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confused with everything that has to do with school.
I'm 20 years old and I thought I knew what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. Turns out, I don't. Big surprise! I'm currently a transfer student and I'm now attending Penn State University for my Junior and Senior years. At first I thought I wanted to go here, I did since I was little. But now that I'm here I don't think I like it. It's so big, way different then what I'm used to, and I feel like I can't get the proper attention I need to focus in class when my classes have 200+ people in them. I don't have a lot of friends up here because I always sit beside someone different and I never get their names. But I don't want to regret leaving if I do decided to go to another college. So I'm confused.
I am currently majoring in Veterinary and Biomedical science. I'm an animal lover at heart and I would love to work with them, but after taking a few course I've realized I suck at chemistry and I need to take a lot of chemistry courses for this major.
I really have no idea what I need advice on I know you guys can't say "go to this college and major in this major" I just want to know if any of you have been through this, what you did to figure it out, and just anything else that could be helpful to me. I'm really just getting super stressed out and overwhelmed and any kind of advice you could give me on this subject would be helpful.
Thanks so much for your time! (:
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I dont really have any advice on your first issue; going to a school that is too big and you dont have a whole lot of friends. The obvious would be to start a study group in one of your classes or go to a social event, even go alone. Then practice leaving your comfort zone and meet new people.
But I do want to address your second issue of wanting to work with aniimals but chem gives you trouble. I have been in healthcare since 1996. I have changed jobs a few times and am finally completing my nursing degree. My primary experience was in working at a pharmacy. Let me repeat that... a pharmacy. While there one of my friends/co-workers was a pharmacist. She told me something once that really surprised me... she hated chemistry and was glad she never really had to use it anymore. A pharmacist who doesnt need chemistry??? And she was right. A pharmacist needs to know the ins and outs of the drugs they dispense and knowledge in chemistry is certainly a help- but their main objective is pharmacology.
You are concerned about veterinary medicine because of chemistry. Take the class. Study hard and get the best grade you can. But do NOT let this subject determine whether you switch majors. Once you get through it you will likely have the core knowledge you need to become a great vet.
If you decide there is another major that can tie in your love of animals and takes away chemistry at the same time- go for it. But don't let it stop you. I started my nursing degree 14 years ago. I switched majors because when I took my nursing class that dealt with geriatrics (the elderly) I HATED it. My nursing instructor told me the class would "make us or break us"- if we didnt love that class and what we were doing we ought to get out of nursing. Now here I am completing a degree I started 14 years ago because I have not been particularly happy in my line of work since I changed. I WANT to be a nurse. And you know what? The elderly is only one aspect of nursing. Theres the ER, the OR, pediatrics, oncology, hematology... a loads of other areas. I regret leaving nursing because of what that instructor said. You don't need to be convinced to leave veterinary medicine just because chemistry is not an easy subject. Pass the classes. Do your best. Then you can become a licensed vet and move on with your life and forget you ever suffered through those classes.
The idea of what we want to do for the rest of our lives, especially at the age of 20 is overwhelming. You are young!!! fight for vet school if that is what you want. But don't forget also that people change their minds about what to major in all the time. That is ok too.
Best of luck.
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Hi. :)
I, too, am a transfer student at, where else.. Penn State University. :) I'm a senior now and a meteorology major.
Like you, I always knew what I wanted to do, and where I wanted to go. Then I realized how much math, physics, and chemistry I needed, and started to second guess myself, cause I'm not exactly great at those subjects. I almost switched majors more times than I can count.
But I will tell you this. If this is really what you want to do, don't let all the hard courses discourage you. I know it's difficult, but I also know that you can get through it. I've made it though some of the hardest courses there are (and incidentally, most failed) with a C average. You can pass the chemistry if you really want to. Biggest advice I have: go to the office hours. That way, you have one-on-one time with your professor, instead of being 1 of 50+ students in the class. It really helps to get to know your professor; The benefits are endless.
Anyway, I can really relate to your situation. I've been stressed, upset, depressed, and full of anxiety most of my time here. But I know that in the end, no matter how hard it is, it will be SO worth it to graduate in the end. That's why I keep chugging along, no matter how hard things get.
And don't forget to HAVE FUN! I know it's big, but you're going to have such a great time here. The more people you meet, the more comfortable it gets, and the better times you're going to have.
If you ever need any help at all, or just need a friend, let me know. I know enough math and chem to last a lifetime.
And, my e-mail is emr5084@psu.edu if you ever need it. :)
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