Going into college I thought I had everything figured out. In high school I spent a significant amount of time and energy putting together a science fair project that ended up sending me all the way to state. When I received awards for my hard work I decided that this is what I wanted to do with my life. I wanted to be a doctor or a researcher. I loved science, but for some reason, I lost my love along the way. I found myself unable to keep up with my peers, struggling to stay awake in my classes and having an overall rough time adjusting to my first year in college.

Around the end of my second semester, I decided to take the biggest leap of faith most college students take when they are skeptical about their current situation: I changed my major. Not only did I get out of the degree I was currently in, I went to a different department all together. I joined the Munday School of Business, at Saint Edward's University, with hopes that I could get an applicable degree that would allow me to gain more diversity in a career field. With a business degree I saw doors busting at the seams waiting for me to open them.

All of the tables turned at that point. I found myself in classes that I was more interested in. They didn't make me want to fall asleep with every word that came out of my professor’s mouth. I was able to focus, gain a better grasp on the topics in my classes and I ended up making more friends.

Now this does not mean that you should become a business major, but for me this was a perfect fit. I was terrified through the entire process. I was questioned by almost everyone in my life about this decision. My advisors, my professors and even my parents expressed concern for my sudden change of heart. Those questions pushed me to a breaking point.

Am I OK with this decision? Is the the right choice? Everyone seems to be questioning me, so maybe this is not what I should be doing?

They asked me hard questions that I did not know the answers to. After enough time, I realized that their questions were ones that I did not even think to ask. Once I had some hindsight of what their concerns were I was able to make this decision confidently and on my own. Sure, the questions helped me think, but in the end, I was the one making the final decision.

I am here to say that changing your major is scary, but sometimes, it is exactly what you need. College is all about finding yourself. Completely cliché, I know, but completely true. The first year is always a big adjustment. You have new friends, a new life and worst of all, you have to wake up on your own and make your own doctors appointments. It is a great deal to take in at 18, and when you decide on a major it feels like you are setting in stone what you want to do for the rest of your life. It is a monumental decision, but it is one you have to do.

Moral of the story: if you don't like where you are right now, you are at liberty to change. That is the great thing about college; you have control of who you are right now and who you want to be in the future. If you are in a degree plan that makes you miserable, then use that same liberty to change it. You will survive. Your life is not doomed and you will feel better once you find a degree that feels like home. I know I did. So whatever you do in life, do it in full confidence and never hold back. This life is yours and it is time you start living it.

"Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light." -Dylan Thomas