I had a detailed plan on exactly how my life was supposed to play out because that's just the way I am. I had a defining moment at the age of sixteen, which I thought would dictate my career choice. I figured this career choice would play on my strengths and weaknesses so I applied to colleges as a Psychology major and waited patiently for decision letters. To be fair, any of the colleges I received acceptance letters from had fine psychology programs. Even though I had my heart completely set on NC State University my junior year, an acceptance letter from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill my senior year changed everything. I think I know why now.
UNC encourages you to take exploratory courses during your first few semesters so I enrolled in Nutrition 175 and Media and Journalism 101. To be completely honest, my enrollment in Media and Journalism happened to be solely based on the fact it was open and I needed three more credit hours on my schedule. My mom had mentioned journalism to me a few times throughout my high school career but, I never gave it much thought. The writing I did was a hobby but never something I saw myself doing in a professional sense. I was going to go to school for a long period of time, possibly get my doctorate, and become a psychologist within some realm of eating disorders or bariatric surgery. During the first few weeks of classes, I was convinced I loved nutrition and would double major in the field as a supplement to my psychology degree. This was all according to my plan. Then, something changed.
A few weeks into classes my focus shifted. The world 'storyteller' comes up often throughout my media and journalism class and the idea appealed to me. I love people, I love their stories and reporting consists of taking those two loves and combining them into one. The idea of weaving together people's voices into articles and news pieces to give their passions the attention they deserve seems like something I was born to do. I am enthralled by my new found interest but I'm simultaneously terrified. This was not in the plan; this was a completely new plan. Now, as a declared double major in Media and Journalism and Psychology rounding out my first semester of my freshman year, I feel slightly lost.
A lot of people in my life discouraged my idea of going to UNC. Despite whatever reason they had, there was something pushing me towards this school. Looking back now, sure, NC State's psychology program is a great one but, they only offer a minor in journalism through the English department while UNC has a journalism school with a major, special focuses, and a long list of awards. Both were great schools but, if I had never come to Carolina I probably would have never stumbled upon this opportunity.
I'm sure a lot of college students are standing in my shoes. Sure, some students know exactly what they are born to do and some of us had an illusion we knew the purpose for which we were placed on this earth, but a wave washed over us and makes us question every step we're taking now. Ride the wave. Enjoy the wave. I know it's stressful to veer from your plan. I stress every day about whether or not I'm making the right choices and seeking the right opportunities but, there's a little voice in the back of my head. The same voice was there when I was making my college decision. The voice was there during the first few weeks of classes. The voice will persist. Sometimes you know what's best for you despite a village of people against you.
Give yourself the credit, take the chance. You'll figure it out.
