Think of academic study in college as an opportunity to refine a skillset.

When I finally gathered the courage to tell my parents that I intended to change my major entering into my junior year, you could have cut the tension in the room with a knife.

With acceptance letters in hand, you are now in control, and the responsibility rests with the university to explain why you should choose it. This mindset can also be helpful for younger students who are looking ahead to their own college applications.

When you enter a liberal arts living space, the people you spend your time with will help you become a well-rounded student and individual. They demonstrate every day how valuable differing perspectives are to your academic and social experience at college.

I never studied English because I knew it would secure me a high-paying job, but because I love reading and writing. Which, as it turns out, are pretty useful skills when it comes to searching for a job. Next time someone asks you "What are you planning on doing with your English degree?" you'll have your answer ready: "Whatever I want."