We're excited to feature Student Voices, our blog series that brings unique student perspectives to our blog. From academic challenges to tech-driven success stories, hear directly from students about the tools, strategies, and experiences shaping their education. Stay tuned for inspiring insights!
How Changing My Major Helped Me Find a Path That Fit My Strengths
I remember during my first-year Intro to Engineering class, after putting a great deal of effort into my final project, a 3D model of one of my favorite figures, I ended up receiving a D+. Many of us think that by the time we graduate high school, we have our career goals set and are ready to enter the next phase of our lives with just as much confidence. I was super excited to see myself as a future Aerospace Engineer, since my main passion in life, aside from my hobbies, was aviation. I was not only motivated but also eager to follow in the footsteps of my grandfathers from both sides of the family, who were engineers.
In addition, this gave me the sense that I would be secure not just in the industry I love, but also in other areas such as finances and well-being. I believed this in part because both of my grandfathers worked as civil engineers in firms with long-term contracts, which provided them with a strong sense of financial stability and security. Little did I know that this experience would change the way I view success and teach me that not everything will go according to plan.
When Things Started to Change
My first semester, for the most part, was uneventful and very much mirrored that of any first-year college student. Long hours in the classroom, office hours, studying, rinse and repeat. In my eyes, this was all expected, and I still took part in college activities like movie nights, socializing when I could, and enjoying a sense of independence. The real gut punch came around the second half of my first year, when some of my engineering courses finally made their way into my class schedule. While at first it seemed like material I had seen, presented in the context of engineering terms, it quickly became apparent that, even with my academic abilities, it would be a challenge.
One particular challenge was not understanding basic coding, despite help from my peers and watching tutorials. I remember sitting late at night, trying to complete an assignment and going through multiple resources just to make sense of what I was doing. Even when I eventually got something to work, I didn't feel a sense of pride, just relief that it was over. That moment made me realize something deeper. It wasn't just that the work was difficult; it was that I didn't enjoy the work itself. Even when I made progress, I felt little to no satisfaction. I reached a point where I was barely understanding what was in front of me. Within weeks, I withdrew and returned home, feeling like my dreams had been thrown out the window.
Learning It's Okay to Pivot
Despite being at a low point, I picked up the pieces and started reflecting on what I wanted. After returning home, I considered taking time off to rethink my options, whether that meant working part-time or enrolling at a local community college. At the same time, I thought about my earlier courses, especially Public Speaking and Humanities. Those classes stood out to me because I genuinely enjoyed researching topics and presenting what I had learned. I liked being able to take information, understand it, and communicate it in my own way.
One moment that really stuck with me was during a presentation in my Public Speaking class. I decided to go a bit outside the traditional format and approach my topic in a way that felt more natural to me. While most students chose topics related to careers, world issues, or politics, I decided to present on one of my hobbies, collecting small figurines from a franchise I grew up with, which allowed my voice and personality to come through more naturally. Not only did I enjoy the process more, but I also performed better because I was engaged in what I was doing. That experience helped me realize that I work best when I can connect with what I'm learning and approach it in my own way.
This time, I wanted to try my hand at a business major, since many of my general courses transferred with little to no friction. I then got into some business courses like Economics, which I frankly found enjoyable while still offering a fair number of challenges. While I may not have considered myself a "numbers person," I realized that I did enjoy making data speak. I liked understanding what the numbers meant and explaining that in a way others could follow.
What Changing Paths Taught Me
At first, it was rough to accept that my old major was no longer in reach. But over time, I came to understand that it's okay if something isn't meant to work out. Changing from engineering to business taught me that success isn't always about finding the right answer or forcing yourself through something that doesn't fit. Instead, it's about finding out how you approach problems best. For me, that meant realizing that while I may struggle with certain technical aspects, I have strength in interpreting information and communicating it clearly. That shift in perspective helped me redefine what success means, not just reaching a goal, but finding a path that aligns with who you are.
Becoming a business major has opened opportunities that I would not have discovered before changing my major. For example, after switching to business, I was able to secure an opportunity during my junior year with my local county's Office of Legislative Oversight. There, I contributed to developing a report on budgeting practices used by the county and others to help the public better understand how those systems work. This was an experience I likely would not have had if I had stayed in aerospace engineering.
Where I Am Today
As of writing this blog, I recently graduated in spring 2026 with a bachelor's degree in business administration and am currently working as an Ellucian Professional Services Intern. Yet my mindset isn't the same as it used to be. I now understand that while I am allowed to take things at my own pace when I can, it is very important to recognize when something isn't working out and to be honest about it. You will thank yourself later when you realize how much better your new opportunities can be. Not only was I able to discover more about what I enjoy, but I was also able to make meaningful connections and find new opportunities that I would never have encountered otherwise.
Sometimes The Best Path Is a Different One
We are allowed to stick to our dreams and hopes, but sometimes those dreams change, and that's okay. If you begin to see things pile up and realize it's not what you want to do, take a step back and consider changing course. Doing so doesn't mean you've failed; it means you're learning more about yourself. For students, that can be one of the most important parts of the college experience. For higher education leaders, it's important to recognize that when a student is struggling, it may not always be about ability. Sometimes, it's about fit. Supporting students through those moments, giving them space to reflect, and helping them explore new directions can make all the difference. While I may not be in the aviation industry right now, I feel much more confident in the path I am on today. No matter where I end up, I know I can continue to grow both personally and professionally, with the understanding that growth sometimes comes from being open to change. College was the space that helped me develop that mindset, and it's what continues to push me forward.
