College Anxiety!! HELP!!

[Moxie.]

I'm a senior in high school, so I'm in the process of applying to colleges. I know for sure that I want to be an high school literature teacher. I know that I need to major in English or literature, depending on what the school offers. But, I have absolutely no idea what I should minor in. I'm going back and forth between psychology or a foreign language. Some people have told me that psychology is more beneficial to a teacher because it would give me a better understanding of the students. But, other people have told me that a foreign language would be better because it would make me more flexible when it came to finding teaching jobs. I have no clue what to do and I haven't had time to go see my counselor. Suggestions?? It's stressing me out!!

[Kate*]

I majored in psychology and I can see how it might be helpful to have at least a background knowledge of it. I guess it really depends what you want to do and what the school offers. I knew people at my college who wanted to be teachers. The way that program worked was that you majored in education with a concentration on the age group you wanted and then minored in the subject you wanted to teach. It depends what the school's program is like. Either way you have a lot of time to decide since minors have fewer credits you don't have to declare one right away. It also can depend where you want to teach, if you plan to stay in California minoring in Spanish might be a good idea.

[JellyBean4986]

I think minoring in either psych or a second language would be benificial. Which one do you think you would enjoy more? Also are you good with languages? Some people have a really hard time picking up other languages, if this is the case for you then you may want to try psych. Remeber if your not happy with your minor, you do have a chance to change it. Most students do so at least once in their college careers.

[Moxie.]

I love psych and foreign languages. For years, I thought I wanted to become a psychologist, but I've realized that I don't want to go to school for 8 years to do that. So, I switched to literature, which has always been a passion of mine. I pick up foreign languages really easily though. I'm leaning towards a language though, especially because I'm planning to stay in CA. Spanish could be really helpful for me.

[Elizabeth]

You don't have to declare a minor right away, so you always have some time to figure it out.
Personally, I think it would be better if you took Spanish, because like you said, California has a lot of Spanish speaking people and it could help you get a job.
I know this isn't what you were asking for, but since you do live in Cali and I assume you are going to school here, check out Sonoma State,my college!. If you ever have questions, shoot me a PM!

I agree with Elizabeth; you still have time with getting the minor. My best friend didn't decide he was going to major in English literature (he wants the same job you do) until he was a sophomore, and he's graduating on time. Focus most on getting the general requirements for your major out of the way first, and then decide. I hope this helped and good luck with the app process!

[Dr.Bobby]

Hi Samantha,

I know a bit about psychology , let me see if i can help you out.

First,, gratz on your choice here, teaching is a wonderful profession, a good teacher is remembered for a life time. Think: Who was your Kindergarten teacher? Or your favorite teacher in High School? See?, everyone remembers.

Second, some schools require specific majors and minors for 'educators', the course work for a degree in education differ btw'n colleges, it's best to check with the ones you're interested in. Talk with the interviewer about this and ask, and don't forget that once you start college you'll be working with an adviser who will help, too. Course selection or major/minor choice isn't something you need to decide now (you don't have enough info), and surely not something you need to make all alone!

Lastly, all things being equal, if you get to choose a minor, that choice should be based not only on what would 'help' with your profession, but also what you'd enjoy, too. School isn't always about prerequisites and complimentarity of course work, but also about personal (intellectual) fulfillment. The things that you might need later on (like a foreign language or psychology) can be acquired as the need arises, you don't need to anticipate everything just yet.