This post is about finding your “why” and passion as a college student.
College is this magical, chaotic, and often nerve-wracking chapter in life where everyone seems to be sprinting toward something… but what exactly?
You might find yourself asking, “Why am I here?” No, seriously. Beyond the parties, tuition bills, and the looming shadows of midterms, you might wonder: What’s my purpose? In other words, what’s your “why”?
Finding your “why” isn’t just a quirky self-help phrase—it’s about discovering the fuel that keeps you going, especially when you’re running on two hours of sleep and a questionable amount of caffeine.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to uncovering your purpose while at college, and how to make the journey worthwhile.
1. Rewind and Reflect
Before you can find your purpose, you need to hit rewind and look back. What were the things that made you feel alive in high school or even as a kid? Was it creating something, helping others, solving puzzles, or leading a team? It might seem basic, but reflection is like cleaning out your closet—you’ve got to sort through the clutter to find those gems.
Tip: Think of five times you were genuinely happy doing something that wasn’t school-related. List them out. These moments are hints toward your “why.”
2. Experiment Like a Scientist
College is the best lab you’ll ever have! And no, I’m not just talking about your 8 a.m. chem lab, EW. I mean taking classes you’re curious about, joining random clubs, talking to professors, or even trying new part-time gigs. Imagine you’re a scientist researching you. Experimenting in different fields, majors, or projects will expose you to areas of interest you might never have known existed.
Warning: This will be messy. You might join a club only to realize it’s not for you, but guess what? That’s just as valuable as finding something you do love. Cross it off the list and move on.
3. Notice Your Flow States
Psychologists talk about “flow states”—moments where you’re so absorbed in an activity that you lose track of time. Ever felt that? Maybe while painting, coding, organizing events, or writing? These are prime clues to what your “why” might be because they reveal activities that make you feel fully alive.
Question: If you could spend hours doing something without getting tired, what would it be? Write it down. This could lead you closer to your purpose.
4. Talk to People Who Inspire You
College is full of people on their own journeys—professors, peers, even guest speakers at random events. Seek out conversations with people who are passionate about what they do. Ask them how they found their path, why they love it, and what advice they have for you. You’d be surprised how much clarity can come from hearing other people’s stories.
Pro Tip: Don’t limit this to people in your field. Sometimes, the most random conversations spark the best ideas and help you define your purpose.
5. Embrace (and Learn From) Failure
Let’s be real—finding your purpose is not a straight line. You’ll hit walls, fail exams, change majors (possibly multiple times), and feel completely lost. And that’s normal. Every failure is simply another step closer to figuring out what you’re not meant to do, which is, in its own way, a huge win. Embrace the “detours” because they’re just as important as the final destination.
Mindset Shift: Failure isn’t the end; it’s the universe nudging you toward something better suited for you.
6. Connect the Dots
After you’ve spent some time reflecting, experimenting, noticing your flow states, and learning from failure, it’s time to connect the dots. Look for patterns. Maybe all the things that make you feel fulfilled are connected to a love for storytelling, a passion for technology, or a desire to make an impact in healthcare. Don’t rush it—finding your “why” is more of an art than a science.
Activity: Try journaling about your experiences, the classes you enjoyed, or the conversations that stood out. Patterns will start emerging if you pay attention.
7. Define Your “Why” as a Guiding Star, Not a Destination
Here’s a twist: your “why” doesn’t have to be a fixed goal, like “I want to be a lawyer” or “I want to build a nonprofit.” It can be more of a guiding star—a direction rather than a point. Maybe your “why” is to help people solve conflicts, to promote creativity, or to empower underserved communities. The specifics might change over time, but your core purpose will remain your North Star.
Bonus Insight: Realize that your “why” might evolve. And that’s totally okay. College is just the beginning.
Wrapping It All Up
Finding your “why” in college is like searching for treasure on a winding path with countless detours. It’s not always a clear, linear journey, but every step—whether it’s a failed exam, a new club, or a late-night conversation—brings you closer to understanding what fuels you. Embrace the journey, stay curious, and keep experimenting.
College may be chaotic, but when you’re driven by purpose, it’s a chaos worth navigating. Here’s to finding your “why” and, along the way, learning more about yourself than you ever thought possible.
Lovingly,
Girl In Bloom
