I get it. We all get it. In college, everyone believes their specific major is the hardest in the world and requires a lot of time and effort. Those who are on the pre-med or pre-law track believe that their world is more complicated and those in any other major have signed up for an easy-track for success. It’s not that simple. And I’m here to stand up for those who are degraded constantly for the major that they choose, because in reality: it actually is a lot of work. Our major is not that easy or simple. For my freshman year and the first half of my sophomore year of undergrad at the University of Florida (UF), I was an animal science major and I was on the pre-veterinary track. I took the chemistry, biology, and calculus classes that are required while juggling a sorority, internship, and volunteering at an animal hospital, so believe me when I say that I have every right to form an opinion on this issue.
After spending five semesters in my animal science classes and doing outside work, I finally came to realization that the pre-veterinary track was not for me and that DOES NOT mean I was not smart enough for it; it just means that I simply tried out something and it was not my cup of tea. Plain and simple. I didn’t feel the passion for this major that I thought I had.
After lots of research and self-reflection, I finally settled on changing my major to public relations (for many different reasons) and since then, I have never been happier. However, after making that decision, I have received some backlash. After complaining to my friends and fellow peers, I realized that I was not the only one this was happening to.
To those who degrade us, i.e. those in "harder majors:" I understand your classes are difficult, but there is no need to jump to the conclusion that you are smarter or have a harder course load when you know nothing about my major or what I do on a daily basis. So, here are a few things you should know:
- First off, college is not easy. Period. No matter what major you are in, you are still busting your butt to get good grades! Please stop making the assumption I do not try as hard as you do.
- Secondly, even IF you think you know about what my major (or anyone else’s for that matter) requires, you don’t. Until you complete four years of college studying my major in depth, you do not have the right to spew your opinion on it.
Additionally, keep your opinions to yourself! I get it! Your parents are waving you and your accomplishments around and all over their Facebook account like it's the single greatest thing to ever walk the face of the Earth. But I’m not your mom’s friend Carol and I'm not going to applaud you for getting an A in microbiology because I DO NOT CARE. Your life is none of my concern, and mine should not be yours either.
Something to leave you with:
Next time you want to open your mouth about whether or not you think your major/work requires more “deep thought” than mine, don’t. Like I said, no one is going to give you an award for taking a harder major. Everyone has different interest and passions-- that's why you have the choice to choose your major and what to do with the rest of your life-- A CONCEPT!
