Listening to the Little Girl Who Loved Stories
After changing my major more times than I can count, I’ve finally found a path that feels like home. Sometimes, the journey isn’t about sticking to a plan; it’s about listening to the passions that have always been there. Here’s to finding joy in the unexpected and building an authentic future. Enjoy my second blog this week where I dive into my lengthy academic career.
It’s time to address the elephant in the room. Yes, I’ve changed my major—several times. Reflecting on my journey, it’s almost laughable to think I ever believed I would thrive in a STEM field. We need to rewind to the beginning to truly understand my decision-making process.
In the bustling days of college applications, I was determined to declare an engineering major at every school I considered. For Carolina, that meant choosing Biomedical Engineering, the only engineering program offered. I even explored other STEM-focused universities, thinking I might find my fit there if UNC didn’t resonate with me. Yet, none of those places felt quite right.
Looking back, I realize I was never truly convinced that Biomedical Engineering was the path for me. I admired being a woman in engineering, where females were still a minority. Graduating at the top of my class, I felt the weight of expectation—many of my high-achieving peers were heading off to become doctors or nurses, and I felt an unspoken pressure to follow suit.
The title sounded impressive. I can still picture that moment on my senior night for cheerleading, striding onto the field as my name, university, and major echoed through the air. When they announced “Biomedical Engineering,” I smiled, yet deep within, a voice whispered that I was not meant to tread that path. But I kept the mask on, convincing myself I could do this.
When I arrived at college, I began chipping away at my general education requirements, carefully avoiding biomedical engineering classes. Instead, I stumbled into a course that would change everything—PLCY 101: Introduction to Public Policy. As a first-year grappling with the challenges of college life, this class was my sanctuary. It was engaging, thought-provoking, and delved into topics I had longed to explore.
By the second semester, the act of maintaining my engineering façade became unbearable. I didn’t yet know where my journey would lead, but I knew I had to escape the confines of biomedical engineering. With a mix of apprehension and relief, I changed my major to Public Policy, knowing that this choice could evolve as I did.
This was my first glimpse into the depth and richness of majors at Carolina. There were so many subjects to explore, and so many paths to wander. I even contemplated applying to the Gillings School of Public Health, yet that too didn’t resonate with my heart.
What I rediscovered, instead, was my passion for connection and creativity—an undeniable thread that wove through my life, waiting for me to remember it. I enrolled in an Introduction to Advertising and Public Relations class, taught by the inspiring Gary Kayye. The moment I walked into that classroom, I felt a spark. The course became a highlight of my semester, igniting a joy I hadn’t felt in years.
In the quiet moments, memories of first grade resurfaced. Every week, we were challenged to write and illustrate our own stories. I still have those stories—my first characters, plots, and worlds I built with crayons and bound with staples. Even back then, I felt the thrill of crafting something uniquely mine. Reflecting on that time, I wondered, “Why did I wait so long to embrace this part of myself?” The little girl who loved stories never left; she was just waiting for me to catch up.
Creativity was always my companion—whether I was lost in the pages of a novel or painting my imagination onto a canvas. In this new academic landscape, I could feel my love for storytelling bubbling to the surface, vibrant and alive.
As I embraced this journey, it became clear: my path was unfolding gradually, yet it felt undeniably right. I decided to marry my Public Policy degree with Media and Journalism, a union that allowed me to weave together my interests in research, politics, and the art of storytelling.
In a world that often celebrates certainty, my journey of changing majors has taught me the beauty of flexibility and exploration. Each twist and turn has been a vital part of my story, guiding me toward a path that feels authentic and fulfilling. It’s a reminder that our dreams can evolve, and it’s okay to step away from expectations—whether from others or ourselves.
So, if you find yourself questioning your choices, remember: it’s not just about finding the perfect major or career; it’s about reconnecting with the passions that were always there, even if they were buried under the expectations of others. Embrace the journey, the unexpected turns, and the stories—your stories—that shape who you are. Because, as I’ve learned, sometimes the little girl with her stapled-together stories knows more about your future than any plan ever could.
