Two years ago, whenever someone asked about my major, I felt so strange.

I was so afraid to say that my major was “undeclared.” I didn’t want people to judge me, and I didn’t want people to think I wasn’t smart. Although I chose to be in the Division of General Studies myself, it was still a sensitive topic to me. However, I completely forgot I wasn’t the only one.

But that was before I realized that with DGS, I could be anything I wanted to be.

I spent the first semester figuring out what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to be an engineer, but didn’t know which specific field. I took the science and engineering classes like everyone else did, plus a few other general education classes I was interested in. The second semester, I decided to choose civil engineering, so I took CEE and TAM along with science.

And then I realized that I didn’t like it. Actually, I didn’t like it at all from the beginning. Classes were tortuous and homework took forever to finish. I was overly tired everyday, and I was slowly beginning to lose interest.

I tried to think of other options, and I thought: language it is.

So I looked into things that have to do with language(s) and among several options, I chose journalism. I participated in my high school’s newspaper and yearbook, and it was a lot of fun, so I thought I’d give it a try.

It was by far the best decision I’ve made in my life.

Honestly, I had no idea what journalism was, really. I didn’t know what I would have to do, or how my life was going to turn out. I took a journalism class and within the first two weeks, I withdrew my transfer application to the College of Engineering.

Now, I have to say that the College of Engineering is amazing. Everyone can see its awesomeness from its reputation, and the classes were amazing too. It’s just that engineering is not for everyone, and the same goes for all other colleges as well.

I think being in DGS really kept my options open. I wouldn’t be where I am without it. My adviser was really helpful; he guided me through picking classes and gave me details on all the majors I was interested in.

There is only one piece of advice I can give to DGS students: seize the opportunity. Make sure you know what you want to do and go all out to make it real. Of course, it’s not like you can’t choose to change majors, but you just have more time to carefully decide. 

So make plans, list all the possible choices and pick the track you like the most. 

Make sure you go to classes and pay attention. There is no better way to learn the materials than going to class and listening to the professor; all you have to do is sit down and listen. This way you know what you don’t understand and can ask the right questions about it. 

It’s all about choosing the right thing; you are the only one who knows what is best for yourself. It is the first step to real life and what you choose will, more or less, affect your future. 

So get yourself ready and begin to explore.

Earn is a junior in Media. She can be reached at [email protected].