Why I’m Thankful I Switched Majors

I’ve just finished the first year of my undergrad program, and I’m 21. I feel as though sometimes I’m exactly where I was when I was 18, but I know I’m not. 

This time two years ago, I’d just finished my first year of studying English. The excitement of getting into university was wearing off, and I realized I didn’t have the slightest idea of where I was going. I later came to the realization that completing my degree was a way of marking time. 

I dreaded the thought of graduation. I remember many of my friends were taking a heavier class load than they wanted to, just to make sure they’d finish “on time.” I was on the complete opposite side, wondering, what’s the rush? 

I took a very light class load, and I was satisfied with doing so. I didn’t have to feel the stress they did, and I didn’t have to worry about the upcoming graduation as they did. I knew it would have to happen, but putting it off was fine by me. I didn’t know what I would do once I got my degree. I just liked that university kept me busy. I got to say I was doing something, and that felt like enough.

English was a lovely program, and I don’t regret trying it out. I made friends that I’m positive will last a lifetime, and I got to explore something new that I was excited about. It didn’t turn out to be what I wanted, but that’s okay. 

I realized it wasn’t right for me when I noticed the only time I felt passionate and motivated enough to work hard was when I realized that if I wanted to apply to another program, I’d need to get my grades up. 

My GPA jumped from near academic probation to being a 4.1 in just one year, and when I got into my new program, I took no time to mull it over. I knew, and I considered myself blessed to be excited about my work again.

I’d decided on journalism, which I lacked the confidence to try straight out of high school. It took me two years to get the courage to even apply, but I’m glad I took those two years. If I hadn’t, I would’ve gone into a program I wasn’t ready for, and I probably would’ve assumed that it just wasn’t right for me. 

After having completed my first year of it, I can’t say it hasn’t been hard. I’ve been comparing myself to my other 21-year-old friends who are graduating next year, knowing that I still have three more years to go. My program has also been hard at times, but the challenges drive me instead of discouraging me. The thought of graduation still makes me nervous, but now it’s a milestone I’m eager for. 

I’m so thankful I switched majors, and if you’re thinking about it, I recommend you take it into consideration. If you’re worried about it being too late to try, I’d counter that going into something “late” is better than forcing yourself into something that isn’t right for you. 

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