UNAIR NEWS – Continuing to study in college can be a big decision for high school students. Many considerations and intense communication, especially with parents or closest family members, also affect the decision. It often triggered feelings of distress in prospective students.
One of the things that many high school students complain about is choosing a college major. “If I look at it, in fact, it’s not where to go to college that’s being confused about. But the situation around that moment makes the selection of college majors a burden for students psychologically,” said Psychologist Afif Kurniawan, M.Psi. on Saturday, January 29, 2022.
At the virtual open house of International Undergraduate Program (IUP) FEB UNAIR titled “Sharing Session: Choosing a College Major According to Personality?”, Afif explained that final exams that must be passed make students feel anxious. “These feelings of anxiety are natural, but it is necessary to manage. Those who manage their anxiety well, God willing, will be sharp and precise in choosing a major,” he stressed.
Afif explained that many students tend to be confused and hesitant in making decisions regarding the course they will take. Faced with that, he suggested that students can become decision-makers who can control the confusion they face.
The Lecturer in Clinical Psychology and Mental Health FPsi UNAIR also emphasized the importance of communication between students and their parents. “Communicate well, and for parents, let’s put forward good listening skills together. Children need to be heard their thoughts,” he stated.
Furthermore, Afif emphasized the importance of research on the college majors to be taken by students. Students can have discussions and consultations with counseling guidance teachers (BK) or developmental psychologists and search the internet for information about certain college majors.
“Your research on college majors can be very much. But, try to filter and adjust them to your interests. If that is indeed your interest, the difficulties faced can be faced well,” said Afif.
Another thing that is no less important, according to Afif, is the development of a growth mindset. “A growth mindset is one that sees everything as a challenge.” Well, it’s not going to be easy. But I’ll try a little bit,” he expressed.
“Please keep in mind that this decision-making will be entirely your responsibility for the next four to several years. So, please consider this well and take the decision well,” Afif concluded. (*)
Author: Agnes Ikandani
Editor: Binti Q. Masruroh
