Photos taken by Madelyn Stone
Let me paint you a picture: you got accepted to college and declared a major, but now that you’re here, you hate it.
What now?
Take it from somebody who made a major change: Nutrition to Journalism. Every time I tell people I did that, they look at me astonished for making the “big jump,” and of course, ask why.
I can’t really boil it down to a specific reason. I was hesitant. I was terrified I was making a mistake that would jeopardize my future. I talked to my friends and family. I did research and took a test to match me to majors. I got Journalism twice, but I was still scared.
If you have the slightest feeling you want to switch, don’t dismiss it so quickly. You might panic wondering why you dislike something you thought you could see yourself doing in the future. Here are some questions to think about that might help give you clarity:
Is it because you realize you lost your passion for it?
You already knew what you wanted to do. You had your life mapped out. However, when you started taking classes at college, it wasn’t what you expected.
The classes are hard and the content is boring. You don’t find yourself looking forward to learning new things. You do the assignments just for the grade. It isn’t fun anymore.
If that’s the case, would a similar major rekindle your love for the field? You may be able to explore classes related to your major and see what comes of it.
Alternatively, you may feel that your major does not reflect your passions remotely anymore, and you have the desire for a change. Look into yourself and pursue your passions.
I’m here to tell you that it’s completely normal to change your mind. Picking a major that can determine your future at 18 is daunting, but college is for exploring and discovering what you are passionate about.
Is it because you were in it for future financial comfort?
More often than not, students choose a major that will ensure financial stability like law, nursing, biology or accounting. Who can blame them? Stability brings comfort.
However, the unknown can be exciting if you let it.
A ‘sensible’ career path is great, but if you’re reading this, there is somewhere within you that has the desire to push past sensibility and towards discovery. Don’t succumb to inadvertent peer pressure. You do not have to follow the traditional path towards happiness and success.
At the end of the day, it’s your life.
Who should you talk to?
First, do your own research. Make a pros and cons list and try to decipher how you’re feeling. It may be helpful to talk to your academic advisor before talking to family and friends because your academic advisor will have accurate information on what switching your major would look like in practice.
Unfortunately, it’s possible that not everyone in your life will be supportive. Be prepared for questions and concerns. Do not meet them with anger, but with understanding. Explain that you have concerns as well, but cannot shake the feeling that you are meant for a different path. Whether you are met with support or not, it’s important to remember that others can influence your decision, but you’ll have to live with it.
Would you be happier making the switch?
It may be impossible for you to answer this question without first making the switch. However, take some time to think about whether you dislike your major now because of a specific class or professor, or if it’s truly because it is not what you want to do with your life. There is no wrong reason to switch majors, but you won’t regret thoroughly thinking about your choice.
I’d like to leave you with something my friend once told me, “College is here to prepare you for the real world and there are intro classes for a reason. You have to start somewhere.” You will take classes and see how it pans out. It can feel nerve-wracking, but if you feel like it’s right, go for it. You deserve to feel inspired by your major.
