When I was applying to colleges, I considered majoring in Industrial Engineering, Business, or Psychology. Industrial Engineering seemed the most versatile, Business was the most natural for me, and Psychology was a new interest I had discovered towards the end of high school. All three were slightly imperfect. Industrial Engineering was full of classes I despised, Business placed too much value on making money, and Psychology was incredibly specific, which limited career options.
As the college application deadline approached, I decided to settle on Industrial Engineering because I liked the flexibility that came with an engineering degree, especially since I was unsure of what I wanted as a career. After less than a week of classes, I knew engineering was not for me. The classes were difficult, but the more concerning thing was that I had absolutely no interest in any of them.
If you are reading this as a STEM major, you might be thinking “I don’t like my classes either—who likes chemistry and math?”
It wasn’t just about the classes being difficult—which they were. It was frustrating that I clearly was not getting anything out of them. I did not want to use these skills in a future job, so everything felt meaningless. My engineering friends who were in the same classes also felt frustrated, but they were not considering dropping out of the class. This issue of mine was clearly a bigger problem than pure academic rigour.
About two weeks ago, I officially switched my major to Psychology. This was not easy because I felt like I should be an engineer. After many difficult conversations with family, counselors, and friends, I made the switch. As of now, I am still taking the classes that are part of the general curriculum for freshman engineers. Even though I am still taking the same classes that made me switch majors, I now have something that I am working towards. I want to be successful in these classes so I can get a good GPA and get into a PhDprogram. I feel like all (or at least most) of my stress has been turned into motivation.
Now, I am a Social Science major in a school full of engineering and computer science majors. It feels pretty weird. When I told my friends that I was switching majors they were very happy because they knew the stress that my past situation had caused. When I tell strangers or distant acquaintances, they are shocked and kind of look at me upset. Why am I at Stevens Institute of TECHNOLOGY in the school of Arts and Letters? Well, I came here for Engineering but my interests led me down a different path. Brief thoughts of switching schools did enter my mind, but I realized that Stevens still has a lot to offer, even if you are not a STEM major.
Maybe you are struggling in your classes, but you know they are right for you. If that is the case, stick with your major and keep fighting for that degree. Maybe you have felt out of place and feel like you need a change — then go for it! My grades have suddenly become more important to me because they are stepping stones to a future that I actually desire. It is amazing how much easier life is when you are passionate about your work.
Mind of a Freshman is an Opinion column written by one or two first-year Stevens students to discuss life experiences during their time at Stevens, and other related subject matter.
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