As this year’s seniors start committing to colleges and announce their major, they are inevitably met with the same question: “What are you going to do with that?” The contemporary job market is constantly changing.
Mia Gonzalez is one of those students. She is heading to Loyola Marymount University this fall to study psychology, a field that she believes will “get the mental health assistance [people] need.” She decided to pursue this career path because “it’s worth the effort because I love it [and] that’s what I’m passionate about,” and wants to assist people with the criminal justice system.
Gonzalez’s choice comes at a vital time. Mental health issues are rising nationwide, and the legal system needs more experts to help people in need. By choosing psychology, her passion fills a major shortage in the real world.
While some graduates look toward fields like psychology to heal individuals, others enter industries that physically keep the world moving. Incoming Orange Coast College freshman Aniello Lara is pursuing a degree in aviation science, a decision sparked by a childhood fascination with aircraft.
“I love looking at planes,” Lara said, recalling early memories of sitting in old cockpits like the Boeing 727. “Ever since my last trip to DC, my passion for travelling in the air by plane grew. I think air travel is beautiful.”
For Lara, flight training is not just a personal passion, but a path towards great responsibility. He noted that the global supply chain relies on qualified pilots, stating that “the world needs people who want to serve others’ passion for travel and transporting people and useful resources across the country and globe.”
For other incoming freshmen, keeping the world moving means entering the medical field to sustain life. Valerie Madrigal is heading to the University of Southern California this fall to study human biology. Madrigal aims to become an OB-GYN, a career choice inspired by her love for children and a desire for financial security.
“After getting my bachelor’s, I want to go to medical school,” Madrigal said, noting her long-term plan to work in a clinic. “I want to achieve a good finance because I want to buy a house.”
Madrigal balances her demanding career goals with advice for future students, emphasizing the importance of hard work without burning out. “Have the balance between fun and working towards what you want,” Madrigal said. “And keep your grades up.”
While some graduates look toward fields like psychology or medicine to heal others, some focus on building the organizations that drive the economy. Incoming Cerritos College freshman Janice Pera is pursuing a degree in entrepreneurship, a path chosen to strengthen her personal independence and creative drive.
“I really like to do things on my own,” Pera said, explaining that she views business skills as essential for any career. “Business shows you teamwork and how to individually work and [gain] independence.”
For her, the degree is about the ability to express herself uniquely. “I hope to continue to be creative,” Pera said. “I want to inspire other people to be creative and express themselves however they please.”
Ultimately, these incoming college freshmen suggest that the value of a college degree cannot be measured by a single job title. MACES students are no longer choosing majors based on outdated expectations. They are reshaping the world to fit their passions, one career path at a time.
