Dear Diane: Making big decisions quick as ‘Grease’ lightning

Dear Diane: I am a 22-year-old engineering major. I’m shy — especially around girls — have very few friends and have never had a girlfriend.

Recently a bunch of guys in my dorm dared me to audition for a local production of “Grease.” I said no way. Then they started taking up a collection. By the end of the night, they’d compiled nearly $500. They said if I went to the auditions and gave a performance, I’d get the money.

I guess they were counting on me backing down, but I really needed the cash, so I went the next evening and auditioned for the musical.

I got a part!

Diane, for the past few weeks I have been living in the clouds. I’ve never been happier. Not only have I fallen in love with musical theater, I now have a girlfriend (one of my cast mates). It’s like I’ve become a new man. I’m more confident, outgoing and profoundly happier.

I’m thinking of dumping engineering and changing my major to theater. My parents are horrified, and my two best friends say I’m insane. What should I do?

— Muddled in Minnesota

Dear Muddled: You’re not insane. You’re a young man who is still growing up, still changing. I’m very happy for you.

However, just because your stint in musical theater helped you to break out of your shell, it’s no reason to drop your engineering major after you’ve invested so much time and money into it. I suggest that when you register for classes next semester, in addition to your engineering coursework, sign up for a few acting and theater-related courses. This way, you’ll graduate with a useful and marketable degree, while still getting the theatrical experiences that make you happy.

Keep auditioning for plays and whatever acting work you can. Who knows, you might stumble upon a new career. But if you don’t, at least you’ll have the engineering degree to fall back on. Good luck.