Sophie G.
Photography by Gabe Malik
If you’re reading this, it’s okay not to know.
It feels like we are constantly pressured to know everything about our future. How many kids do you want? When you want to get married, or if that is something you even want. What career you want to pursue, and first, what degree you want to pursue beforehand. In this world where we are pressured to “know,” not knowing feels abnormal. Saying, “I don’t know” seems like an unacceptable answer.
But here’s the thing: it’s okay not to know. If college has taught me anything, “not knowing” can be a gift. When you don’t have everything figured out, you are gifted the opportunity to explore different options and directions you might never have considered before. It means you have the freedom to try new things, take risks, and discover interests that might end up being formative towards your future. Sometimes, not knowing leads to experiences you couldn’t have predicted—ones that help you grow and learn more about yourself.
More than that though, “not knowing” is an acceptable answer because it means we have more to learn. And isn’t that why we’re in college in the first place? If you already had everything planned out perfectly, where would the room be for discovery? College is a time to figure things out, to change your mind, to ask questions, and to be curious. And it’s okay if your path doesn’t look like everyone else’s. Life isn’t a race or a checklist—it’s a journey, and everyone’s journey is unique.
So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to know exactly what your future holds, take a deep breath. You don’t have to have all the answers right now. It’s okay to take it one step at a time, to explore different majors, to try new classes, or even to change directions completely. Give yourself the time and space to figure it out. Trust that you’ll find your way, and remember: not knowing is part of the process, not a failure. It’s one of the most powerful parts of the journey.
Sincerely,
Sophie G., Wake Forest University
Connect With Us
To follow IfYoureReadingThis at Wake Forest on Instagram, get in touch with our chapter, and learn about more resources available to Wake Forest students, visit our chapter’s homepage.
