Going into college I always swore to myself that I wouldn't be like the majority of most students. I always promised myself I wouldn't have to go through with explaining to people "well, it turns out I just didn't really enjoy those classes" or "I couldn't see myself doing that for the rest of my life." But, here I am, more than halfway done with my Marketing degree and I finally decided to do the one thing all college students fear the most, change my major.
It was a very scary choice for me to make at first. I kept thinking to myself, wow I am losing so much money if I really switch majors and just wasted so much time, OR now I am going to have to buy all new materials and books. The reasons why I shouldn't switch were endless and constantly circling throughout my mind. I had already been dual-enrolling since I was a Junior in high school, I have been taking classes for this major for over a year, and I was already on track to graduate a year earlier than projected. But then I finally realize that, this decision is what affects the rest of my life. Why would I want to pursue a major that I don't even enjoy? I finally had to tell myself "so what if there are more good reasons to stay than good reasons to leave, because this decision is what dictates my future".
The moment I started writing for the Odyssey is when my life finally changed. I finally came to the realization that I was pursuing the wrong major and that I had a passion for something much different - journalism. I finally found something that I could do to utilize my strengths to and something that helps me get all of my thoughts out. Choosing this major helps me do something I love, give advice. Journalism allows me to really express myself through words, and share with the world pieces of advice that I have learned throughout my short 19 years of life. I realized that this major is what my passion is, and came to the realization what is the point of going to college for 4 years of your life to pursue something that isn't what you really enjoy? If you are going to spend thousands of dollars and years of time on education you might as well pursue something you truly love. That is why I chose a "not-so-common" major. Yes, journalism is not a very common major. Yes, it is really hard to find a job after you graduate. And, yes, it does not usually have that great of a salary. BUT IT IS A PASSION and something that I truly enjoy. And when you finally decide to do something you actually love, then you will have more drive to be successful in the future. You will work harder because it is something you truly enjoy and something that you actually want to pursue for the rest of your life.
Therefore, my advice to you is to choose a not-so-common major, switch your major, or even switch your college. Because you only get one college experience, you only have one life, and you might as well spend your money and your time wisely. Spend it towards something you actually can see yourself doing in 30 years and being happy while doing it.
