“When I grow up, I want to be….” It sounded so simple years ago. A doctor, a teacher, a lawyer, the possibilities were endless. Until the fateful day comes when you must apply to colleges and decide what it is you would like to pursue for the next four years and beyond.
I recall, not so long ago, sitting at an information session at Syracuse University. A young student and tour guide spoke to the group of perspective students about beginning a new chapter at a university of your choice. What stood out to me however, was a statistic, believe it or not.
“The average college student changes their major more than twice,” she said. I laughed at this statement because I had always considered myself to be decisive and positive of my future. I wanted to major in finance and become a financial planner.
With the statistic somewhere in the back of my mind, I began my freshman year at the University of Maryland. I enrolled in business classes including introduction to management, microeconomics and calculus. To my dismay, however, I received my highest grades in English 101, and my lowest in the business classes. I realized that throughout my academic career, numbers were never my strong suit.
After the disappointment of my first year at Maryland, I decided to change my major to communications. I enjoyed the idea of pursuing public relations because it involved a great deal of being business savvy, without adding or subtracting numbers.
After taking on the field of communications and the major requirements, I felt I was not being intellectually stimulated. I was learning, of course, but I couldn’t find the excitement and passion that I once had for academia.
I pondered long and hard about what I was passionate about; what really stimulated my brain. The answer? Writing. Throughout my life I was always passionate about writing. I kept a diary, wrote short stories and read a variety of books and newspapers.
So, as an incredibly misdirected, second semester sophomore, I began to pursue my passion in journalism. I took the necessary gateway courses and applied to the Philip Merrill College of Journalism in June.
Now, as a junior, I am happier than ever. I am stimulated by my academic work and enthusiastic about my growth as a writer.
Of course, the downside of changing my major is the rigor of my course load each semester. I am required to take more than the required number of journalism classes each semester in order to graduate on time.
Conversely, however, the rigor has been one of the most stimulating parts of this change. I strive to work harder each day knowing that I am pursing a career more fit for my passion.
I am no sage, however, I feel that if I can impart wisdom on any incoming freshmen, or even sophomores and juniors, it is that you must pursue something you truly enjoy. Success will follow and happiness will ensue if you choose to follow your passion.
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Photo Credit: Stacey Skulnik: Philip Merrill School of Journalism, University of Maryland, College Park