Three Signs You Should Change Your Major | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Three Signs You Should Change Your Major

It's time to solve this major dilemma.

46
Three Signs You Should Change Your Major
Chapman Edu

Three Signs You Should Change Your Major

Assuming that 99.9% of articles published on the Odyssey this week will involve the Trump, I decided to at least spare Facebook from one more rant on the (highly unfortunate?) outcome of this election. Around this time of year just one year ago, I made the decision to switch majors from Science to English, and after realizing how content I am to finally be studying and pursuing things that I enjoy, I figured I could help a few fellow students with this major dilemma.

1. You find yourself crying into your textbooks far too often

Scene: A girl slowly slides off of the couch and crumples down onto the living room floor. She rests her head in her hands, as a single tear trickles from the corner of her eye onto the pages of her book. It seems as though a tragedy has taken place: perhaps a messy breakup of some sort or a death in the family. Unfortunately, this heartbreak has been caused by her simple inability to understand problem number 24 in her organic chemistry workbook and this type of trauma actually occurs on a weekly basis. True story. This tear-jerking account reveals the importance of drawing a line between pushing yourself to do something you are capable of and understanding when to back away from something you either just hate to do or simply suck at doing. Four years of undergrad science is likely to turn into four more years of graduate or medical school and probably more school after that because doctors seem to stay in school for infinite amounts of time, right? So, to save yourself from further grief, if you hate studying the majority of your major’s material, quit while you’re ahead.

2. You consistently ask yourself: what will my parents/friends/professors think?

In a society that prioritizes success and approval from others; it can be difficult to let go of other people’s opinions, let alone genuine concerns.

“But you’ve always been good at science”

“Just stick with it, it’ll pay off in the end”

“Okay but what are you actually planning on doing with an English degree?”

When others give you grief, just remind yourself that your opinion is the only one that matters. If you consistently feel unhappy studying whatever you are studying, changing your major isn’t taking the easy way out, it’s allowing yourself to explore something you’re actually passionate about. Even if living out your passion means a smaller future salary and a few years of uncertainty after graduation, it’s better than a lifetime of "what-ifs."

3. You overthink it

I have spoken with countless graduates who are doing something completely different from what their college major entails, and many are doing something much different than what they had originally planned as a freshman. Not only should this provide breath of relief if you feel confined by career paths outlined in college catalogues, but it should inspire you to study and pursue what fascinates you rather than what looks good. Of course it is important to prepare for a future professional career by applying for internships and building connections; however, those opportunities are more likely to naturally and quickly arise from hard work that you enjoy. I recently read an article suggesting that more and more companies are hiring liberal arts majors for high paying jobs in areas that they aren’t technically “qualified” for, because they are usually well rounded with a learned ability to communicate effectively. Don’t overthink it: if your strength is creativity, do things that engage the side of you that longs to create, and share it. Don’t stress too much, and trust that the rest will sort itself out.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
friends
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

If I have learned one thing in my lifetime, it is that friends are a privilege. No one is required to give you their company and yet there is some sort of shared connection that keeps you together. And from that friendship, you may even find yourself lucky enough to have a few more friends, thus forming a group. Here are just a few signs that prove your current friend group is the ultimate friend group.

Keep Reading...Show less
ross and monica
FanPop

When it comes to television, there’s very few sets of on-screen siblings that a lot of us can relate to. Only those who have grown up with siblings knows what it feels like to fight, prank, and love a sibling. Ross and Monica Geller were definitely overbearing and overshared some things through the series of "Friends," but they captured perfectly what real siblings feel in real life. Some of their antics were funny, some were a little weird but all of them are completely relatable to brothers and sisters everywhere.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Types Of Sorority Girls

Who really makes up your chapter...

2257
Sorority Girls
Owl Eyes Magazine

College is a great place to meet people, especially through Greek life. If you look closely at sororities, you'll quickly see there are many different types of girls you will meet.

1. The Legacy.

Her sister was a member, her mom was a member, all of her aunts were members, and her grandma was a member. She has been waiting her whole life to wear these letters and cried hysterically on bid day. Although she can act entitled at times, you can bet she is one of the most enthusiastic sisters.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

10 Reasons Why Life Is Better In The Summertime

Winter blues got you down? Summer is just around the corner!

1910
coconut tree near shore within mountain range
Photo by Elizeu Dias on Unsplash

Every kid in college and/or high school dreams of summer the moment they walk through the door on the first day back in September. It becomes harder and harder to focus in classes and while doing assignments as the days get closer. The winter has been lagging, the days are short and dark, and no one is quite themselves due to lack of energy and sunlight. Let's face it: life is ten times better in the summertime.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Things That Describe You and Your College Friends

The craziest, funniest, and most unforgettable college memories are impossible to create without an amazing group of friends.

1500
College Friends
Marina Lombardi

1. You'll never run out of clothes when you have at least four closets to choose from.

2. You embrace and encourage each other’s horrible, yet remarkable dance moves.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments