Mandarin - great choice of languages! It will be a great skill later in your life, as China is a big international player and getting bigger. I would suggest you definitely try to study abroad during college. My son majored in Russian, studied over there, and now is working for a great nonprofit org, where he will get to travel back to Russia on occasion. You could end up doing something similar, or get involved in international business. You have lots of possibilities - go for it!