As a senior at Kansas University, I have never changed my major.

Instead, I’ve just kept adding. I came to KU as a decided chemistry major, but I eventually piled on a journalism major and a French minor. My career goal is to become a science journalist, a fairly specialized calling for those who possess a love of science, a knack for communication and the patience to work with eccentric scientists and practical newspaper editors alike.

This career path hasn’t been easy to find. I have forged this path for myself by recognizing my interests in both the sciences and humanities, and exploring ways to combine these interests. As a result, I’ve taken a lot of hours, and I have a lot of hours ahead of me. However, I’m still happily taking classes for general interest. From history of Japan to writing creative nonfiction, human sexuality in everyday life to principles of astronomy, all of the varied courses that I’ve taken have combined into one big ball of knowledge that enriches my life.

Luckily, I live among like-minded students who seek out learning for its own sake in a KU housing community called the scholarship halls. To clarify, I am not just a resident of this community; I am the All Scholarship Hall Council president for the upcoming academic year. I’m surrounded by intelligent individuals who love learning in the broadest sense, and I feel lucky to be a leader in the community.

My experiences as a born explorer in a community of fellow adventurers have led me to believe that college is, first and foremost, about one’s own intellectual expedition. My advice to future college students is to make your own path on this expedition. Forget the four-year plan. There is no “right” plan. The only plan that matters is the one that takes you where you want to be. Explore your own individual interests. My trail has led me to what looks to be an incredibly fulfilling career that uses all of my talents and suits me exactly.

Once you find the path that meets your interests, seek out mentors who support you. They are invaluable to your success as a student and an adult-to-be. A good mentor will encourage you to explore your interests while keeping you grounded, and celebrate with you when you find your path.

Becca Evanhoe, a senior in chemistry and journalism, says college students shouldn't be afraid to discover new interests. She is pictured outside Miller Scholarship Hall, where she has lived for three years.

In addition to finding mentors, find a community that supports you, as I have. Your community should challenge you, push you toward your goals and teach you skills that help you succeed. Once your community helps you, give back to that community. I’m fortunate to be serving a community where I am among those who celebrate higher education in its true sense.

My peers in the scholarship halls, my many mentors and my personal desire to be an individual have guided me to my path. But whatever community, whatever career, whatever quests for knowledge you encounter on your path, take the time to learn about everything you can. You may discover new interests. And when new interests come up, don’t feel like you have to choose between them. Why eliminate when you can just add?