Coming from personal experience, I can say firsthand that I really thought I knew what I wanted to do with my life. I have always been a little OCD and wanted to have my career goals pretty much set to go before I entered college. I was so proud to say that I knew my major, minor, and even had my career all planned out and set to go. And yet, here I am, three months into school, and I'm in the process of changing my major.

Yet, my experience with switching it up has been one of excitement and, almost, relief. There are definitely many factors that will go into or affect this decision, but there are quite a few positives to recreating or reevaluating "what you want to do with your life."

First and foremost, the best part about changing my major to a completely different topic is the realization that not only have I found something I am passionate enough about to pursue but the gratitude I feel for having that opportunity to do so. Unlike so many others, I have been placed in a situation in which I can pursue something I love. That is so humbling, as the realization that not everyone has the chance to do that. Where I was previously involved in a major mainly because it was easy, I have chosen something I am extremely passionate about. Personally, I think that if anyone is given the chance to choose a route in life they love, don't pass it up! College majors are an important piece of finding out what you're truly passionate about and if you have that chance, why not take it?

Secondly, I came to a realization not many people will have until it's too late—actually, two realizations. First of all: it's perfectly OK to pursue something that might not give you the largest of paychecks. Obviously enough to make a living is important, but keep in mind that waking up every day happy and ready for your job will benefit you, your state of mind, and your life a great deal. However, if money is key for your lifestyle, then remember this: many people do not just fall into wealth or great success. And if you're one of those people, congratulations, not much of the general population achieves that. Working hard and staying focused will get you far in what you consider your dream, and that's extremely important, too.

Lastly, my parents and my family have been nothing but supportive of my choice to change my major. They encouraged me to do so and were even surprised that I found something even they saw as a better fit for me. It was incredible to feel so supported and to know that with my decision, I had my family behind me as well. That was extremely reassuring and led me to another conclusion: there is so much out there yet to be explored. I think that maybe instead of having us declare a major, we should have had the opportunity as freshmen to explore our interests with classes that excite us a little more than some of the core classes (apologies to the core). But, besides the point, most colleges have so much to offer us! Exploring your options and finding new passions and interests is never a bad thing.

So with holiday season around us, keep a few of these things in mind when relatives ask about your job path or major at this point in time. It's perfectly OK to change things up and explore something you love, and it's important you remember to do what makes you happy.