Everyone who has ever decided to go to college has heard at some point in their lives “Don’t be afraid to change majors.” For some people, switching majors is not a big deal. For others, it may seem like the end of the world. I remember being so set on what I wanted to do right out of high school. I was going to major in film production and have a career in the film and television industry. As you might have guessed, this did not happen.

I am currently in my second semester of my junior year, and I have switched my major five times. I remember the first time I decided to switch my major. I felt so lost. I still loved the film industry, but I had come to realize that it was not meant to be my career.

I know a lot of college students can relate to the fear of the unknown. Realizing that your life is headed in a completely different direction than you may have thought is terrifying, but ultimately beneficial. Some people go into college knowing exactly what they want to do, and stick to it. I still sometimes envy these people. However, for a lot of students, college is a time to figure out who you are and what you are passionate about.

I decided to switch my major to communication with an emphasis in media during my sophomore year because it was still on a similar path of what I wanted to do originally. However, I felt like I was playing it safe instead of truly figuring out my passions.

Sometimes it is easy to let your fear stop you from putting yourself out there. I have been a victim to fear throughout most of my life. However, if you really want to figure out what you want in life, then you have to want it more than you fear it. Henry Ford, one of the greatest American industrialists, once said, “One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn't do."

After my sophomore year, I ended up switching schools. I still didn’t really know what I wanted to do. I thought maybe child development psychology was the path I wanted to take, because I realized over the previous summer I loved working with kids. However, after one semester I decided this also wasn’t what I wanted to do. So even well into my junior year, I still didn’t know what I wanted to do.

I remember talking to my dad one day. He said, “Alexa, as long as you are motivated and not afraid to take risks, then you are going to go far in life no matter what it is you end up doing.” I truly believe everything happens for a reason. The people we meet and the choices we make always have a purpose. It took me a while, but I finally have a direction for my future career.

So, take my journey as an encouragement. Do not feel like you have to rush into figuring out what it is you want to do. It will happen. I have met people who switched their major during their senior year. Take the time to figure out your passions, and never sell your self short. You have a purpose, and your major in college is one small part of that process.