It’s Okay to Change Your Major,

When I first committed to college, my major was nursing. I went that route due to the idea there was many available jobs, the salary wasn’t bad and my family approved. I began college in the fall and very quickly realized this wasn’t right for me. My grades began to slip, and so did my happiness. All of my family and friends kept telling me not to switch majors. If you switch majors, you’ll have to start all over and lose all that money. That was a big fear for me, that and the idea of being judged as not being able to “hack it”. The deadline to change majors was quickly approaching and I was still trying to convince myself not to switch. My grades at this point were slacking, I had no interest in anything I was learning. I was unhappy and it not only took a strain on my emotions but also my health. I was busting my ass, barely eating, barely sleeping all to impress other people and show them I could make it through.

You’re The Only Person Who Can Decide What You’re Going to Do For The Rest Of Your Life.

Until one day, I woke up and realized no one’s opinion should matter but my own. I knew since the moment I took my first psychology course I wanted to do something, anything involving psychology. The whole idea of how we think or act was completely fascinating to me. I enjoyed helping people and wanted to make a difference. I knew since my senior year I wanted to go to college for psychology, but I was discouraged by everyone; my family, my ex-boyfriend, and my friends. All I heard was how I would have outrageous amounts of schooling to not be able to find a job or make enough to ever pay off my loans. I allowed the pressure of everyone else to alter my decision to fit what they wanted for me. It wasn’t about what they wanted, but about what I wanted for myself.

I Promise It’s Okay to Switch Majors.

So it’s okay to switch, it’s okay to realize the better decision for you. Whether it’s after your first semester or your last semester. If it makes you happy, it can’t be that bad. If your current major used to intrigue you but no longer does, find a new source of passion. Life is too short to be anything but happy, or too scared to go for what you want in life. It may seem scary at first because you may not be sure if it’s the right decision but let me tell you this, if you are really considering switching majors then you’ve already made the decision. Don’t waste 4 years or more of your life in school for a job you don’t want to pursue. Take the leap, talk to your advisor, switch majors, and switch again if you have to. Education is a gift not many are able to take advantage of, don’t abuse the cards that are dealt in front of you.