“You don’t want to do that.” “People won’t take you seriously.” “That major is a joke.”
These were common phrases I heard when I told friends and even acquaintances that I was switching my major from biology to psychology. The part that I don’t understand is how my major is going to affect their life and why they think they have a say in how others will perceive me.
My major doesn’t define me.
I may be majoring in psychology, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have an interest in other areas or that I’m incapable of understanding more difficult subjects. In the end, my career path may barely be related to psychology.
It’s about what I’m interested in, not you.
If this is something I love, and would be happy studying then it shouldn’t matter to you. As long as I know that I will be passionate about the topic that’s all that matters.
If you’re hating on it, you probably don’t know enough about it.
I know what I’m getting myself into, but do you really know enough about it? Maybe you had a bad experience in the area, so you judge it, but that doesn’t mean it’s exactly how you perceive it.
It’s what makes me happy and something I enjoy.
And if you’re my friend that should be enough for you to support me.
In the long run, it doesn’t matter what anyone says about my choice of major. I am the one dedicating my money and time to the area and it’s what fits me and my personality best. When it’s all said and done, looking back and knowing you were enthusiastic about your studies rather than aggravated will be worth it.