As a sophomore, I recently had to declare my major. I had no intention to study abroad, so I completely put off filling out the form until this semester. To be honest, declaring wasn’t nearly as traumatizing or life changing as I thought it would be. I just expected more.
I guess in some ways, deciding on a major was easier for me than others because I already knew that I wanted to major in a science. The problem was that I didn’t know which one to choose: biological sciences or biological chemistry? Throughout this school year I have spent hours carefully weighing the pros and cons of each for me. I admit that there were definite and clear advantages to each and this issue delayed my decision for several weeks.
I could feel the deadline for declaring drawing closer and of course, wished that I could push it back until next week, next month or next year. Last week it hit me though. I knew I actually had to make up my mind, fill out the paperwork and find an advisor—so I did.
Declaring my major was a bit scary, but as I said earlier, it was nowhere near as bad or amazing as I thought it would be. It forced me to trust that I was making the right decision. Once I sent everything in I immediately felt relieved. To know that you have a plan for the next two years is a very calming thing! Of course I realize it’s possible to change majors, but nevertheless, the experience was an important step in my college career.
So, good luck to all of the sophomores who will declare their majors this week. Trust and believe in yourselves!