When I first arrived at The University of Tennessee at Martin, I was a confident and excited nursing major. I had been told for years by my family and friends that I would make a great nurse. At holidays and family get-togethers, my parents proudly announced that I was going to college to study nursing. I wanted to make my family proud more than anything else, and if being a Nursing major would accomplish that, then by all means that was what I was going to do. I owned five pairs of scrubs and was an active member of HOSA at my high school. I decided to follow their plan for me without ever considering what I truly wanted to do.
Nevertheless, I enrolled for my freshmen year of college for a degree in nursing. I had a tough first semester at UTM, and I struggled to find the motivation to study for my nursing courses. I learned very quickly that it is hard to motivate yourself to study a subject you are not interested in. My passions were reading, writing and speaking. I thrived in the one English course I had that semester. I loved attending class because I had a genuine love for the subject. By December I knew I needed to make a change, and decided to switch my major from Nursing to English.
The decision to switch my major was hard. I was worried about disappointing my parents, as well as what my future held. In the end, it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I love what I am doing and I have a passion for what I am studying. Here is my advice for any freshmen or upperclassmen who is considering switching their major.
Don’t let someone else’s dreams become your own
My dad went to school to become a nurse but was unable to complete his degree because of other obligations. He told me on multiple occasions that “he could see me as a nurse” and how perfect I would be for the job. My dad has always been my number one supporter, and he truly wanted what was best for me. However, I was allowing his dreams for my life to become my own. The truth is, you have to find out your own dreams for yourself.
Don’t panic
The idea of switching your major and even possibly your career plans can be daunting. Don’t panic. Over half of all college students will change their major at some point. You do not have to have everything figured out. Plans can change and that is perfectly okay. Pursue your interests and I guarantee that everything else will fall into place.
Talk to other people in your new major
Find out who the chair is for your new major, and schedule a meeting with him or her. Odds are they can help you decide whether this new major will be a good fit. Ask them questions about the courses you would take, as well as future career outlooks. You can also find students who are currently enrolled in your major. They can offer advice from their own experiences, and help you make the best decision for yourself.
Do what you love
The only way to be fulfilled is to pursue something you are passionate about. Ultimately what matters is that you are doing what you love. That is the only way you will truly be happy.