Jacksonville Magazine, August 2020, Real Estate

Back to School / Summer Road Trips

August 2020

For Sale In the midst of a pandemic, the local real estate market sizzles

MAJOR DECISION

BY JOSHUA LESTER

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or incoming college students, choosing a major can be a daunting process. While you may have a scripted answer for the awkward question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, defining the career path for the rest of your life can be anxiety-inducing to say the least.

“What if I choose the wrong thing? What if I can’t get a job with this degree? What if I won’t like it?” It’s not an easy decision, but some guidance can make that decision easier.

Local academic advising experts lend some insight into this topic in an attempt to ease the pain of deciding a major degree of study.

RESEARCH The decision should start with research, according to Sue Ohrablo, executive director of Undergraduate Academic Advising at Jacksonville University.

“I encourage college-bound students to gather as much information about majors, careers, and their own interests, values, and skills as they prepare to identify an academic program of study.” Ohrablo warns against becoming too influenced by friends and family, and for students to pursue a degree that aligns most closely with fields that interest them and where they demonstrate competency.

University of North Florida’s Director of First-Year Advising Kellie Woodle breaks down the decision into four factors she calls pillars.

“The four pillars of major/career exploration are interests, personality, skills and values.” Analyzing each of these components can help in making a holistic decision, she says.

GO WITH YOUR GUT If you are struggling with deciding what field intrigues you, emotional reactions can be telling.

“One strategy I’ve used in the past is a very simple ‘litmus test’,” says Ohrablo. “Access the academic catalog and read the description of the major.

Then, read the course descriptions within. How

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do you feel? Does your heart race a little more in excitement, or do you experience dread or indifference?”

walk them through the exploration process and support them in every step of the journey.”

While admittedly a bit of an oversimplification, Ohrablo explains how gauging your reaction in this way can provide a great starting point in deciding your major.

Academic advisors are adept at assisting young students in discovering their niche. Interest, skills, and economic viability aren’t simple factors to balance, but trained and knowledgeable professionals can make the decision much easier.

YOU AREN’T LIMITED TO ONE CHOICE

IT’S OKAY NOT TO KNOW

For students with varying interests, choosing a second major or a minor might be worth considering.

For incoming freshman who have no idea what they want to major in or what career field interests them, don’t fret.

“We encourage students to creatively pursue combinations of academic programs that will help them develop a robust body of knowledge,” Ohrablo says. “Minors are great for students who have interest in two fields of study, or who wish to augment their major with a complementary field. For example, nursing students might pursue a minor in psychology to strengthen their understanding of human behavior and its relationship to healthcare.”

TALK TO ACADEMIC ADVISORS One tool that shouldn’t be ruled out is speaking to your university’s advising team, says Woodle. “All students have access to career counselors who will

“It’s important to note that this is a developmental process and it’s perfectly understandable if a freshman does not come equipped with all the answers,” says Ohrablo.

Woodle explains that while ideally the choice of major is made by the end of freshman year, she understands that this decision isn’t easy and coming to conclusions can take some time. “Major/career exploration is truly a process,” she says, and encourages thorough contemplation.

For further guidance, Ohrablo authored a book, The Pocket Advisor: A Family Guide to Navigating College, designed specifically to assist incoming college students in deciding their majors and adjusting to the college experience. u

Bishop Kenny High School

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Tradition. Excellence. Faith. We are Bishop Kenny.

ounded in 1952, Bishop Kenny is a Catholic college preparatory high school located

every student on campus participates in at least one of the 40 academic or service clubs.

on the south bank of the St. John’s River. The beautiful 55-acre campus is a place

Crusader athletes are committed to being competitive athletes that demonstrate lead-

where messages rooted in the Gospel and a strong Catholic tradition inform all aspects

ership and good sportsmanship. More than half of BK students play on freshman, junior

of campus life from academics to athletics. Through Christian service opportunities, the

varsity, or varsity athletic teams with opportunities ranging from the state championship

availability of daily mass, prayer and religious education, students and staff live their

girls’ soccer team to sailing or beach volleyball on the new riverfront courts.

faith in everyday life as they seek Integritas Sapientia (integrity of wisdom) and a desire to live life for others.

This August, when Kingman Avenue begins to fill once again with the familiar sight of Oxford shirts, ties, and maroon plaid skirts, 1,260 students will answer the call

Bishop Kenny’s excellent academic program offers challenging courses at the college

to strive for integrity of wisdom in all that they do. They will find the 68-year tradition of

preparatory, honors, or Advanced Placement level to prepare all types of learners for the

excellence remains, yet an ever-changing array of student needs and interests will con-

demands of competitive colleges. Students study both practical and performing arts and

tinue to shape the services Bishop Kenny offers new generations of students.

can choose from 24 Advanced Placement courses, including the AP Capstone Diploma Program, and a variety of STEM courses and activities that include Robotics Team, Esports, Science Club, NJROTC Cyber Patriot, and the NJROTC UAS Drone Team. Nearly

Four years at Bishop Kenny are the entry point into a lifetime of being a part of the Crusader family.

We are Bishop Kenny. You belong here.

­1055 Kingman Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32207 • (904) 398-7545 • bishopkenny.org

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