Embarking on a new journey such as college is an exciting yet challenging endeavor, one that is filled with uncertainty and self-discovery. One of the most significant decisions that students face can be choosing a major. This decision not only shapes their academic experience but also their career path. Some students come to college having their entire future mapped out with the major they want to pursue and the career that they want to work towards. However, what happens when they realize that their chosen field doesn’t align with their passions and strengths like they had once thought?

This year, my articles will focus on the topic of changing majors, an experience that many students encounter but often hesitate to discuss openly. Throughout my writings, I will share how changing a major is not only a valid choice, but how it can also be a pivotal turning point in a student’s life. By sharing stories, insights from peers, and personal opinions, I hope to illuminate the positive aspects that come from changing majors.

During my freshman year of college, I constantly found myself going to do homework (typically anatomy and physiology) in the ASC. It was there that I often found my fellow cross-country teammate Alissa Kennedy working on her organic chemistry homework, this stressful time that we spent together created a unique bond. We would stay up late at night trying our best to stay awake and get work done, and wake up early the next morning for cross-country practice. While I was struggling with anatomy and Alissa was facing difficulties in organic chemistry, we both came to the realization that our mental health was also being affected. As we navigated our academic challenges, it became clear that the pressure we were under was taking a toll on our well-being.

“I had consistent weeks where I felt completely lost, my reactions were not coming out the way I needed them too, and I felt so out of place with the rest of my peers. I was recognizing that my study habits, and my lack of interest in the specific topics we would talk about in various classes didn’t interest me like they once had.”

Alissa Kennedy

When reflecting on this experience, Kennedy was reminded of the exact moment that she had realized her passion for chemistry wasn’t as strong as it once was.

“One day after lab, I remember going through my experiment multiple times because of small mistakes that altered the reactions, so I would restart and restart until my last attempt. I had finally done everything right and still got nothing. Linden walked over to me while I was in tears of disappointment and frustration and told me it was okay, she could see I was working through it. I finished up that lab, went to the Beck center and dropped the course. It wasn’t just because of the labs, but in class, there were things I couldn’t grasp quite like everyone. Now I understand this also has to do with my lack of studying and asking for help, but I constantly felt under this immense pressure and embarrassment about how behind I was.”

Alissa Kennedy

The idea of changing majors was scary for Kennedy because growing up she had always seen herself going to PA school and becoming a doctor. Changing her major made her feel like she was giving up on a childhood dream. However, after that pivotal moment in class, Alissa knew she should consider other options.

When looking into the psychology program, Kennedy realized that she took interest in a field that she had once never really considered. Alissa, then remembered a professor who had made an impact on her during her freshman year.

“Funny enough, my original advisor was an advisor for both integrated science and my latter choice, psychology, so this transition was extremely easy for me. Dr. Bailey, although I didn’t have any psychology classes with him yet, always expanded my knowledge on each side of the majors and really took me in when I switched over to psychology.”

Alissa Kennedy

The following semester, Kennedy began taking her first classes in her new major. She found herself among other peers who had similar academic interests as herself. She made connections with many other psychology professors which landed her the unique opportunity to conduct summer research with two TLU psychology professors Dr. Bailey and Dr. Woods.

Now going into her fourth semester as a psychology major, it is no secret that Alissa has truly discovered her passion and calling in life. When it comes to what she enjoys most about her major, it’s quite impossible to pinpoint one thing.

“I could go on and on about the opportunities this department has opened up to me and how much more welcome I have felt, how intrigued I am with each topic and how this switch changed the trajectory of my life exponentially. A huge experience I had the luxury of having was presenting my summer research with my peer, Sophie Salgado, at the American Psychological Association Convention in Seattle, Washington. I have been able to work with Dr. Sia and her way of teaching has been one of the most challenging yet impactful ways I’ve gotten to learn about certain topics. Not only have I had the opportunity to take multiple classes with her, I have also have the opportunity to work for her as an ADA Assistant and that has built its own set of skills into myself. I have had the chance to work in an fNIRS lab that opened up my world to synesthesia and what it means to work for a purpose like it. I enjoy that I am able to explore multiple aspects of psychology, from animal learning to synesthesia, to human sexuality and child development. It has put me in a position to better decide what path I want my career to be, and what those focuses are. “

Alissa Kennedy

When it comes to life lessons that she learned after changing her major, Alissa stated that she didn’t need to continue something that was no longer fulfilling to her. She understood that her interests had changed and that in order to thrive she had to make the switch.

“I think it was a big step for me to change my major to fulfill what I wanted for myself rather than what I had fed my parents or peers as what I wanted. I had put this expectation that I was going to be “Dr. Kennedy” and it felt like I was letting everyone down by changing. What I have learned is that it allowed me to flourish not just academically or within my desired career, but as an individual. If you know anything about psychology, there is a large part in self-awareness as well as how society impacts the outcome of individuals. Through this, I have been able to recognize the patterns in myself, how my experiences have shaped me and how to move forward. I also have taken a keen interest in the community and how I can better my interactions with others. “

Alissa Kennedy

Now that Alissa knows how beneficial changing her major was, she advocates for those unsure of their paths. She supports individuals who feel like their current situation doesn’t align with their future goals. Stories like Alissa’s are what make others comfortable changing their major and starting a new academic journey.