Professors in particularly challenging fields of study are known to tell students early on, “Look to your left, look to your right. Two out of three of you will not be pursuing this major once this year is over.”
While that seems like tough language, the data backs it up. The National Center for Education Statistics says about 8 out of 10 college students will change their major at least once. 
Dr. Calvin Moore, Jr.
We all know of college students who are pre-med one minute and pursuing an architectural degree the next. A lot of those changes will be occurring early on, during the fall semester. We need to ensure that students, especially diverse students, don’t see this as a failure or setback but rather as an opportunity to help them find their way. Hopefully, some will take a path toward professions where their perspective and presence are critically needed.
For instance, I grew up dreaming of becoming the next Tom Brokaw, a TV broadcaster. Indeed, I’m now a communicator, but to a specialized audience. I’ve served as an early childhood educator and administrator for over 30 years. There aren’t a lot of men, let alone Black men, who’ve chosen a similar career path.
Less than 3% of preschool/kindergarten teachers (and less than 6% of child care workers) are men. It took my aunt’s gentle encouragement to initially lead me to work at a Head Start center.
