College is an intimidating part of many students’ lives as they are committing four years towards a degree that could determine how their future careers could pan out. Oftentimes, students question whether or not they want to pursue the major they’re enrolled in, but are worried about taking the first step.
Sophomore Antonino Ramirez switched majors his freshman year. Originally, he was a health-science major and is now a psychology major. His decision to switch was an easy one for him.
“I just didn’t like it or see a future with myself doing it,” said Ramirez.
For junior Holly Cowan, the decision to switch majors was also an easy one as well. She transferred from the University of Delaware as an undecided major and switched to psychology. Cowan says she’s much happier with her classes now and recommends students that are unhappy with their current majors to make the switch.
“It’s an easy process, just talk to your advisors. Just do it,” said Cowan.
Senior Joseph Gerges, a chemical engineering major, has a similar message to those uncertain about switching majors. He was originally a biomedical engineering major and picked it because it “sounded the coolest”. He made the transition to chemical engineering his freshman year because he met some seniors and graduates, and they gave their opinion on the field. Gerges was told that chemical engineering had more job opportunities and made the switch, but ran into some issues during the process.
“The switch was automatic because of my grades; if they weren’t good, there’s an entire thing I would’ve had to do, but the bio-med engineering department didn’t respond,” said Gerges.
Gerges is happy with the change he made back when he was a freshman and looks forward to what the future holds for himself.
“Talk to different people, ask questions, but also do what you want for yourself because it’s your future,” said Gerges.
Change can be a worrisome task. Junior Alaisha Wilson, a journalism major, was originally a radio, television, and film (RTF) major and swapped majors going into her sophomore year because she was not attuned with the film aspect of RTF.
“I’m a good writer, but I couldn’t translate it in RTF, and I just wasn’t happy with my major,” said Wilson.
Wilson explains that she went to her advisor and asked questions to see what she should switch to after her first two semesters. She likes to use writing as an extension of her voice, and Rowan University Professor Nick DiUlio’s passion for journalism solidified that she made the right choice.
“My advisors helped a lot, but Professor DiUlio really helped me realize this is what I want to do,” said Wilson. “I had DiUlio for a few classes, and seeing his love and passion for journalism has really inspired me. He helped me fall in love with the major, and I’m excited to pursue a career in this field.”
Wilson’s advice to anyone who’s unhappy with their major currently and thinking about making the switch is to ask questions and to not be scared because it could result in a better time at college.
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