When I started my undergraduate journey in the summer of 2018, I thought I had to major in a biological-based major to be considered a strong applicant for medical school. Wanting to follow the traditional path, I pursued a biomedical sciences major.
As I further experienced the major, I always found a way to return to the social sciences through my coursework or activities.
In Fall 2019, I decided to take a medical sociology course due to a strong passion for learning about the various social determinants of health among the minority population. Then I realized there isn’t a set major that will make someone more of a vital medical school candidate.
Once changing my major, I started to be in a more positive headspace and performed better in my courses. I was able to get involved in research that I enjoyed and be exposed to new opportunities.
Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash
Changing your major will bring uncertainty, but it also brings clarity. Once changing my major to sociology, everything in my life started to align. I was able to get back to pursuing my hobbies. I was able to cultivate why I truly wanted to pursue medicine. Most importantly, I was able to find my voice.
I believe society should normalize changing your major. Similar to seasons, people change. What someone wants to pursue at age 18 may change when they turn 20, which is okay. Many people ask, “What do you want to do when you grow up?”
However, many forget to ask themselves how they will achieve their goals.
Arriving at a destination isn’t linear. Similar to a GPS offering many routes, most professional careers are achieved through diverse journeys.
Your college career is an excellent opportunity to explore various options to create a life post-graduation. One way is through exploring majors. Most of the time, majors align with your hobbies and strengths. If I didn’t explore different majors, I probably would not have discovered my interest in the field of public health.
Now graduating this semester, I can say I do not regret my decision one bit. Through switching my major, I learned I could also pursue another career after medicine. My younger self would have never imagined herself pursuing a social science degree. Now I am even more motivated to pursue my professional goal of becoming a physician.
Photo by Ross Findon on Unsplash
Many say changing your major will set you back. However, why stay in a situation that isn’t allowing you to become a better version of yourself? Changing your major will bring you closer to what you are destined to accomplish.
You will be able to thrive further and live in your truth. Every college student may have similar end goals, whether it’s going to grad, med, or law school. However, the route they take is unique.
Major exploring allows you to discover who you are. At age 18-25, we are still young and exploring where we want to live and settle down. Why shouldn’t it be okay to discover what major you want to pursue?
Of course, with change brings risks. However, risks allow the opportunity to grow. At first, you may feel like you are failing and falling by switching your major. Especially when everyone around you seems so certain about the major they are pursuing.
But, what is meant to be, will be.
Look at me. I changed my major and ended up being okay. You will be too!