Customize Your Weekly Pathways Content When first exploring the options of college majors before committing to UMass, I didn’t have a clear possibility in mind. Going off my experience in classrooms previously, I chose Journalism because I knew I enjoyed writing and I assumed doing so would lead me to a fulfilling career. As time went on and I began to explore and understand the subject through introductory classes, I realized that there was a disconnect. While I enjoyed learning about and partaking in journalism, I found that I felt that I could not see myself pursuing the path outside of a classroom setting. I was discouraged by how passionate my peers were about finding opportunities to expand into the field and seek independent projects, while I did not feel the same enthusiasm. Changing your major can feel like a burden of failure, especially when you aren’t in a place to know exactly what could replace it.
The decision to switch to Economics was not easy. I had initially been entirely closed off to the idea of taking on a major that involved any math, mostly due to a lack of confidence in my ability. When I began exploring career paths that economics could take me to, it struck interest but I had doubts about whether I was capable. Luckily, the opportunities and flexibility within the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department to try. After enrolling in a few introductory courses and attending office hours to guarantee a thorough understanding, I realized that not only was I able to keep up but I enjoyed it. Unlike before, my interest went beyond the classroom, and I could see myself going forward into the future.
The biggest factor that helped me with this transition was reaching out for support within the SBS department. Academic and peer advisors helped me map out my new path, create a plan to ensure I graduate on time and explore paths of quantitative interest. When I was struggling to find a passion for my major in my first semesters on campus, I didn’t see any purpose for campus involvement or leadership. Feeling grounded in a major that I wouldn’t have initially seen myself in allowed me to further explore opportunities that signified my place in my campus community. I applied for leadership positions that intimidated me at first, but in turn helped me grow in ways I didn’t expect. Starting small, like saying yes to opportunities and attending meetings expanded into opportunities that allowed me to see an impact of my work. Becoming a peer advisor has allowed me to help students in the same place I was just a few years ago find what is right for them. Through lived experience, I know how crucial it is to have this support when navigating through the process of finding your path. A board member position and a peer advising role is not what I would have seen myself pursuing when first coming to UMass. Through these roles, I get the opportunity to connect with my campus and local community, and it is incredibly rewarding to contribute while helping others feel connected.
Making the jump to pursue what I wasn’t certain of and to put myself out there allowed me to discover strengths, build a community and find a sense of leadership on campus. If you are feeling unsure about your path at UMass, a great place to start your change in direction is to reach out within your community and utilize resources that will help you with getting there.
