I would first like to say that you are not a failure.

Before reading any further, remind yourself of this. It is easy to get caught up in comparing yourself to other people who love their major. They can't wait to graduate and start working. Yet, you can't help but feel like you're missing something. Don't stress out about this, because there are a lot of people in your same shoes, some who just don't want to admit it.

That was me. I have been in denial about my future profession for the past two years. There was always that voice in the back of my mind telling me I was meant to do more with my life. Whispering to me that my interests better align with a different career. Provoking me to reevaluate my life during the late hours of the night. It wasn't until this past semester that I finally started to open up about these doubts.

It took me a while to let go of what I always thought I wanted to do. I have been telling myself that I am going to be a teacher since I was in first grade. Once I finally was able to move on from the guilt of changing, the world was lifted off of my shoulders

However, in the middle of senior year, what hope is there to change the path that we have been following for so long? Well, that answer is different for everyone.

I have taken a lot of different, specific courses.You never know if your past courses align with different majors or even minors. I have the option of changing my major tomorrow and graduating just one semester late. Which, actually, I do have an appointment tomorrow to do just that. I have also been fortunate to build a pretty decent resume. This will ultimately help me, because I can talk this up if I choose to interview for a job that doesn't really require my major.

Depending on your circumstances and history, there could be many options for you. The key here is to research. Search for alternative career paths for your major, what classes you can take to finish where you want to be, and so on. Just remember that you do have options.

For one, you can just finish strong in the major that you are currently in. That doesn't mean that you are trapped in the degree. There are a lot of entry level jobs that simply require a degree, but not a specific one. As much as this may not be ideal, at least it means that you can find a job while you're figuring out exactly what you want to do. For example, while working, you could focus your spare time on internships that will give you the experience for the new career you want to work toward.

Second, look into graduate schools. For a lot of people, undergraduate is enough and starting a career right away is the main priority. Yet, if you really don't connect with your current major, grad school is a great opportunity. There are so many programs that allow you to go into a different field. Plus, depending on the school, programs can be between a year to two years. Definitely not as bad as a four year (or more) undergrad degree.

Thirdly, meet with your campuses Career Services center. Chatting with a career adviser honestly is what fueled my confidence for my future. I learned more about graduate program admissions, which became less scary to me. I also became aware that I was not alone in feeling like I had made the wrong choice my freshman year when choosing a major. (Why do we trust 17-year-olds to make these life-changing decisions?) Lastly, I had someone genuinely listen with open ears about all of my self doubts, worries, and thoughts, and when I was done, they were able to help me proactively plan for my future to diminish those worries once and for all.

It is crucial to realize that senior year is not the end of your dreams if you don't let it be. Graduation can be an opportunity for a new beginning in your life. Take away your undergrad experiences and use them to work toward a future that will make you happy, and above all, proud of yourself.