I still remember leaving East Chicago, coming to Indiana University, and thinking what am I going to do when I get there? I was in college now but what did I want to study? It was overwhelming, exciting, and confusing all at once, but I was ready for college life or so I thought.

I actually had a head start in college life through an IU program that allowed me come to school early and get acquainted with the campus and its resources. The other bonus to it was that we took classes for credit during those few weeks before classes came into session. Since I didn’t know exactly what field I wanted to study, I took classes that focused on exploratory students. One of the most helpful classes in this program was a study skills class that concentrated on helping us come up with our major by writing papers on our interests. In the class I was also introduced to the Career Development Center and I spent time there researching career fields that interest me.

After doing all of this I noticed that I was very interested in the Health profession. So I declared my major as radiology. I took the classes but was still not satisfied, so I went back to my advisor. We ended up discussing other interests I had and I mentioned art as being one of them. I took one or two classes but I found that it wasn’t for me. I still wanted to do something with Health so in sophomore year I went back to the Health classes and declared Public Health Administration.

I loved the classes but I still felt something was missing. I wanted to teach others about what I had learned so that’s when I began thinking about becoming a Health teacher. As a result I changed my major to Public Health Education my junior year because it combined both of my interests. Now as a senior, I like all of my classes concerning this major but I still have questions about jobs available with this degree. Going to the Career Development Center and researching more about jobs related to this major has been very beneficial. I have also found people in the profession to use as resources.

Where has all this changing and exploring led me? Well, for some it may seem negative that I have been set back to one more year, but at least I know that I am graduating with the best major for me. Not only that, all this exploring has given me the ability to achieve two minors as well. Looking back going to job and career fairs would have been advantageous, and I would have attended more panels where alumni would have spoken.

I also want to give the advice that if you find something that you are generally interested in and happy with it despite what anyone says, go for it. I know that I had wanted to do computer science too, but the math scared me off. I did not believe that I could handle it. But I think that with tutors I could have passed the math requirement. Do not allow what you may be happy doing just slide by because you feel you cannot do some part of it as well. Because in some cases all you may need is a little extra help which can be easily provided by the many free tutors and help sessions IU offers. You never know unless you try.

Furthermore, I would recommend you check up on how your classes are fitting into majors and make sure that you are on the right track. That way you know that you are accomplishing something and that you are getting somewhere. Ask all the questions that you want. Most importantly, do not feel rushed to choose a major right off the bat. Take your time and explore the possibilities offered by the university. Keep in mind that if your first choice of a major is not the one you graduate with, that is okay.