You’re sitting in a giant auditorium full of family members, friends and educators. Suddenly your line stands up. As the speaker calls names one by one, you find yourself walking across a stage as you grab a diploma and shake your principal’s hand. A sigh of relief passes your lips as you realize high school is officially over.
After the ceremony you walk outside and the “Congratulations” from well-wishers only slightly soften the blow of the stressful question, “So what are you going to college for?” You may have a prepared answer to give them as to your area of study but inside there is a small panic as you realize the rest of your life is being determined at this moment.
Was this ever you? It sure wasn’t me. I was convinced from the 3rd grade that I was going to come to Oklahoma Christian University for a major in biology and a minor in music, never dreaming it would be any different. Just as planned, I graduated and was accepted to Oklahoma Christian where my career as a biology student began.
I loved every minute of it. The classes were interesting and I loved my teachers. As the end of my junior year approached, however, I found myself struggling. I strived for the passion to enjoy and understand my studies while keeping time for my musical passion, but it was to no avail. It was at this moment that I became the scared and nervous high school student. “What am I doing with my life?” “What would happen if I switched majors?” “Will my friends think I’m an idiot for switching so late in the game?” “Would I even succeed in a new major?”
I asked myself these questions on a daily basis. After finally deciding to switch my major, no matter how long it set me back, I realized it was nothing to be scared of. People do it all the time. The truth is, no one knows what they want as an 18-year-old student in high school. In fact, the national average for number of major switches in college is six. It is perfectly fine, in fact normal, to switch majors. You need to do what’s right for you. Don’t let the fear of peer ridicule or self-disappointment get in your way.
One downside of switching majors is the additional time and monetary commitment it takes. These are important things to take into account and should be carefully studied. Sometimes it is better to stick with your major and pursue a different masters program. On the other hand, it may only add one extra year of schooling.
That being said, I’m not encouraging you to switch majors eight times just because you are unsure. Switching majors is something to act upon with careful consideration. You may need to shadow a few different professions over the summer or take one course in that field along with some general education classes. Really study the reasons you’re switching majors. Talk with your academic advisors. Pray about it. Pray a lot. Then listen for what God wants you to do.
Lauren Wheeler is a senior at Oklahoma Christian University
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