Why Changing Your Major Is OK
Start writing a post
Student Life

Why Changing Your Major Is OK

...even if you change it after your sophomore year.

18
Why Changing Your Major Is OK
Kenzie Morphew

I always thought that I would graduate by the time I was 22. I thought that whatever major I chose, I would enjoy and stick with it. I never would have imagined that by the end of my sophomore year, my mind would change completely. I never dreamed that I would be graduating as a fifth-year senior, especially since my original degree plan had me graduating early.

When I found out that I had added on another year of my undergrad, I was so upset with myself. Upset that I didn't know what I wanted to be. Upset because this was my future I was playing with and uncertain of. I didn't know if I should just stick with my original major instead, even though I hated it more than anything, or continue with my new one. I had no idea what I was about to get myself into, and I was terrified.

What I did know, though, was that I didn't want to add more time to my degree plan before I could graduate. And I definitely didn't want to start over with a brand new major.

But if I've learned anything, it's that it's OK to change your major. It's OK to change your major at the end of your sophomore year. It's OK to add a little more time onto your undergrad. It's OK to be unsure of what you want to be. And it's definitely OK to change your mind.

My senior year of high school, I thought speech pathology was the best career path for me. It paid well. It was in high demand. And from what all I knew about speech pathology, I thought I'd love it. I was so wrong.

Now, my senior year of college, four years later, I'm finally 100 percent certain of what I want to do with my life. I'm a part of an amazing early childhood education program and I know what grades I want to teach. From the moment I stepped into an education class, there was no doubt in my mind that this was what I was meant to do and where I was meant to be.

If I'd have stuck with my original major, I'd be miserable. I'd have a degree in something I don't love or care about. I'd end up having a career that I dreaded going to. Now, I look forward to the days that I can decorate my classroom in all kinds of crazy ways and meet my future nuggets.

No matter if you're an undeclared, unsure freshman or a junior, changing your major is OK. Even though people your age that you've known your whole life are getting engaged, married, pregnant, graduating and applying for grad school, it's OK. I would much rather go to school for eight years to be a teacher than graduate in three with a degree for a career that I would absolutely hate.

Don't force yourself into a major that isn't for you. Don't make yourself miserable just because that career pays well. Don't settle for a job/career that you'll dread going to every morning. It's never too late to find your calling. Whether you want to change to pre-med or public relations, do it.

Take my word for it–you won't regret it.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

94659
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments