what should I major in
Start writing a post
Student Life

I Decided To Follow My Passions, And It Was The Best Decision I Ever Made

Following your heart is always the best choice.

147
I Decided To Follow My Passions, And It Was The Best Decision I Ever Made
Kaitlyn Fox

At the end of senior year, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to do once I got to college. When people would ask about my intended major and future plans, I would confidently tell them that I was going to study neuroscience and ultimately apply to medical school. I had big dreams of becoming a doctor and providing care to areas where it's needed the most. As a planner who had her four years mapped out before even stepping foot on campus, I was so certain of the future.

Despite holding a passion for writing since I was a kid, I still chose to believe that science was my calling. When people would question my decision, I could quickly justify myself by telling them I held As in all of my science classes, and more importantly, science was interesting to me. Writing never struck me as a skill I could create into a career, so I always assumed it would remain a hobby I could turn to in my free time.

Now that I've almost completed my first semester of college, it's become clear that the medical field is not for me. I've spent hundreds of hours studying organic chemistry, learning about how the mind works, and researching with mice; while I thought these things would excite me, I've found my interest dwindling away. As I continued to stress and worry about upcoming exams and projects that covered topics I didn't enjoy, I also found myself stuck in a cycle of work that didn't allow any time for me to pursue writing. Even though I thought I could merge my passion for writing into a hobby, I quickly discovered that meant sacrificing it all together in order to pour myself into subjects I don't even like. The future went from exciting to daunting, and in my heart, I knew something was off.

After spending many days wrestling with the idea of changing the entire course of my college plans, I finally decided to give up science and pursue something that actually means something to me. And I can truthfully say that decision has been the best one I've made. The moment I opened up to others about my change of plans, I felt like a large burden had been lifted off my shoulders and I finally felt excited about the future again.

As someone who likes to know each step ahead of me, I thought drastically changing the course of my life would leave me stressed out and scrambling to draw out a new plan, but as it turns out, I am the happiest I've ever been and don't have any worries about the future. Knowing that my efforts are now channeling towards something I am passionate about makes me excited for what's ahead rather than afraid.

And as much as I'd like to take all the credit for the happiness I'm experiencing, the support from my friends and family has helped me through this transition. Between my parents offering career guidance and my friends cheering me on as I pick up the pen again and gear my studies towards writing, I've been truly blessed with the best support system that makes such an uncertain time less scary.

While a part of me is still a little disappointed that I won't be traveling abroad to provide care to communities around the world who need it most, I am still so supportive of this cause and hope that other pre-medical students find this as their calling. I've heard countless stories of college students making drastic changes to their goals and aspirations, but finding myself in the middle of my own story feels like a big adventure. Not knowing what lies ahead can be intimidating, but the prospect of following my passions is exciting and helps me stay optimistic about the future. Just the fact that my heart feels like it's in a better place is enough evidence for me to know that I've made the right choice and will be better off in the long run. As I continue on from this stage of life, I feel confident that I'll look back on this decision and be grateful that I took a leap of faith to live my life doing something I love.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

44704
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

28173
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

952864
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

154886
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments