When you begin college, you find out so much more about yourself than you ever thought. If you told me after graduating highschool that I would end up at Utica College, in Child Life Psychology with an Education degree, I would probably laugh it off. Here I am, currently in my third year of school. I did not start in my degree program my freshman year, nor did I start at the college I am at now. I was a nursing major (weren’t we all?) and discovered that it was NOT for me. The anatomy, the dissecting, it wasn’t my jam. I felt torn because I wanted to help people, mainly children. So I leaped faith and changed majors after a lot of self-evaluation for me to push myself to follow what I knew was right for me. It wasn’t easy and I needed to make sure I was in a field that would make me happy and could see myself succeeding in, so I went into starting my Education degree.
Changing your major can be difficult. A lot of students who want to change their major seek approval and support from family. It’s a super long process. You need to discuss your options with your program advisor, talk with someone you trust, think it through and maybe even turn to someone you know in the field. It’s something you need to commit to make it all workout. Once it is set in stone, it is so worth it, and you won’t regret it.
Remember, you are doing this for yourself and only you. Only you need to be happy with your career choice if you feel your path isn’t working for you. Evaluate your goals and look at the pros and cons. Even if you have some people who do not approve, do not be afraid to change your major because of them. They will eventually come around to seeing your happiness in a new area and will be so happy that you at least have/had a college education.
Make sure your new major will help you achieve your goals or teach you new ideas and skills. You do not want to pick a major that will be too difficult and lead you to failure; it has to be enjoyable, exciting, and drive you to learn and remember your college faculty and staff are always there to help you and possibly guide you in the right direction.
Lastly, take this opportunity as a learning experience. You will learn about your goals, needs, wants, and happiness. It will change your outlook on the world around you and create a positive outlook for the future. Keep in mind that you want to graduate with a degree in something that you’re proud of, not one that you don’t want or won’t make you happy. Always remember that this is/ was for you and your life you want to lead.
You might just inspire someone else to do the same for their future now that they see you shining brighter than ever.
I wish nothing but the best for you and your dreams xoxo