To the college student who thought they knew exactly where they were headed in life:
As many of us do, I thought I knew exactly what I wanted to pursue. I went into my freshman year at Ohio State bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and 100% set on my declared major, clarinet performance. I was excited to start my journey at the School of Music under the fine tutelage of clarinet superstar, Dr. Caroline Hartig, who, after all, was the reason I came to OSU in the first place (how nerdy). Perhaps due to the excitement of being 3.5 hours away from home, I instantly loved being a music major and found friendships in those who had the same passions as I did. I was beyond happy to be where I was.
My happiness was unfortunately short-lived, as my mother succumbed to her 6-year battle with cancer on Halloween of that same year. ~more on that later in another article~ Within two weeks of my mom's passing, I returned to school, finding solace in the School of Music community. The spring semester of my freshman year flew by, and a dislike of my major slowly set in.
It was at this point that I knew in my heart of hearts that I didn't like the path I had chosen, but I simply shoved these thoughts to the back of my mind. Whether it was the drive to continue what I had started or the increasingly important need to keep the support system I had developed, I was going to stick it out. I figured my distaste for my major was simply a phase, one that I seemed to share with many of my peers.
I believe that it is a common misconception among college students that there is shame in switching your major. To some extent, I feel that this stems from society's expectation that one must graduate with a degree in only four short years. I was ashamed at just the thought of leaving music, despite the fact that it was making me absolutely miserable. My first semester of sophomore year, I had come to hate every single one of my music classes, which slowly morphed into a hatred of the School of Music and a resentment of the people in it. I had forgotten what it was like to focus on anything but music, and in doing so had lost my sense of self.
The following semester ended with me withdrawing from the majority of my classes. I was finally, begrudgingly ready to face the music (haha get it?); I did not want to pursue a career in music of any sort. This revelation was the beginning of my journey in exploring new passions and discovering the path I am now on, which seems to always be surprising me.
After taking an exploratory semester, I am now pursuing a B.S. in psychology, and I actually, truly do love it. When people ask me what I want to do with my degree, I can honestly say I don't know. There is so much to learn and experience, and as a freshly turned 21-year-old, I am not ready to know exactly what I want to do with my life. In my first three years at Ohio State, I have learned that nothing in life is set in stone and in knowing that, I am able to freely pursue my ever-changing dreams.
So, to the college student who isn't quite sure anymore:
Don't sweat it; most of us don't. Take time to explore subjects that you are curious about. Add a minor. Take a semester off to focus on yourself and reflect. Even though it can be scary, switch your dang major…once, twice, three times. Find what you love, even if that means surprising yourself and everyone around you. Do not be ashamed.
Lots of love,
Abby
P.S. Despite everything, I will always be grateful for my time as a music major, as it sparked immense personal growth and allowed me to meet so many wonderful human beings. :)