Although it is always important to be respectful of the insight of those around you, it is important to remember at the end of the day you will be the one going to classes every day and eventually working in the career.  

College is a place where this struggle of doing what you want versus what your parents want becomes a very prevalent issue.  There are some ways to handle this situation well, starting with becoming educated.  The first step to a proper debate is having knowledge on the topic.  For example, if your parents wanted you to do a specific major and you go home and tell them you want to do something else, you need a better argument than “because I want to.”  In other words, figure out why you want to major in that area, what you can do with the major, and how you plan to attain it.  If you come in from this angle they will be much more likely to see your side of the issue, and you will be much more likely to make a good, educated decision.  As always get your money’s worth and use the resources peercareer.appstate.edu/pagesmith/142 at Peer Career to research majors and careers.