I came into college knowing I had absolutely everything planned out. I was going to graduate in 4 years (or less) with a degree in Advertising and a minor or two. I’d move on to work an amazing job right after graduation. My freshman year consisted of almost all communications classes sprinkled by a couple of general courses. My schedule was stacked and moving toward finishing required courses ahead of time. I 100% loved my classes, all of the professors I met, and even got an awesome internship where I get to share my experiences with all of you!
Penn State’s general education classes gave me a sense of jobs and opportunities outside of my major. As I grew through my college experiences, I learned that I might not be fit for this route. The more and more I thought about it, the more I though about how difficult it would be to change my major.
I at least needed to see if it was even possible to change my plans. I assumed it would be complicated for me and my advisors, my parents, and more importantly, affect my graduation time and finances. I scheduled an appointment with an advisor and told her about my ideas and why I felt I needed a change…and just like that she whipped out my new academic plan and laid it all out for me. She told me what classes easily transferred over into my new major and what didn’t, how hard I would have to work in the remaining semesters, but that that I would graduate on time.
I was still very hesitant about making a final decision until she told me about how she came to become a teacher and then an advisor soon after having a great job in a whole other field. She showed me the support I needed when I was most hesitant. I realized I wasn’t the only one that would change their mind in college and I was definitely not alone.
It’s really hard to make a change when you never knew it was possible, but with the help of PSU, it is possible. Penn State has made it very easy for me to feel supported as a student and a person. I came into Penn State hoping to create advertising for large companies, but I’m leaving as an elementary school teacher! Two totally different things and we are still going to make it happen. We are given the opportunities to discover ourselves here at Penn State, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Not everybody knows what they want to do and some people know exactly what they want to do. Penn State empowers both. They encourage change and growth. So if you’re coming into PSU undecided or uneasy or even completely positive on your future path, there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. The staff and your fellow classmates are going to stand by you and help you find your way.
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