There are few things scarier in this world for a student than feeling like you have no idea what direction your life will take. Or worse, still not knowing the answer to the elementary-age question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”

Instead of jumping head-first into questions that often intimidate students rather than help them, Ryan Tomasiewicz, an academic adviser in the Division of General Studies, says starting with the basics is the best strategy for figuring out what major is “right for you today.”

“Just asking questions like ‘How are you?,’ ‘How are classes going?,’ and ‘What are you excited about this semester?’ are big indicators to how far along a student is,” he said.

Tomasiewicz explains that there is a huge range within DGS students, and the misconception that the majority of them have little to no inclination of where they are headed could not be farther from the truth — even if students themselves tend to believe it.

“Many students claim to not have a clue, but just by asking little questions, students can start to shape an idea in their head,” he said.

Amy Knorowski, sophomore in DGS, is one of these students.

“It keeps me up at night and I constantly think about it,” she said. “The pressure to make a decision feels like this huge weight hanging over me all the time.”

Such symptoms of indecision and anxiety are common and not something to lose sleep over, said Tomasiewicz.

“It’s normal to feel pressure and stress over any big decision in your life,” he said. “When it comes to choosing a major, most undecided students think everybody else has got it all figured out — and that’s what increases their anxiety to figure it out as well.”

In fact, Tim Ouradnik, freshman in DGS, claims that the only time he truly feels the pressure of making a decision is when talking to other students who have already chosen their field.

“I like to think I know enough about myself to figure it all out in the end, but hearing other students talking about their majors sometimes leaves me doubting myself,” he said.

Tomasiewicz assures that there is no traditional path or formula for students to make a decision.

“It is only in rare cases that students stick with the major they first came in with as freshmen,” he said. “Nearly 60 percent end up changing their minds at one point or another.”

Yet even for students who still fear flip-flopping back and forth, Tomasiewicz says positive self-talk, communicating with family and friends, and most importantly, scheduling regular advising appointments can help to put the problem in focus.

“The biggest piece of advice I can give is to see your adviser,” he said. “Students should see an adviser twice a semester, or at the very least have one full appointment, rather than a 15-minute express talk.”

If all else fails to register, Tomasiewicz said that rather than worrying about the decision looming in the future, students should ask themselves what they can do to actively engage themselves in the decision-making process. By reviewing e-mails from advisers about specific meetings and events, seeking out tutoring, and becoming familiar with the resources available on campus, students can make an informed decision in plenty of time.

For instance, on September 28th there will be a major/minor fair held in the Illini Union, and all students are welcome and encouraged to come and ask questions.

Also for the first time this year, The College Information Series for DGS Students will provide students with the opportunity to learn more about every college here on campus and teach students how to declare and apply to specific majors.

In addition, Tomasiewicz mentioned that the DG Society, a group of students and advisers on campus specifically available to help students learn about all their options concerning the big decision.

Clearly there are many ways to take initiative and take control of finding a major.

“Ultimately, the decision is all yours,” said Tomasiewicz.