It Is Okay To Change Your Major | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

It Is Okay To Change Your Major

Do What Makes You Happy

13
It Is Okay To Change Your Major
Armstrong State University

In the past year of college, I have had a revelation of sorts. I decided to change my major from Health Science-Respiratory Therapy to Biology- Plant Sciences, and it has been the best decision that I have made since moving to college. Health Sciences was simply not for me and I admit that this was a difficult decision to make. By going with respiratory, I was guaranteeing myself a lucrative career but I never really stopped to ask myself if medical was what I really wanted to do.

Like a lot of people, I was just going along with it because of the money and job security. Don't get me wrong, I know plenty of college students majoring in health-related fields and they absolutely love it. I admire them for having the courage to choose a field that requires so much mental and emotional strain and doing it wholeheartedly. I feel confident that if you truly love your chosen field, as they do, then all of the sleepless nights spent pouring over textbooks will be worth it. That is why I chose to switch, and if you are second guessing your major then don't be afraid of changing paths.

Choose a major that you can see yourself having a career in.

This may seem a little obvious, but you would be surprised at the number of people who only choose a field because of money or other benefits. I understand that financial security is extremely important, but if you absolutely despise going to work every day is the money really worth it?

Look for opportunities of growth.

Whatever field you end up in, please, make sure that you have opportunities to expand yourself and your education. Walking into the same situation for 20 years, doing the same work you have always done will get monotonous. Try to find new interests in your field. It may be a management position, assisting in a project, or even kick-starting a program you have an idea for. Do not let yourself become bored, look for ways to constantly push yourself to be involved.

Understand that you are not going to enjoy every single class you take.

If you are a science major, Chemistry may be the bane of your existence, but you still have to take that class. Try looking at the big picture instead of focusing on school by the semester, a degree takes years, but that class will only last a few months.

College is not for everyone, and that is okay.

This deserves a whole article by itself, but I felt it was important to include it in this one. In the past few decades college age, students have been force fed the idea that in order to be successful you have to have a degree. Luckily, this pattern has begun to change as employers are now seeing an increased need for skilled laborers. Unfortunately, the stigma of "only the best go to college" still exists, but understand blue collar does not mean broke idiot. The men and women who fill these position are smart, reallysmart, and they deserve the utmost respect for the work that they do. If college is not for you, find a field that interests you and work at it.

If you are uncomfortable with the major you have chosen, or even if college is right for you, do not be afraid to explore other options. At the end of the day, it is your life, and you have to decide what will make you the happiest.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Adulting

18 Things I Want To Do Now That I'm 18

I'm technically an adult, so I'm legally required to live a little, right?

1997
Happy Birthday Cake

For the entirety of my high school career, I was always seen as the goody-two-shoes. I never got in trouble with a teacher, I kept stellar grades, and when I wasn't doing extracurricular activities, I was at home studying. Even when I did go out, it was usually with a bunch of fellow band geeks. The night would end before 11:00 PM and the only controversial activity would be a fight based on who unfairly won a round of Apples-to-Apples when someone else clearly had a better card (I promise I'm not still holding a grudge).

Now that I'm officially an adult, I want to pursue some new things. I want to experience life in a way that I never allowed myself to do prior to entering college. These are the years that I'm supposed to embark on a journey of self-discovery, so what better way to do that than to create a bucket list?

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics

The holiday classics that shaped my life

1219
10 Life Lessons from Christmas Classics
Flickr

The holiday season is full of stress, debt, and forced conversation. While we rush through the month of December, it's important to take a step back and enjoy the moments before they're gone. Most families love to watch Christmas movies, but these beloved films provide more than entertainment. Here are 10 life lessons that I've learned from the holiday classics we watch every year.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

200437
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

21036
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments