HoDC: Humans of Davidson College is a series started by Her Campus Davidson to profile members of the community and learn more about their stories.
“I came to Davidson as a poli sci major because I love traveling and diplomacy. I lived in New Jersey, Holland, Connecticut, and China before coming to Davidson. I was so certain in my decision that I initially didn’t like taking core requirements because I knew poli sci was for me. Then the election started happening, and I began to become disillusioned by politics. It was disheartening, but it also helped me realize what I really want to do–or rather, didn’t want to do. So I switched directions. I thought I would like Econ, and I was doing well in it. I decided to pursue a career in finance because I didn’t really know what I wanted to do. Then I got my first Microeconomics test back–I got a 20%. The average was low, but I was clearly well below average. That was a wake-up call. I could work hard and do well, but it isn’t something I was super passionate about or loved. That was definitely my biggest Davidson failure, but I moved on and it helped me realize that the world would keep spinning. I took PSY 101 because I had always been interested in the idea of psychology, but I had never studied it before. I really, really liked it. At this point, I was stressed because it was the end of fall semester sophomore year, and I had no idea what I wanted to major in. I ended up declaring a Psychology major after I got a really nasty email from the Registrar threatening that I had to declare a major, or I couldn’t come back junior year. Now I am a Psychology major and an Economics minor. I’m not sure what I want to do after Davidson–which is frightening because I am surrounded by people who know exactly what they want to do.”
“I think Davidson is filled with motivated and ambitious people, but there is this ingrained feeling as a Davidson student that if you aren’t a super successful banker or doctor right out of Davidson, then you’ve failed. I felt this pressure too, but living in other countries has shown me there are other ways to live. I have had a ‘recent nirvana’ this year, and I am much happier with where I am. I learned that I no longer want to kill myself in a career as an investment banker and how to relax as a Davidson student.”
If you are interested in writing an article for Her Campus Davidson, contact us at davidson@hercampus.com or come to our weekly meeting Tuesday at 8pm in the Morcott Room.