Why It's Okay To Switch Your Major | The Odyssey Online
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Why It's Okay To Switch Your Major

Don't worry, be happy.

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Why It's Okay To Switch Your Major
CollegeDegrees360 / Flickr

I came to college determined. I knew what I was going to major in, I knew when I would graduate and I knew I was going to love it. At least, I thought that I was going to love it. I wanted to switch my major so bad, but I was scared to. I was scared of change, I was scared of not liking another major, and I was scared of what people would think, especially my parents. I also did not want to give up on something. I never knew myself to be a quitter, but I finally realized that I was never going to be considered that. I was going to be considered a word I could not really understand — "happy."

I decided to major in Chemical Engineering my junior year of high school. I loved chemistry and I was decently good at math, so I thought this would be a great major. It offered tons of scholarships, and I knew I would land a great career doing so. My dad was all for it, and I loved a challenge. My first semester was not too bad. I did not really enjoy any of my classes, but I did not hate any either. Then came second semester and I realized I actually did not enjoy any classes. I didn't enjoy anything. I didn't look forward to going to class, and I didn't look forward to my future. Meanwhile, all of my friends loved their majors. They loved their classes and knew what they wanted to do after graduation. Yet, for some reason, I stayed with my major. Finally I realized that even though Chemical Engineering is a tough major, I didn't even want to work at it. I despised studying for any of my classes and dreaded every class. My grades started dropping. I literally had to force myself to even somewhat learn the material. (I am not saying this major sucks, it just was not for me. Props to whoever loves Chemical Engineering).

It was time for a change. I didn't even enjoy college anymore. All I did was study, and the results I wanted never came. I was over it. I wanted to enjoy school again, and enjoy life. I started talking to professors, advisors, friends and my parents. Now, finally, I am changing my major and I seriously cannot wait.

The moral of that story is that it is okay to switch your major. It is okay to do what you want to do. I know everyone wants to make money, but think about this — If you love your major, you are going to love your career. If you love your career, you are going to be good at it. The better you are, the more successful you are. Success comprises no only money, but also happiness. That is what is most important in my opinion.

College is a time for you to find yourself. Cliche, I know, but it is true. College is when you can find what you want to do for the rest of your life. You can find what you are actually passionate about, so why not do it? If you don't like your major, you don't like it. You can't help what you do and don't like. So many people change their major their first couple of years. You can be one of those too.

If you are going to switch your major there are a few things you need to do. First, talk to people. Talk to advisors. They can help not only by giving their opinion of what you might like, but they can also show you the right path to take. Talk to your friends and family. They know you best. They can help narrow down ideas of what you would want to potentially switch to. Even talk to your professors. They may give very helpful advice that could completely change your mind. Next, stop worrying so much. The amount of anxiety I have gained in a matter of three months is really not healthy. Take it from me, if you don't like your major, don't wait. Don't lose time. If you act fast enough you can still graduate on time. Even if you do wait who cares if you're in college another year? College rocks. Don't worry about what other people will think. You're doing this for you. You is what matters in this process. Finally, realize it is time for a change. Accept it and do what you want to do. Why this decision is so hard is obvious — it is the rest of your life. Look at your future and ask yourself, "Is this what I want to do?" That's the first question you need to ask yourself. Once you are happy, everyone will be happy for you.

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