Last semester, I declared a minor in communications because, like many anxious liberal arts students, I felt as though studying creative writing wasn’t good enough for me to get a job after graduation.

This semester, I officially declared a double major with a minor in music but canceled communications.

Before I declared my minor in communications, I spoke with my adviser and came to her with my concerns about job prospects after graduation. She told me that people in the English field would still be able to get a communications job, but I felt undeniably anxious that I didn’t have a communications minor for credibility and lacked the necessary skills to get a job in the field.

I ignored my adviser’s statements and undertook the communications minor, which would soon evolve into regret for the future. 

For the first three weeks of the fall semester, I was in COMM 101: Introduction to Communications. I perceived the course not to be rigorous enough, and motivation wasn’t within my possession. One morning at 4 a.m., I resolved to drop the course and abandon my minor. 

It was a bold decision considering I committed to it when I was drained, but rooted in me, it felt virtuous to promptly take this action. Another critical piece of information, likewise, is when I dropped the course my credit hours went from 16 to 13 hours — adjacent to a harrowing financial aid cutoff.

As a result, I possess two majors: creative writing and Spanish, with a minor in music. I realized that I don’t want to exhaust myself with many tasks, which is why I kept the favorable ones.

When the moment arrives to graduate, I yearn to withdraw from school’s stress and observe what life has to offer. A blue-collar job is acceptable to me and a position I would want to apprehend is a flight attendant. This opportunity offers good benefits like a three-day weekend and my family could get free rides — a spectacular perk.

Subsequently, I could utilize my degree to become a high school Spanish teacher — exploring a new career path. From this experience, I comprehended the power of listening and understanding others.

I heard my adviser but didn’t recognize what she was saying to me. I ventured forward with my advice but disregarded her counseling — i.e., her life’s work. Next time, my ears will be open and enjoy the directions provided to circumvent an unnecessary academic detour.

Axel is a sophomore in LAS.

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