Most students go through stages of doubting their choice in major.
We all question if this is the right fit or choice for us, if we actually enjoy it or not, or if it will be beneficial in the long run.
I think most college students can say that it’s just a part of the journey.
However, accepting that most college students go through this doesn’t take away any of the overwhelming stress or the overthinking.
I chose journalism as my major because I knew I loved to write; but I wanted a major that was broad enough where I could have different jobs down the line.
After taking two reporting classes, that initial motivation to major in journalism quickly subsided. I kept thinking, “I don’t want to be a reporter, I don’t want to do this, I don’t like this.”
Those thoughts took a massive toll on me and I thought I was wasting my time in college pursuing a major I didn’t enjoy, yet I didn’t even have a clue what I would enjoy.
I knew that I wasn’t alone, but it didn’t make me feel any better.
However, it’s important to embrace the choices you make, especially ones regarding your major, whether that means keeping it or making the jump into changing it.
Jenna McKee, a transfer UF Online student who recently changed her major admits that, “I made the mistake of choosing a major based around my hobbies. I love to write, but I realized majoring in creative writing took the fun and love I had for it away. Not always do your hobbies and interests have to be your career path.”
Jenna is now an advertising major and thinks it is far more beneficial and enjoyable for her. She also described how the opinions of others highly influenced her original choice in major.
“Everyone praised me for my writing skills, and I felt as though that was the only thing I was good at, so I chose creative writing. However, I now know that I have many skills and that being a great writer can factor into so many different career paths that are better suited for me.”
Like Jenna, many of us change majors and that’s OK.
It’s OK because we’re all human, and we decided on our major when we were younger, which often means we differ from how we are now.
Whether you are planning to change your major or have already done it, embrace that change of heart. It shows that you are learning more about yourself and growing as an individual.
Now, if you’re like me and doubted your choice of major at some point yet continued to stick with it, that’s OK too!
As humans, we second guess many decisions we make, but we have to learn to embrace them.
When my stress would settle down, I would remember why I chose this major in the first place: I like to write, I like telling stories, and I wanted a major with many career options.
In your times of doubt and stress, try to reflect on the thoughts that made you choose your major initially.
Sometimes, difficult classes and overwhelming schedules can fog your interests in the major and distract you from them.
Here at UF, every major provides ample opportunity for success.
No matter what you choose, each major has internships, programs and organizations that you can immerse yourself in to see all that that major and field has to offer you.
When in doubt, just talk it out. Talk to the people who know you best and talk to the people who would have an outside perspective on your situation.
In my experience, it has also helped to communicate with professionals who have jobs in fields that you might be interested in and ask them about it. What better way to know about a job or field than learning from someone in it?
No matter if you doubt, change or stick with your major, embrace your decisions.
Revamp your motivation and mindset and find confidence within your choices.
Remember, you aren’t tied to your major either.
There are so many people in this world who majored in one thing and ended up doing something completely different.
No matter your major, you will learn valuable skills and knowledge to take not only into the workplace, but into life.