If I had a penny for every time I've heard that phrase I'd be a billionaire at only 19 years old. I doubt that I'm the only one who's heard that exact same phrase from parents, grandparents, or family friends but hey, they only want the best for us. Nowadays it seems like the world revolves around money and choosing a college major is becoming more restricting. I know when I was choosing a college and major, that constant nine-word reminder stayed in my head. So I, as well as many other like-minded and prospective students, checked the "Health Sciences" box on the application.
Throughout my life, I've only heard the positive side of majoring in the health sciences. However after being a college student for almost two years, I've experienced the not-so-positive side as well. Just as many health science majors have done before me, I found myself questioning, "is this degree even worth all the stress?"
"You're guaranteed a few breakdowns a night"
As a Pre-Physical Therapy major at a small college with a competitive program, I've heard that phrase quite a lot. With science and math lectures every day, constant studying, and let's not forget those three hour LABS we all know and love, it seems as if health science majors never get the so-called "college experience". On top of all that, try adding being an athlete into the mix. I find myself rushing from classes to practice, only to find myself back at school for an evening Kinesiology tutoring session. C's get degrees? In the health science world, it means repeat the class next semester. No classes on Fridays? Yeah good joke, see you in lab in an hour. Also, while everyone is getting ready the upcoming summer, I'm getting ready for long hours in the Barnes and Noble's Starbucks with my highlighter and GRE prep book.
"It's not all about the money"
Okay, I'll be honest. At first, I only looked at this major for the salary. A couple of years ago, I didn't really apply myself in high school and I always thought I could take the easy way out when it came to academics. However after I took my first Anatomy and Physiology college class, that mindset changed. Majoring in health science, specifically pre-physical therapy, opened my eyes to new ways of thinking inside and outside of the classroom. For example, I've been a competitive figure skater for years but never knew the muscle mechanics behind it until I took a Kinesiology class. Or looking at how just enough force applied to the spine could cause life-altering damage.
I know it sounds cheesy and even though I'll complain for centuries to come, I fell in love with my major. In almost two years I hope to move onto graduate school and then to a career that helps young athletes perform to the best of their ability. Sure, it may not be the most fun at times with all the studying and lab reports, but maybe it'll be worth it when you see someone with a spinal injury walk again and knowing that you contributed to their success. So no, I don't believe that being a health science major is worth it when it comes to the salary, but worth it for the good days as well as the bad.
