Changing Majors Was The Toughest — And Best — Decision Of My Life | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Changing Majors Was The Toughest — And Best — Decision Of My Life

How swapping majors changed my life.

39
Changing Majors Was The Toughest — And Best — Decision Of My Life
Pexels

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to do one thing: help people. My career aspirations fluctuated over time, but all fell under the general umbrella of helping people. Pediatrician. Forensic scientist. Teacher. Journalist. When I came across Occupational Therapy, I thought I had found the perfect fit for me. I would be able to help people, and I could work with children. I even got into a great school for Health Sciences. My first year of school, I was extremely excited to learn anything I could. Both inside and outside the classroom. I wanted to experience everything college had to offer. I honestly think that I was so focused on college itself, that I didn't even realize that I hated what I was studying. I was so caught up in keeping my grades up, making friends, and experiencing as much as I could that I didn't see how unhappy I was. I just wanted to be part of the hype.

After an epic summer of working as a camp counselor and meeting so many incredible people, going into my second year, I started thinking that I wanted something more. I continued going through the motions, studying Occupational Therapy, and trying to force myself to love it as much as everyone around me did. All of my friends who were OT majors seemed to be incredibly passionate about their future plans, while I seemed to be wavering with uncertainty. I started second guessing my future, but I kept pushing through.

I was sitting on my bed writing a paper for my OT class when I had a nervous breakdown. I started crying and I just couldn't stop. I realized exactly how unhappy I was, and how much I needed something to change. I could no longer picture myself being an OT. I didn't know exactly what I wanted, but I knew occupational therapy was not it. After this realization, I knew I needed to figure out what to do next. I thought I lot about who I was as a person, what I loved, and what I was good at. I narrowed my new major down to three options: nursing, education, and social work. After a lot more consideration, a lot more crying, and a lot of sleepless nights, I finally decided that my heart belonged in the field of social work. The period of figuring out I needed a change to deciding what I wanted to do was a 10-day span of panic attacks and very little sleep. It was without a doubt the hardest decision I've ever made.

Finally deciding to take this leap of faith and turn my life upside down was absolutely crazy, but it took a giant weight off of my chest. Finishing my last semester as an OT major was extremely bittersweet. The girls I got to study with are absolutely incredible. The work itself is incredibly admirable, and I was heavily inspired by what I learned. However, I am so much happier now. I feel as though my life is headed in the direction I want to go in, and I can't wait to impact the world and the children in it. I know that my skills are more suited for social work, and I can't wait to see where this journey takes me. My mind and heart are so prepared for what this road has to offer me.

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

College is supposed to be one of the best times of your life. However, it is also one of the toughest transitions to make. There is so much anticipation and excitement leading up to moving into college. It doesn’t truly hit you until move in day when your parents say their final goodbyes and you see their car drive away. You truly are on your own. I was blessed to meet my best friends within the first week of school. Your college friends are so important and here’s why:

Keep Reading...Show less
13 Real Thoughts Every College Student Has At Some Point
Good Call

There are a few thoughts that go through a college student's mind on a day to day basis. Some of those thoughts come from class, some of then come from when you are bored in class. Here are sixteen thoughts that college students think of on a day to day basis.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Mouse, Cookie, Chaos!

He's going to ask for a glass of milk

83080
mouse with a cookie

One of my biggest pet peeves is when someone does not try to help their self before asking others. How can someone else be expected to help you if you do not first do that yourself? I'm all about helping those that need it when the time comes, however whenever someone does not even attempt to help him or herself first then that becomes a huge problem. As we all have learned, people tend to take advantage of us in one way or another. I am sure we all read this short story when we were younger and it follows that same principle:

Keep Reading...Show less
39 Traits You Know You Have If You're A Libra
Flickr

If you were born between September 23rd - October 22nd, then you are a Libra. Let's be real, Libras are the best because you are the perfect balance of all things in life. Some may find this boring, but they don't know anything about what it means to be all things at once. As Libras, we hold much on our shoulders that no one can understand. These are traits you know to be true if you are a Libra:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

12 Types Of Drunk Girls You'll See In Every Friend Group

"Getting drunk with your best friends is an experience in and of itself. It takes us on wild and ridiculous adventures with the people we trust with our lives."

1878
friends
Cloud Front

Getting drunk with your best friends is an experience in and of itself. It takes us on wild and ridiculous adventures with the people we trust with our lives. Each one of you plays a vital role in making sure the night goes (relatively) smoothly.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments