When it comes to choosing what you want to do for the rest of your life, it can be a daunting task. My experience has been an interesting one. When I first enrolled at the University of Indianapolis, I was double-majoring in Biology and Chemistry concentrating in animal sciences with the dream of becoming a large animal veterinarian. Chemistry came and I absolutely hated it. It was horrible and I couldn’t understand anything no matter how many times I met with my professor, how many tutoring sessions I went to, or how late I stayed up trying to understand the material. It wasn’t going to work.

I felt crushed. How could my dream fall apart so quickly? I wanted this so badly. Or, at least, that’s what I thought. Frankly, being a vet wasn’t exactly my dream, but one that my family gave me due to my love for animals. Now, there’s no problem with listening to your family about what you should major in at college. It’s OK, really. They want what's best for you, so their suggestions are wonderful to have. But, for me at least, their suggestion wasn’t going to work.

I didn’t know what to do, so to relieve my aching brain from Chemistry, I participated in the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). This event is online and takes place during November, as well as April and July with some local events held year round.

NaNoWriMo was the best experience of my life. I always loved reading and writing, but my family told me that it wouldn’t make me any money, so I should choose the safer route of science. That lasted long. Second semester started, I showed up for the first day of my science classes, then went to the English Department to talk to the professors about switching my major. By the end of the week, my schedule had been rearranged, books had been ordered, and I was a double major in Professional and Creative Writing. That was the best decision of my college career.

Almost four years later, as a senior, I still love being an English major. I am expressing the talents I already possess and am honing them to become what I want them to be. Was my family happy? Yes and No. My mom was upset at first because "who knew what I was going to do for a job?" But she’s excited now because I have job opportunities all over the country as an editor and publisher.

So, what should you do?

Well, while I can’t help you individually choose the major that is right for you (though I wish I could), you should know what you're good at. Follow that. If you love something, like biology, and are good at it, become a Biology Major. If photography is your thing, be an Art major concentrating in Photography. Do what you want to do most. If you are passionate about something, follow it. You can't go wrong picking something like that.