During my first two years at Michigan State, I took the wrong classes, I sat in the wrong lectures, organized my schedule incorrectly and ultimately pursued the wrong degree. I couldn’t figure out why I was doing poorly in classes, besides the general apathy I felt towards the material I was studying. I had assumed that my feeling of disconnect and misery were common among STEM majors and college students overall, but I was wrong. After an internal struggle of several weeks, I bit the bullet and switched my major from Nutrition Sciences to Advertising Management at the end of my second year.
I had a lot of reservations about switching my major. For starters, I felt as though I had failed myself and others by not completing my Nutrition degree. This weighed on me because I believed I was switching to something “easier” and I wouldn’t be able to impact society as much as I had hoped. This truly isn’t the case, nor should it be. Your degree path and career are only worth what you put into them, they are entirely your decisions. Don’t let the ideals and perceptions of others cloud your better judgement or derail your happiness.
You are not failing anyone or yourself by switching. Just because you excelled in high school chemistry or did well in your English classes doesn’t automatically mean that will translate to college courses, and that’s okay because it’s a whole different ball game. This is a time for you to explore your deeper interests and see what direction you want to take. You won’t ace everything, but you also won’t fail everything. The time you've invested in classes that were for a major you eventually wouldn't complete weren't a waste of time; you've gained insight and knowledge into a field unrelated to yours, and thus have expanded your overall knowledge and interests.
As this academic year rounds to a close, I can say with complete honesty that I do not regret my decision of switching late in the game.I am happier, healthier and have had so many more opportunities come my way because I’m passionate about my studies. Even when classes and materials are overwhelming I still have a feeling of contentedness, this is how I know I made the right decision for myself.
So, it’s fine for you to change your mind and switch majors regardless of what year you’re in. You’re not a failure; you’re growing. College undergrad typically lasts between four and six years, yet your field of study determines what you’ll pursue for a large portion of your life. College doesn’t have to be a grueling time filled with anxiety and situational depression. Test the waters, discover your strengths and weakness, but ultimately, look for what makes you happy.
