College is a funny thing. You’re a ripe 18-year-old and someone tells you to figure out what you want to do for the rest of your life. Interesting... How are you supposed to know what you want to do when all you’ve ever known is high school, your small town, living at your parents' house, etc.? Great question! These were all the thoughts running through my head when my high school counselor was trying to help me find colleges for the career that I wanted to pursue.
Why I SWITCHED
It seemed like it was a long well-thought-out decision but looking back, my decision was limited by what I really knew about my interests and how I perceived myself. For background, I am the second of four children, grew up on a farm (which 100% made me an animal lover), the password child (meaning the most responsible child), and always felt I had to achieve higher and set an example for my siblings. All these factors played a role in my original choice of major—Agribusiness: Animal Science/Pre-Vet.
In the beginning, I loved it. The professors, the students, the educational content, it all felt like home. I was finally on the path that I loved, or so I thought. Though this path felt like home, over time, I realized that the lifestyle of a veterinarian was not what I was looking for. While I loved the thought of helping animals and thinking of ways to help cure them, I understood early on that I did not want the high stress, on-call, and very little work-life balance lifestyle. While I understand that I can encounter a lifestyle that is similar to a veterinarian in some other career, I ultimately just decided that it was not for me.
So, I switched my major.
WHO HELPED ME DECIDE
I did not just make the decision on a whim, with the hope that I would feel better. There were many tears shed over it. I had multiple discussions with professionals in the field, advisors, and family members. And though it took me a long time to believe it, I can now say that it is okay to change your mind and pursue another route that you’re interested in. I mean come on, whatever you choose is likely what you will be doing for most of the remainder of your life.
I am now a Digital and Integrated Marketing Communications major with a minor in Interactive Design Technology. Big change, I know. I get that a lot. The on-campus job that I had with the marketing department along with my interest in photography and creativity played a role in this.
HOW IT'S GOING
School is a lot more enjoyable, now. I’m feeling confident sitting in my classes knowing that the information that I am learning will be applicable to the career that I want to pursue post-graduation. Unlike before when I was in the Pre-Vet program and did not feel confident in my career choice, which made the classes all the more difficult to have to sit through, study for, and simply enjoy.
So, my advice to you if you’re going through the same struggle I was, is to do what you love. I’m not advising you to drop a major just because you don’t like one class or you think it’s too hard right now, but really evaluate your interests. Talk with people who really know you. Make a decision that you’re happy with! I’m rooting for you. I switched my major, and you can too!