Q. My parents and I have really different ideas about what's important in a school. I'm looking for a place with a lot of good ministry opportunities, but they want me to really zero in on a major and use that criterion to choose a school. We're starting to argue a lot! How can we get through this without hating each other?
A. This is a great opportunity for you to take a mature role and have a positive influence in your family. Take responsibility by researching three or four colleges that offer majors you might be interested in. Check to be sure that those campuses also offer ministry opportunities that appeal to you.
When you've done your research, sit down with your parents and share what you've discovered. Point out those schools you're attracted to and why they would be good schools for you. When you talk to your parents about these schools, tell them that more than 25 percent of college students are undecided about their major when they start college and more than half of college students change their major at least once. Even if you decided on a major today, you might end up switching to one that would not be available at your institution. Looking for colleges that offer a range of majors and ministry options should allow you and your parents to settle on a campus where you can pursue what's important to each of you.
Written by Judy Moseman
