Weighing options for majors a helpful tool for students entering college

When I was first applying for college in 2013 and got my acceptance letter from USD, I remember distinctively choosing the school because it had a creative writing major.

This was the most important thing for me because I was adamant on studying creative writing, so I was pleased to know USD wasn’t only close, but it offered my supposed destined major. 

All was going well during my first year, and then I faced the realities of creative writing. For me, what I want to do with creative writing is just that — write creatively.

I might not be that lucky person to have my stories shared throughout the world, being made into crappy movies and living my life doing the thing I love best – writing.

So, my job options are teaching creative writing or possibly editing, and I don’t want to do either of those things.

The other option I considered, and eventually chose, was pursuing a career in journalism, which used to be my minor.

I know I’m not the only person to change his or her major, but not many students would consider doing so early on.

Not to say I dislike journalism, because I actually enjoy it, but it does suck knowing that my choice to pursue it as a career was made because I realistically can’t do the job I really love.

But then again, I’m really glad I chose to study journalism over creative writing and as a potential career choice.

It’s important to weigh options while choosing a major or minor, because I never in a million years thought I’d pick journalism over creative writing, but here I am today.

And it’s stressful trying to decide what to choose, because there’s money, time and stress involved.

Because I’m an impulsive individual, it wasn’t hard for me to decide right then and there. But for others, it can be an important decision that requires some thinking through.

Not having a clue what to do in regards to one’s future has to be the worst feeling in the world. It makes one feel hopeless and stuck. I went through it somewhat, and I had to come to the realization that this is the career for me. Creative writing will always be there for me, after all.

For those that thrive in their creative writing careers, I applaud them. I see myself getting further in journalism, rather than possibly being miserable in a creative writing career that stays stagnant.

But then again, this school is really great for helping out with choosing a major. There are many options students can choose from; they’re bound to find something that interests them.

Whether it’s an interest, or a slight compromise to an original plan, I advise everyone to be wise with their choice of a major or minor, and to be realistic based on one’s own standpoint.

Though it does hurt sometimes knowing what I love doing most won’t be my career, I don’t regret my choice to switch my major, and know it’ll benefit me in the long run.