Question

school: university of tampa
read the case and then answer the questions that follow.
it took brittany m. harder three weeks to realize she had chosen the wrong major. she moved from marine biology to accounting, and then added a second major, sociology. she never regretted her decision to change majors, especially because sociology became her lifes passion. \i love sociology,\ she says, \because it brought together my passion for research, diversity and community engagement.\
for harder, realizing your passion is a key part of the educational experience. she tells current students not to worry about \practicality\ in a major, \since the most practical thing you can do is find something you are interested in and a field that you would show up every day excited to be in.\
finding something that excites and motivates you isnt always easy, though, especially when youre balancing a more - than - full - time schedule. \i was waiting for something to hit me that would show me what i was supposed to be doing,\ she recalls. \however, it wasnt until i started taking classes outside of my major at the time, talking to people, meeting other students, becoming involved on campus and in the community, and participating in a second sociology course that led to a world of difference for me.\
if youre trying to carve out time to get involved on campus, harder suggests learning how to say
o\: \you have to pick and choose between things others ask you to do,\ she says. \students have to be their own schedule masters.\
one thing that has helped her manage her own time is making a to - do list every day and then prioritizing that list. \crossing off one thing at a time will limit the days one feels like a hamster on a wheel,\ she says. and feeling like youre still moving forward can be the key to staying motivated and eventually succeeding.
what do you think harder meant when she said not to worry about practicality when choosing a major?

Explanation:

Harder emphasizes that true practicality lies in passion. When students are passionate about a major (like her with sociology), they'll be excited daily. This enthusiasm drives engagement (research, community work), which is more practical than a "practical - sounding" but uninteresting major. A major that aligns with one's interests ensures active participation, leading to better learning and success.

Answer:

Harder meant that instead of focusing on a major's perceived "practicality" (like job - market - driven choices), students should prioritize finding a major they are passionate about. A passionate choice ensures daily excitement and engagement. This active involvement (in research, community, etc., as she had with sociology) is more practical. Because when students love their major, they invest more effort, learn better, and are more likely to succeed. A major that just seems "practical" (e.g., high - paying but uninteresting) might lead to disengagement. While a passion - based major fuels continuous learning and contribution (like her sociology major combining research, diversity, and community), which is the real practicality for personal and academic growth.