I’ve been through a lot at just 21—I battled cancer and am now feeling burnt out. Initially, I aimed to be a veterinarian, but I started having doubts and switched to premed. After facing numerous challenges during college, including my GPA and graduation timeline, I decided to pursue a Physician Assistant (PA) track because it’s shorter than medical school. However, I’m dreading taking anatomy and physiology in my senior year, especially while juggling biochemistry and other demanding courses.
Now, I’m considering shifting my major focus from medical biology to something I’m passionate about: environmental biology and genetics. I don’t plan on changing my major entirely, just re framing my concentration. Additionally, I’m thinking about minoring in photography. I realize job prospects in these areas might not be the best, but I feel it’s essential to prioritize my mental health and enjoy my college experience while working on improving my GPA.
Does this seem like a wise decision?
Your well-being should be your top priority, especially after everything you’ve been through. It sounds like you’ve put a lot of thought into your decision, and making a change to focus on something you’re passionate about can be very beneficial for your mental health.
Switching your concentration to environmental biology and genetics, along with a minor in photography, could not only bring you joy but also allow you to balance your academic load in a way that feels more manageable. Enjoying your studies can lead to better performance and an improved GPA, which is important for your future plans, whatever they may be.
While job opportunities in these fields can be uncertain, your passion can lead to unique paths that you might not have considered yet. Plus, combining your interest in biology with photography could open up creative and professional avenues, such as science communication or environmental advocacy.
Ultimately, the decision should reflect your own values and aspirations. If prioritizing your mental health and finding joy in what you study is important to you, then pursuing your passion sounds like a smart move. Trust your instincts; you’re in control of your journey, and it’s okay to pivot based on what will make you happiest and healthiest.