My name is Hayley, I'm in my first semester of college, and I've changed my major 3 times. (And that's okay!) It's become kind of a running joke in our family, like "oh, Hayley changed her major again, big whoop!" Some people might say I'm indecisive, or that I need to pick one and stick to it, already. Picking one major and staying with it forever is the dream, however, that's just not reality. I'm 18 years old, and I have to decide what I want to do for the rest of my life. That's insane if you think about it. Change is reasonable, if not expected. Some people have a dream, or a passion, or something that they're really talented at, and that's great. I'm jealous of them. I, on the other hand, am passionate about a lot of things, and mediocrely good at a handful of things. That's what makes choosing a major for myself so difficult.

I applied to collge as a journalism major, which was something I had been dead-set on since 5th grade. Then I tried journalism as a writer for my high school newspaper-- and hated it. I enjoyed writing, but I didn't like being told what to write and when to write it, so I decided to explore another passion of mine-- the outdoors. I switched my major to Environmental Science just before registering for classes. However, I had a total breakdown before leaving for college, because I wasn't 100% in love with the idea of being a scientist for the rest of my life. So I thought, "what am I good at?" I was pretty good at writing, so why not pursue that? I changed my major to creative writing just before starting classes in August. (Wild summer, right?) I knew I wanted to be an author, and I've actually been working on a novel on and off for about a year now. In my spare time, I wanted to be a writing coach for educationally challenged children. Solid plan, right? But I wasn't in love with the idea. I wasn't sure why, but something about it just didn't sit right with me. So I thought some more about it, and I prayed a whole lot about it. I explored the degree programs catalog on my school's website. What was I most passionate about? In a totally non-creepy way, children. I am insanely passionate about working with children and changing their lives. I've been a summer camp counselor for two years now, and it's one of the best things I've ever done. I love pouring into children's lives and providing them with both lessons and memories. I love seeing the smiles on their faces when they figure something out or tell a joke that they think is hilarious. I love hearing about what's going on in their lives and seeing the world from a fresh perspective. I want to do that every single day, and there's only one major that allows me that opportunity: elementary education.

You read that right, folks, I changed my major to elementary education, and I am overjoyed about it. The thought of getting to interact with and pour into the lives of children each and every day makes me smile. I want to teach second grade, which is the same age children that I worked with most during my previous summer camp years. Second graders are full of smiles and energy, excited about learning, and haven't yet developed an attitude! All jokes aside, I am ecstatic about this path that I've chosen for myself. When I tell people that I'm majoring in education, they comment that I'm "brave" or "insane", but someone has to do it, and who better to do it than someone who is incredibly passionate about it? I cannot wait to have my own classroom to decorate, make rules for, and see kids grow and change in. I cannot wait to deal with the ups and the downs, the good memories and the bad days. I cannot wait for field trips and holiday parties, for basic math and states of matter. I cannot wait to learn just as much, if not more, from the children as they will learn from me. Teaching is an incredibly rewarding career. (Albeit not for the weak!) I am beyond excited for what this major and career path has in store for me. And trust me, I plan to stick with this one.