Follow Up Poll: Did FIRST change your idea of what to major in?

[P.J.]

Originally Posted by dirtbikerxz

I would like to talk to the people that said first showed them that they wanted a non-stem career ;D

Well, then I guess I'll share my story.

In my case, FIRST showed me that what I was good at and what I wanted to do with my life was help high school aged students succeed. Initially this made me plan to go into education, specifically the very non-STEM fields of History and English because I've always enjoyed teaching those.

However, in the past 6 months or so I've realized that teaching isn't quite the right field for me. So I am beginning to apply to Master's Programs in Counseling, with the intention of becoming a counselor/therapist for younger kids and teenagers.

Without FIRST, I may not have realized my passion for helping guide high school students through the rough times in their lives. My experience as a mentor has shown me that the times I find most rewarding aren't winning medals or trophies but seeing that kid who suffered from anxiety making friends, or that kid who was depressed smiling and feeling included in the group.

So yes, FIRST showed me that I wanted a non-STEM career, but it was also the conduit that helped me discover my true passion.