Solving Your “Major” Problem
Why did I choose to be an English major? Why did I decide to write and write for the rest of my life? Some people begin their college journey having absolutely no idea what they want to do. Others know exactly what they want to do, but I was somewhere in the middle. I knew I wanted to write, but I did not know exactly what that meant. It is obvious that there can be struggles in any major, I can only speak for my own: English and Creative Writing.
As children, we are encouraged to read and write and to learn all we can. However, that need stops at some time in a teenager’s life when they are told to grow up and stop imagining things. I never understood that. Why should I stop my imagination when all it wants to do is run wild?
Most people are inclined to compare themselves to others they see doing better than them, no matter the circumstances; it’s just human nature. That does not change when you’re sitting in a classroom full of students with your same major, thinking each one is more educated and smarter than you are. That’s how I felt on my first day in Interpreting Literature, the introductory class for all English majors. For years I was told that was my best subject and I should find any way I can to pursue it. And so I did. I came to Arcadia with the intent to thrive in English and writing, but I soon began to doubt myself. I would sit in class silent, wondering what made me good enough to be in the same room with these excelling freshmen. I had to look into myself and the career I had chosen to fix my “major” problem.
The thing that helped me most when overcoming this issue was realizing that this was the way almost everyone feels at first. I may look at someone in my class and believe their ability is far superior to mine, and they may look at me the same way. There is no way to deal with the feeling that everyone is better than you besides talking about it. If you keep all your issues deep inside, your emotions will continue to bottle up until one day you explode. Coming to terms with your own mental health can also severely help any struggles you may have with your major. It is important to note that you’re not the only one struggling. Almost every student faces the same issue: doubting their choice in a major.
Maybe you’re a biology major, wishing you chose chemistry. Maybe you’re an education major, wishing you chose music. The beauty in this problem is that you can always change your major. There is no judgment with the change because 18-year-olds are not expected to continue for the rest of their life just from their major in college. If you chose to go into college undecided, it may help you in the long run. You can take many classes from different majors to really know what it is you wish to do. Just remember, there is no harm in changing your mind at any point. It may even be the best decision you have ever made.
