By Kathryn Richards
English. Engineering. Economics. Or elementary education.
Choosing a major is not an easy decision.
While many resources are available at BYU to help students make wise career choices, students must remember not to neglect the importance of spiritual guidance.
'The spiritual component is a very important one,' said Alberto Puertas a career and academic advisor at BYU. 'Prayer becomes an important tool.'
While prayer is helpful in choosing a major, Puertas said students can''t stop there.
'Be proactive. Go, gather information, and find out about resources,' he said.
Students should take career tests, talk to parents or leaders to get ideas. Doing this, Puertas said, will help students realize where their talents lie.
'God has a unique mission for them. They have to discover their own unique mission, and fulfill them through their talents, passions and God-given gifts,' Puertas said.
Gordon McClean, bishop of BYU 96th ward, said there are several factors students need to take into consideration when choosing a major.
Most importantly, McClean said students must remember to incorporate a balance in their career choices.
'There is fine mix between achievements and trying to have a spiritual balance,' he said.
McClean said that when giving students guidance he tries to help them have a clear vision of the future. A major is a decision that can have a life-long impact, he said.
Melissa Garcia, 18, a sophomore from Cali, Colombia, majoring in international studies, said she recognized this life-long impact when choosing a major.
Garcia did not feel comfortable in the major she started out with at BYU. She said she struggled with her classes and didn''t feel complete satisfaction with the direction she had chosen.
She said she needed to change her major and figure out what to do with her life.
Garcia used the resources available at BYU to choose a new major. She talked with people who knew her well, consulted with advisement counselors and took a career exploration class.
But she took a spiritual approach, as well.
'Fasting and prayer made a huge difference,' Garcia said.
Although there are still sometimes difficulties in her current major, Garcia said she is happy and knows she is headed in the right direction.
'I have a guideline. I know what I''m getting into, and I''m OK with that. I know what the challenges are going to be,' Garcia said. 'I can see myself in the future doing what I''m planning.'
Garcia said she would advise others students to take similar actions when selecting a major.
'Head in some direction, she said. 'If it''s not right the Lord will let you know.'