College is a time of exploration. You're exploring new social circles, a new city, and a newfound sense of freedom. You can do literally whatever you want to, even though you are highly encouraged to go to class. Registration season arrives, and you're ready for your classes. A semester or two go by, and you find yourself hating the place that you're in. This isn't what you expected. College is supposed to be fun and insightful. You're supposed to do what you're meant to do.
Sometimes it takes others a little longer to find out what that is. Here are the steps to realizing that you may want to change your major.
"Oh my God, I hate this class."
The complaint heard 'round the world. Everyone has those one or two classes that they absolutely despise, that one class where you feel like your soul is dying inside; however, if that class happens to be core to your major, and you have to continue in classes similar to it for the next three years, then you might want to consider switching.
"Oh my God, my hard work isn't paying off."
This is the next level of Step 1. At this point, you are pouring hours into a class that you hate and getting no results. You've consulted every professor, TA, and tutor on the planet, and there is just no hope for you. Consider this step as a sign that maybe this is not what you were meant to do. Start and consider your options.
"Oh my God, I loved this Other class I took this semester!"
This is something you say when you compare the classes you actually enjoy with the class that you hate. Start exploring majors relating to subjects in this area instead. It's really easy to google a list of majors offered by your school and to browse. Start eliminating the majors that you definitely do not want to pursue, and narrow it down to a small list.
"Oh my God, a major in this subject might be a great path for me!"
Once you've narrowed down your list, explore the requirements for the college that the major is housed in. Are there prerequisites that might prevent you from graduating on time? Are there entrance courses that you will have to include in a schedule next semester? Consult your academic advisor, and they should be able to help you through the facts and figures of switching majors. More than likely, many of your credits will transfer over and you will be able to stay somewhat on track.
"It's official!"
You've found a major that you are happy about pursuing. The classes that you plan on taking should excite you, because loving what you are learning is the most important thing about college. Even if other people think that you should be pursuing something else, let your passions guide the way. You may find opportunities that you didn't even know existed.
It's easy to let one class blind you from your dream, but sometimes it's not a blind spot in the road, but a fork instead. One way leads to happiness and fulfillment while the other leads to more hardship and misery. If your heart is telling you that the class you are failing just isn't for you, and you cannot take three more years of studying something that you hate, then change it up! Pick the way that leads to the path of happiness, and put yourself on the path to success.
