<p>I used to always think I would major in English as I wanted to go into publishing but find myself feeling bored in English classes and not too thrilled about the idea of writing papers all four years. Also, publishing is a competitive field with a small salary. I love the idea of being a writer or a screen writer but those aren't really career choices you can count on due to competitiveness and low pay. It just seems hard to let go of the idea of majoring in English or something media related as I am a creative person. But English classes do seem more about analyzing which might be what is causing the boredom for me. </p>
<p>Biology and psychology just seem to hold my interest more. When I look at all the courses my college has to offer, I find myself getting excited to take as many of the ones listed under biology as I can. I am specifically interested in neuroscience.</p>
<p>I think the reason I'm so reluctant to settle on something is because my interests vary so greatly. Either way I feel as though I'm limiting my choices. My question is, should I go for the biology major as that is what I find myself most interested in right now? </p>
<p>I don't have a set career path in mind but could go on to be a biology teacher, physical therapist, or work in private industry. I have also realized that I could probably try and work in science publishing which could later get me into publishing fiction which had originally been my dream when I was younger. Should I just take the biology classes and see which areas really captures my interest and then try and sort out the type of career I'd like? I'm only a freshman so there really isn't a rush to settle on a career.</p>
<p>Does this sound like a good plan? Does anyone else have similar experience with having varying interests and not feeling sure about their original dreams/goals? I used to be so sure about working in publishing and it feels as though I just gave up on my dream. I don't know how it lost its appeal for me. I think I would love it but I think my doubts may have arisen when I found myself bored in English classes and found an interest in science. </p>
<p>I was very multi-interested in high school. I pretty much liked everything - from psychology to physics to English. I ended up choosing to major in neuroscience because it allowed me to combine a couple of my interests, mainly science and psychology. In making my decision, I also realized that I could write on the side while having a career in science, but the reverse wouldn’t be feasible.</p>
<p>When I started college, I picked a program that offered a neuroscience program that included a strong psychology component. However, once I started college my interests started to change. I discovered computer science and got more into math, and drifted away from the psychology component that had originally gotten me interested in neuroscience. I also started out as pre-med but ended up switching to pre-grad because I got far more interested in research.</p>
<p>So, the reason I’m telling you my academic life story: it’s OK to not be sure at this point, and it’s OK to have your interests and goals change. Based on what you’ve written, I would say start with something like biology, psychology, neuroscience, and be open to change. You may change your major or you could do a minor in creative writing. Once you’re in college, try to get involved and figure out what interests you. Get involved in research, a campus literary journal, you name it. Try out a variety of things. You might find something that combines your interests, like science writing. Or, your might discover that one of these activities/areas ends up becoming your main interest. Either way, you don’t need to stress about it yet.</p>
<p>^I totally agree with the above, and that was pretty much what I was going to say.</p>
<p>But I also wanted to add that a lot of students on these forums (that I’ve noticed) seem to get it in their heads that they have to major in everything that they’re interested in, and you really don’t. You could easily major in biology and take creative writing courses on the side (which might even better for you, since you don’t have to trudge through topics that you’re really not interested in). If you’re interested in psychology, you can also take random psych courses that you find interesting, without needing to major in it. If you end up taking so many courses that it’d be easy to pick up a minor or turn it into a double major, then that’s great, but picking one of your interests as a major doesn’t mean that you can’t learn about your other interests. I double majored in biochemistry and psychology, but I still took classes on education, sociology, computer science, public health, cognitive science, and music. Some classes filled GEs, but most were just because I was interested in it and the class sounded fun. I’ve used tons of info I learned in those “extra” classes in grad school and life in general, and if you ever find that having those courses in particular are beneficial to you grad school or employment-wise, you can always list that you’ve taken them, in addition to your degree in whatever.</p>
<p>I generally advise students to think about what career they’d like to have and consider what degree would help them get there. You don’t have to know this right now (most students don’t). It’s a process of exploring different opportunities (research experience, internships, jobs, shadowing, informational interviews, clubs/orgs, competitions, etc) to figure out what you’d like to do. Once you figure out what type of job you’d like to have, it’s a lot easier to pick the degree that will get you there.</p>
<p>Also, consider which majors would give you more options. For example, it’s easier to go into publishing or writing with a degree in biology, than it is to become a high school biology teacher or a physical therapist with a degree in English.</p>
<p>Thanks for the advice. I feel like I do just want to major in biology but I just feel anxious to actually declare. For the record I am finishing my freshman year of college already. Did anyone else feel anxious officially declaring their major? Is it normal to feel like this?</p>
<p>You are certainly not alone in rethinking your choice of major & by no means are you too late! End of the first year is nothing. If I were you, I would start the foundation courses for the bio degree. Talk to an advisor or check the degree plan if one is available and make sure you are taking the right courses. Don’t feel pressured to officially change yet, as long as you are allowed to take courses outside your major. The core math and science courses can only help you, regardless of whether you change majors or not. </p>
<p>In general I apply a quote attributed to Johnny depp in these situations. Something along these lines: “if you fall in love twice, stay with the second one, because if you truly loved the first you wouldn’t have fallen for the second.” Granted, he was talking about relationships & it may be worthless relationship advice, but it often applies elsewhere. </p>
<p>Thanks PonyGirl! I really like that quote, it makes sense. Argghhh!!! I just feel so hesitant to officially declare. I think it’s an interesting field but a part of me feels like I’m just going that root because I don’t know what other route to go. I’m sure I’ll figure it out. I just wish I didn’t feel so anxious about the whole situation.</p>