Having second thoughts about your major?

As a high school senior or a college freshman, I understand the pressure, uncertainty and difficulty that surround choosing a particular major. My experience will demonstrate that, although you may be unsure of your major selection, there’s ample support, guidance, and wisdom at Illinois to help you choose the right path.

As a senior in high school, I applied to the College of ACES at the University of Illinois without having any concrete idea of what major I wanted to pursue. I felt nervous knowing that I was going to college in a few months, yet I wasn’t certain of what I was going to study. I was accepted to the College of ACES dietetics program, but after conducting more research and job shadows, I knew it wasn’t the right fit for me. I attended freshman orientation over the summer where the advisers helped me switch to a major in the same college that better fit my interests. 

I spent my first three semesters at Illinois as a human development and family studies (HDFS) major where I learned a lot about people, relationships, and life, but I still didn’t feel like I was in the right place. I took many elective courses my freshman year, including an introduction to engineering course, a community health course, and one that particularly piqued my interest, Communication 245: Media, Money & Power with Professor Bob McChesney.

Taking so many courses from a wide array of subject fields and colleges allowed me to hone in on my interests and see where my passion truly lay. CMN 245 was challenging, mystifying yet fascinating, but most of all it was a course I sincerely enjoyed. This course led me to become a communication major.

After talking with advisers, professors, my parents, and The Career Center, I realized the next move for me was to attend a College of LAS intercollegiate transfer (ICT) information session. The dates and times were readily available on the College of LAS website, so I chose a time that fit into my schedule and attended. It was very comfortable and informative in helping me go about transferring from one college (ACES) to another (LAS). After the meeting, I made sure I qualified for a transfer, and I submitted an ICT form online. It was a simple process, but of course I was anxious while my approval was pending.

I received an email notifying me of a successful ICT, and for the first time I felt I was in the correct major. All my registration records switched with no hassle, so from that point forward I never looked back! 

I’ve been a communication major for two semesters now and will graduate on time. I love the depth and diversity of information I learn in my communication courses and the ability to question and discuss course concepts with my professors and classmates. A communication degree, moreover a liberal arts and sciences degree, allows me to study an area I love while learning how to think critically, communicate clearly, and execute effectively. My LAS education enables me to be a well-rounded student. 

Through my experiences at Illinois, I have learned that it’s okay if you don’t have it all figured out. Although I may not have had it all together from the start, I always felt empowered as an Illinois student. Being uncertain about your major is an experience many have, and there is no reason to fret. I’m so proud to be an LAS Illini and I know you will be too!