O Chemistry, My Chemistry!

I declared a Chemistry minor today. I've been thinking about doing it since I took O Chem this summer, but it was just in theory, and then, while I was walking back from the Rec Center today, I just decided to do it. I stopped by advising in Smith and they took care of it. In fact, they took care of it disturbingly quickly. I wasn't even there for two minute. No information about it, no questions about what it entails, just name, major, and what classes I want to take beyond organic. It worked, and it was what I wanted, but, I don't know, it just seemed a little...rushed.

This is how I picture myself in 10 years

I guess the real issue is that I've now actually taken action to change my academic path, rather than just thinking about it, and that puts me one step closer to changing my major. Ever since I took O Chem, which is my favorite class so far, I've been considering switching from Biomedical Engineering to Chemistry.

I've never really been in love with BME; I picked it because it seemed like the most direct path to what I really want to do, biotechnology, and not because I was really dedicated to the subject itself. All of the BME classes I've taken seem really heavy on the engineering, which means lots of math and physics, rather than the bio, which is what drew me to the field. This is a less than favorable situation, seeing as I hate physics with a passion. But then, right when I think that I'd be better off doing something I actually enjoy, we talk about something in Cell Bio that just seems amazing, and I remember why I love bio and science in the first place. But then I have to consider whether I'm interested in it because of the engineering and physics or because of the chemistry. I don't really know yet.

I think I'd be happy as a chem major, and I know that it wouldn't be that hard for me to switch this year, because I have most of the pre-recs out of the way already, and the only thing I'd have to deal with would be Analytic Chem, which is only offered in the fall and summer, but I have to do that anyways for my minor. My heart isn't in either BME or Chem a hundred percent right now, but I don't know whether that's from my usual reluctance to quit something I've started, or because I really would be happier in BME. My plan for now is to give it this semester, or at least until I have to apply to upper division, and then see how I feel. I have real BME classes for the first time this fall, so I can actually assess my feeling on the subject and not just my feelings about my feelings on the subject.

I just have to remember that it's my life, and changing majors is not a betrayal of anyone or anything. I need to do what's best for me, and what will make me happiest in the long run, but I don't really know what that is right now, and I'm afraid of making the wrong choice and screwing up my life, which, ultimately, is probably just me being dramatic. I don't know, I guess I'll just have to wait and see, but for now, the minor gives me an excuse to register for more O Chem 2 and lab next semester, which I am really looking forward to.