Scheduling is coming up for freshmen, and the big, existential question that plagues us in particular has resurfaced: to be, or not to be? One major over another, that is. I’ll admit, I’m part of this group. It’s kind of scary. I’ve spent nearly two semesters studying and preparing for a career I’ve wanted since high school, and I’m realizing that I have only a small clue to what I want to do with my life. I miss the na’ve certainty. Maybe I’m slow on the up-take, but I’ve finally realized I hate chemistry. This is problematic for not only my major but for my post-grad plans. Can I get into med school with a poor grade and lack of interest in one of the curriculum’s cornerstones? These two semesters opened my eyes to other interests I forgot I had. My two favorite classes have been music appreciation and English 2025. Those don’t exactly scream “future doctor.” With that in mind I thought of different paths I could take to pursue those interests. I could run back home to Austin, Texas and try to make it as a musician. But then I remembered I play no instruments, and my voice is comical at best. So, musician is out. That’s okay; I’ll become a writer and craft the great American novel we’ve been waiting for. Forget about “The Great Gatsby,” how about – oh wait. I have trouble reaching my less than 400 word quota here at The Daily Reveille. So I’m back where I started. I like those two classes more than the others I’ve taken, but I have to remember what classes I’ve been in: English, math, ISDS, chemistry and a few others. No biology courses – I got my first six hours of credit from the AP test. I can’t change my major when I haven’t even taken a class in it yet. There is a glaringly obvious reason I chose it as my major in the first place – I like it best. Even though it’ll be hard – I really, truly do hate chemistry – I’ll stick with it. Eventually I’ll get into the classes I like, just like everybody else. Until then I can bite the bullet and do my chem homework and keep on trying to figure out what I want to do.
—-Contact Emily McArdle at [email protected]