What the heck am I going to do with my life? This is a common,yet scary thought shared by most college students, myselfincluded.

After countless years of being asked the oh-so-common question,”What do you want to be when you grow up?” the questionhas suddenly shifted to a very stressful, “Now thatyou’ve grown up, what will you do with your life?”

It’s a scary situation, isn’t it? After spending 16straight years in school, most college students are expected tograduate and quickly move into the real world. Hold a full-time job&- one that doesn’t include flipping burgers or blendingcoffee, pay bills &- without help from mommy and daddy’sbank account, and act like a true adult.

There’s no doubt that the transition from college to thereal world will be one of the most difficult periods in aperson’s life. With all the unanswered question lying ahead,it’s impossible not to worry about the direction life willsteer you.

As I sit here, during my senior year, trying to write a columnthat gives insight on how to make the transition easier, I am leftoffering two pieces of advice. Find something you are passionateabout and don’t ever settle for being average.

Without passion, life is obviously pretty dull. Who wants towake up every morning without any motivation to go to work? If youdon’t love what you do, then it’s nearly impossible tobe successful. Fortunately, college gives students the perfectopportunity to find a subject, area or specialty that they arepassionate about.

One of the most negative influences on students when trying tochoose a career seems to be their potential financial status. OftenI run into fellow students who aren’t passionate about theirmajor, but suffer through it simply because their potential jobfield pays well.

While it’s true that some jobs don’t pay well&- cough, journalism, cough &- there is one thing everyperson needs to consider. No matter what your profession, if youare one of the best at what you do, then you will be taken care offinancially. But remember, you can’t become the best atsomething if you don’t strive to become the best.

Like most people, I didn’t have many career goals oraspirations when I began college. Luckily, the opportunities I havehad allowed me to find a career field I am passionate about.

As a journalism major, I can’t think of a better feelingthan knowing I have gained real experience in my future field. Ihave been able to cover major events, interview individuals whopeople idolize, and know that I have out-worked and out-reportedprofessional journalists.

So as I embark on my journey into the real world, I will remainscared about what my future holds. But in my heart, I know I willbe prepared, and without a doubt, passionate about my futurecareer.