Change Your Major!

by Aster Taylor

I knew I wanted to go into Genetic Engineering Biology since middle school. I chose Tennessee Tech because of the availability of undergrad research jobs and because I was offered a full ride scholarship; the only stipulation was that I had to keep my major in Biology, Chemistry, Math, or Physics. I made it through my first year of classes–General Chemistry I and II, Precalculus Algebra, Introduction to Statistical Methods, Introductory Psychology, Topics in World Literature, Fundamentals of Communication, Parapsychology, and Gender Studies: Masculinity. The last two classes counted for nothing in my major, but they sounded fun.

I really came to college because I love learning. Sure, General Chemistry II had me banging my head against my desk at two in the morning, but I was also using the InterLibrary Loan feature just to check out random papers. Through playing around with random classes, I realized I don’t care for the way learning science operates. I don’t do well with memorizing concepts and exact steps, but I do well with noticing patterns and searching for their larger impact. I didn’t change my major many times before finding my home in the English Department, but I asked my advisor “what if I try …” at least a couple times a week.

My point in all of this is that you should enjoy your time in college. Don’t just suffer through it. Ask for the help you need, and find joy in the little things–even if it’s a senior level course as a second semester student or chasing the squirrels until you’re late to class.