Graduating from high school, I found that most everybody knew exactly what they wanted to do with their life. Everyone knew what they wanted to major in and even minor in and were certain of what career path they wanted to take, but not me. I had no idea what I wanted to major in. Yes, I knew the subjects in school that I liked, but how could I possibly find right then and there what I wanted to major in and be stuck with for the rest of my life?
My freshman year of college went by, and I went from undecided to biology. I still wasn’t sure what the hell I was going to do with a biology major, but I was certain that I loved science. So, hey, why not Biology, right? Wrong. As I entered my sophomore year of college, I found myself to be dreading going to all my classes, and I had doubts about why I was majoring in something I wasn’t even enjoying. After a semester studying abroad, I came to realization that biology just wasn’t for me.
Changing my major was a hard decision to be made. I felt like a failure and like I was giving up. I felt like I was behind everyone else who already had their path set and already getting internships. I felt like my parents would disapprove of my decision and be upset. I was scared since I was about to be entering my third year of college, and it was too late to change my major. I felt rushed because I had the mindset that you have to graduate in four years. Wrong, again. I was scared of changing my major because I had the idea that since I declared a major already, there would be no going back. But, I was wrong, very wrong. I changed my major, and it was the best thing I ever did.
Making the decision to change my major as an incoming junior was scary, but it was the smartest choice I could've made. It took me more time to figure it out, but I'd rather have taken more time and be passionate about something now instead of hating my career in the future. Yes, it’s not leading to a high-paying career like my old major would’ve led to, but I am happy and passionate for what I chose, which is greater in the long run.
Changing your major is OK. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 80 percent of college students change their major at least once. It means that you have gotten more in touch with yourself and what you are passionate about. There’s no rule saying you can’t change your future. You don’t need to come into college and graduate with the same mindset. If you have doubts about your major, try to reevaluate and decide if what you’re doing is what you want to do, not a path your parents set you on, not a path of settling for just what you know, a path you want to create for your future. Know that it’s never too late. Explore all of the many options because there are so many majors I had no idea even existed. Everyone moves at their own pace. Your happiness with the journey you choose to take is more important than graduating with something that doesn’t make you happy.
