When you start college people ask what major you are going into but then proceed to tell you all about how you'll probably change that because everyone does. To someone just about to embark on the most important and defining time of their life, this sounds like a challenge. It makes a person feel like if they do change their major they are failing and falling into the statistic.

Changing your major isn't failing though. Changing your major is realizing that the things you thought you were passionate about have changed. Regardless when you do change your major you go through a million thoughts and feelings in a matter of days. Some of the things you go through include:

1. Feeling like a failure

The first thing you feel is failure. You feel like you have given up on something you set your mind to, even if that isn't the case. You feel like you're giving up on a dream even if you haven't been dreaming about it for awhile.

2. Overwhelmed

Tons of tears happen because of this. You cry because you don't know what you're feeling and you're scared and all of these other emotions boil over. Be prepared for tears.

3. Stress

My god is there some stress. Stress about giving up your previous major. Stress about what other people are going to think about your major change. Stress about the new major. Stress about the new classes you're going to have to take. Stress about graduating on time. Tons of stress.

4. Fear

For months and even years you have had this plan for what you wanted to do. You have had it all thought out and now you're throwing this wrench into things. You feel so scared because you have no idea how this is going to play out. You didn't have a plan for this and you don't know if you'll graduate on time.

5. Relief

Eventually you get to the point where you don't feel miserable anymore. You realize you're finally in the place where you feel passionate about what you're learning. You aren't hating the classes you're taking anymore.

6. Happiness

When I changed my major I started taking classes for my new major and instantly felt at home. I was loving my classes and loving studying for them and things finally fit and my grades showed it.

I'm not saying all my problems were fixed once I changed my major. I have to work really really hard for my major now but I couldn't be happier. I actually want to work towards my goal. I'm excited about what I want to do with my life and I'm not a failure. I'm not a failure for changing my mind about what I'm passionate about.