I always thought that I would graduate by the time I was 22. I thought that whatever major I chose, I would enjoy and stick with it. I never would have imagined that by the end of my sophomore year, my mind would change completely. I never dreamed that I would be graduating as a fifth-year senior, especially since my original degree plan had me graduating early.
When I found out that I had added on another year of my undergrad, I was so upset with myself. Upset that I didn't know what I wanted to be. Upset because this was my future I was playing with and uncertain of. I didn't know if I should just stick with my original major instead, even though I hated it more than anything, or continue with my new one. I had no idea what I was about to get myself into, and I was terrified.
Recommended for you
What I did know, though, was that I didn't want to add more time to my degree plan before I could graduate. And I definitely didn't want to start over with a brand new major.
But if I've learned anything, it's that it's OK to change your major. It's OK to change your major at the end of your sophomore year. It's OK to add a little more time onto your undergrad. It's OK to be unsure of what you want to be. And it's definitely OK to change your mind.
My senior year of high school, I thought speech pathology was the best career path for me. It paid well. It was in high demand. And from what all I knew about speech pathology, I thought I'd love it. I was so wrong.
Now, my senior year of college, four years later, I'm finally 100 percent certain of what I want to do with my life. I'm a part of an amazing early childhood education program and I know what grades I want to teach. From the moment I stepped into an education class, there was no doubt in my mind that this was what I was meant to do and where I was meant to be.
If I'd have stuck with my original major, I'd be miserable. I'd have a degree in something I don't love or care about. I'd end up having a career that I dreaded going to. Now, I look forward to the days that I can decorate my classroom in all kinds of crazy ways and meet my future nuggets.
No matter if you're an undeclared, unsure freshman or a junior, changing your major is OK. Even though people your age that you've known your whole life are getting engaged, married, pregnant, graduating and applying for grad school, it's OK. I would much rather go to school for eight years to be a teacher than graduate in three with a degree for a career that I would absolutely hate.
Don't force yourself into a major that isn't for you. Don't make yourself miserable just because that career pays well. Don't settle for a job/career that you'll dread going to every morning. It's never too late to find your calling. Whether you want to change to pre-med or public relations, do it.
Take my word for it–you won't regret it.
