By Emily Gist
The Echo Opinion Editor
My sophomore year I officially changed my major about four times.
Even before college, I knew I wanted to be a creative writing major. However, my mom told me I needed a back-up plan that could make me money.
So, of course, I picked the degree that would lead to the highest paying job in the world: journalism.
It was official, and I was a journalism and creative writing double major. However, I figured out I’d have to take summer classes in order to graduate on time and–deciding I didn’t want to be stuck in college for the rest of my life–I changed my degree to a journalism major, creative writing minor.
I believe that all college students have an early-life crisis when choosing their major. I was no exception. Because I knew I enjoyed creative writing, I felt like I was betraying myself by abandoning it as a major.
My major was like my favorite dog, and I felt like I’d left it on the side of the road. So, I decided to change it to a major again. But, I still needed that Plan B.
I found myself researching jobs for each major. I debated math, psychology, journalism and underwater basket weaving. (The last one required holding your breath for hours at a time, so I wasn’t sure if I would qualify.)
Eventually, I officially decided on a creative writing and professional writing double major. I talked to my advisor, emailed the dean of the college of Theater, Fine Arts and Communication and was all set.
But it felt like I was wasting that first year of journalism classes. I debated it for another year or so and officially officially decided on a creative writing major and journalism minor.
I figured I could turn that minor to a major if I had enough time. So, with that caveat, I unofficially officially officially changed my major to a creative writing and journalism double major.
According to University of Lavern, most students will change majors at least three times before they graduate. So I was right in the ballpark. Eventually, I decided to do what I’d come to college for in the first place: and I think that’s important.
College students should major in what they’re passionate about. This doesn’t necessarily mean that student will earn a specific job, but he will at least earn a job in the field he is interested in.
I might not become an author, but I’ll most likely find a job that involves writing in some capacity.
So if you’re panicking over what major you should pick, take a deep breath, think about what skill you couldn’t imagine giving up and seek a major in that field.
