Dear Charlie:

im so confused i dnt know wt to do i dnt think they can accept me in the major i wnt to do im a sophomore now and i dnt wnt to do anything else bt nursing pple r telling me to do somethng else bt i dnt wnt and my advisor keeps on lying to me and telling me to do things that will bring me is down and that frustrating should transfer or what do i do pls hlp me

Signed: confused

Dear confused:

Charlie is sorry to hear that you're feeling confused.  You mention that you don't think you're going to be accepted into your major of choice—nursing.  Charlie understands how very disappointing something like this can be.  You also mention being frustrated with your advisor.  You're asking for help and Charlie will try to provide some direction. 

To begin with, it sounds like you need someone else to talk to about this issue.  With this in mind, Charlie suggests that you consider getting some career counseling.  My friends at the Counseling Center are skilled at helping people with career issues.   In addition to allowing you to vent some of your frustration, which can be helpful by itself, a counselor will sit down with you and do a thorough assessment of your situation.  This may include taking a second look at whether the nursing program is a good fit for you.  If yes, then the next step might be to discuss some strategies for getting you admitted into the program, such as improving your GPA or meeting some other types of requirements.  If no, then your counselor can help you explore some other choices—options that you find interesting and appealing.  It is very important that you feel involved in this decision-making process versus feeling like you're being told what to do.  This process might involve some career testing in order to get a better sense of your interests and where your skills lie.  Keep in mind that the majority of Ball State students change their major at least once—so you are not alone. 

Students sometimes hesitate to come to the Counseling Center for their first appointment.   Please know that my friends at the Center are easy to talk with and are competent to help you.  Counseling is a free service to Ball State students.  To make your first appointment, you can call the Center at 285-1736 or stop in at reception, located on the third floor (320) of Lucina Hall.

Wishing you an end to your confusion,

Charlie