Column: Perspectives on dropping and adding majors
Noelle Kriegel: double to single major with a minor.
Throughout my senior year of high school and freshman year of college I was proudly announcing my double major in chemistry and English. Now? I am more than happy to clarify that I am simply minoring in chemistry while keeping English as my focus.
The decision to drop chemistry as my major was difficult, it took all of my first semester as a sophomore (fall 2019) to realize that I couldn’t manage all my commitments and come to terms with the fact that I would still be in college far longer than my peers.
It wasn’t a five-year deal, it was more of seven. I didn’t want that.
After a myriad of health issues last semester and the plummeting of my GPA due to the stress, recurring illnesses and three jobs outside of school, I took a moment where I had some time off of school to relax and think about what I really wanted to do with my life.
I realized that I had clung so tightly to the two majors for so long because I wanted to prove I could do it instead of truly wanting to do both.
Not only that, but I realized that I enjoyed learning about chemistry and writing about it more so than actually practicing it.
Working at a job where I write and genuinely enjoy explaining foreign concepts or just giving clarification helped me come to terms with the decision to drop the major.
I want to edit articles about science, not actually do it.
And on a less serious note, I just really hate physics. The decision to drop calculus-based physics II was probably the easiest decision of my life.
Minoring in chemistry allows me to focus on my true love of writing and the intricacies of literature, the philosophies behind styles and eras, the rich history of works and the artistic forms present in every style of writing.
I want to bring style to chemistry, I want to convey the art of science in the way I know best: writing.
Erica Bennett: single major and minor to double major.
I have always been an overly ambitious person. Through elementary, middle and high school, I have always been in clubs, groups and programs.
If I want something, I will work for it, and possibly go above and beyond the requirements. So, why not dual major?
I started my freshman year majoring in business administration and minoring in music performance.
During my fall semester, I was asked by my flute professor why I decided to minor in music instead of major. I didn’t really have an answer to her question, so began looking into the requirements for a music performance major.
There was only a 2-3 course requirement difference between the major and the minor.
After talking with my parents, music professors and band family from home, I decided to dual major.
Yes, it is stressful. Yes, I do get bogged down. However, I know it is all going to be worth it when I have my degrees.
My goal in life is to own a coffee shop with a strong musical environment. I want to be able to help local music students find confidence in their craft, help them reach their personal performance goals and offer a safe area to grow and make music.
