Switching your major can be a difficult time. But once you find what you’re passionate about, it makes college a lot more enjoyable. The hard part is getting to that point. It can be a nerve-wracking experience, therefore I compiled a list of things I felt and went through to help you get through this rough patch.

1. It was scary

I had no idea what to expect when I switched my major. I was a Finance major, in the College of Business, and I decided to switch to Journalism, in the College of Arts and Sciences. Switching your major from one business subject to another business subject is a piece of cake, but once you switch to something outside of business, it gets a bit intimidating. But once you find your passion, switching makes the jump worth it.

2. I cried... a lot

I didn’t realize how many options I had. I was interested in English, Creative Writing, High School Education, even a general degree in Health and Human Services. I was all over the place. I had countless advising appointments and countless mental breakdowns. It was hard going through this transition, but I pushed through and am in a better place because of it.

3. It was stressful

By the middle of October, I was done. All I wanted to do was figure out my life plan. But there were still advising appointments and scheduling and going to class. Even though, I was figuring out what I wanted to study, I had no motivation to do anything. It was hard to push through and get to where I am now, but I managed to do it.

4. I doubted myself

Deep down, there was a part of me that just wanted to give up and quit. I didn’t think I could make it as a Journalist once I graduated. But I forced myself not to think that, even though it was always in the back of my mind. It was like a rain cloud hanging over me everywhere I went. It dragged me down and it was hard to believe in myself. But here I am, a month later, applying for literary internships and writing about topics I love.

5. I thought about suffering through my current major

I was seriously contemplating remaining in the College of Business and push through to get an Accounting and Finance degree. It wasn’t something I wanted, but a part of me didn’t want to waste the past year-and-a-half of business credits. But, I knew that if I kept going with business, my GPA would suffer. Business just wasn’t what I wanted. I needed something I enjoyed studying, and I found that with Journalism.

6. Telling my parents seemed like the end of the world

It was during Family Weekend that I decided to tell my parents I wanted to switch my major. We went out to lunch and I was silent during the entire meal. And near the end, I started to cry because I was scared they were going to be mad or disappointed in me. We got to my brother’s dorm and I finally told them what was on my mind. They weren’t mad, they understood completely. They even suggested that I switch to Journalism, which took me by surprise. But it reassured me that they wanted me to major in something I was good at and loved. So, with their approval, I switched my major in these past few weeks.

7. My friends were by my side the entire time

Each of my friends have found their passion. Some just found it this year, and others knew from the very beginning. Since they were all happy, all they wanted for me was to be happy, too. They could all see me as a writer or English teacher. I narrowed my search down to those two, and went from there. Having such a wonderful support system made this process a little bit easier because I knew that each of them believed in me. And that was exactly what I needed.

8. I thought about the future and internships, and got even more stressed

I made the mistake of looking up the job perspective of journalists in the next ten years, because it is negative nine percent. Which is very unsettling when you just switched your major to it. I am required to have two internships with this major, as well. And as I thought about that, I didn’t know what to expect. How was I going to get not one internship, but two in the next couple of years? It seems impossible. But, I have already applied for one position, so I know that there are many opportunities out there.

9. I knew deep down everything would work out

I had no idea what I was doing. I didn’t know what I was going to study, and I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life. But with the full support of my family and friends, I knew that I would get through it all and everything would settle into place. I just needed to keep a positive attitude, which was very difficult at times. I knew I had to keep pushing through, and I’m glad it did, because it led me to my passion.

10. I was glad I switched

The first thing I felt when I switched was relief. I finally found my place. I was going to be a journalist! I knew instantly that that was where I was supposed to be. I was finally happy with my studies and I can’t wait to start taking these courses next semester.

Overall, it was a very stressful process and I was consistently worried about where I would end up. In the end, I am super happy I chose to major in Journalism, and I am glad I found my passion!