Change can be scary at times. When we have established a plan for our lives such as which university to attend which career path to work in, and even whether we want a lifelong partner and start a family, we expect everything to go accordingly. Our lives are basically a never-ending map toward our goals and we’re just searching for our destination. But sometimes, we may have to reroute.

I definitely had to make that change this year when I transferred to University of Maryland, College Park at the Universities at Shady Grove. Not only that, but I have decided to change my major from International Studies to Communication. So not only did I have to navigate a new school but a new program different from what I had earned in my associate’s degree. This transition of programs was something that I was thinking about for over a year and I knew this was what I wanted to do.

However, I was having doubts about being a communication major. I didn’t know if the classes that I was taking would be helpful for my career path or if communication would help me succeed after graduation. I even thought about what my current academic plans would’ve been had I not changed my major. As usual, I would overthink every choice I made for myself. I thought and knew I had made the right decision. 

But after several weeks on campus taking classes, I slowly climbed out of that mentality of imposter syndrome and I heard this affirmation: you’re not lost, you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be. When I heard this statement, I took a sticky note and wrote that phrase down to remember those words every day. I have the note on my desk and sometimes I look down at the affirmation to know that everything is going to work out well if I set my mind to it. 

The classes I’m taking so far are really helpful for when post-graduation knocks on my door. Currently, I am taking digital media, where I get to work with programs such as Photoshop and Illustrator to practice my skills in designing photos and why design matters. My intercultural communication class helps me understand more about how the world communicates depending on culture. In my professional writing class, I am learning how to write cover letters to one day send to potential employers. The last class I am taking is communication theory where I learn about the different ways communication is formed based on interactions. 

In addition to classes, I am also part of the Student Leadership Advisory Council (SLAC), which allows me to advocate for students on campus. And of course, I’m part of the staff at Around The Grove blog! So in hindsight, I feel as though I am in the right place and that they will lead me to something bigger in the future. USG is full of opportunities awaiting!