Majors

I declared a major in both biology and Spanish the summer before starting my freshman year in college with the hopes and aspirations of becoming a dermatologist and somewhat bilingual. The profession of dermatology had always fascinated me, so I based my biology major on what I wanted to be in the future. I didn’t really have a strong science background in high school but I knew I wanted to be a dermatologist.

Freshman year came, classes started, and I got my first dose of the pre-med lifestyle by taking the honors biology and general chemistry courses...and they weren’t so bad! I got high As on my first chemistry test and biology practical (after studying tons of course!). As the semester went on, the courses definitely got harder and I found myself studying more than ever. And the more I studied, the more I realized how much I disliked learning about the material presented to me. Learning about plants in biology was especially painful—I mean, why would I ever need to know the function of xylems and phloems??

First semester of freshman year was coming to an end and I was feeling more and more unhappy about my biology major as the days went by. I’ve always had some interest in art, so I talked to a few of my friends who were graphic design and interior design majors. I even met with professors within the departments to learn more about the programs. After finding out that both of the majors were 4-year programs and that I had already missed out on the first semester, I decided not to switch.

Christmas break came at a perfect time; it let me relax, de-stress, and think about my goals. I remembered how badly I wanted to become a dermatologist and this instilled a new passion in me for school—even if I didn’t like my classes. I finished up freshman year (it was rough!) and signed up for my sophomore year biology classes.

Sophomore year began and, once again, I dreaded my science classes and envied how much my roommates loved their own majors. I began shadowing my dermatologist at home to get a better perspective of the profession and, I’ve got to say, this was probably the best decision ever. I found that I could never do what she did on a daily basis, and this realization finally convinced me to do something about my biology major. I nervously told my parents about my decision to find a new major; they were surprisingly supportive! I then went to career services, where I took a bunch of tests. My top major choices based on the test were marketing and strategic communications (advertising and public relations). I decided to go with strategic communications since I could fit it into my degree plan.

I am currently pursuing a degree in strategic communications and Spanish with a certificate in international studies and don’t plan to change. I’m still in the early stages of my new major but so far, so good! I like going to class and have learned so much already. I’m even excited about taking the upper-level classes and extra electives (something I completely dreaded for biology)! I’ve learned that when making important decisions I should always go with what my heart is telling me; I’ve learned not to doubt what I feel is right and I think this has helped me become a better “me.” I finally acted on what my heart was telling me to do, even though it took two years, and couldn’t be happier!

“Listen to your heart. It knows all things, because it came from the Soul of the World, and it will one day return there.” The Alchemist

College

As a junior at Texas Christian University, it’s hard to imagine that I even considered going to any other college. I ADORE TCU and everything about the school: the color purple, school spirit, the beautiful campus, chocolate fountains on Sundays, etc. But looking back 3 years ago, when I was in high school, TCU wasn’t even on my radar.

In high school, I didn’t even start looking for colleges until the end of summer before senior year. I only had one requirement: whatever college I ended up at had to be in Texas, and preferably a private school. With that being said, my choices narrowed down to Rice, Baylor, Southern Methodist University, Texas Christian University, Abilene Christian University, and Trinity University.

My first college visit was to SMU, a school located in Dallas and about 40 minutes from my house. My dad is an alumnus there, so applying to the school was a must. As soon as I stepped on the campus, I knew the school was completely NOT for me; the brick buildings felt super uninviting, the students didn’t smile, and it just didn’t feel right. At that moment I knew I would not be at SMU, despite what my dad thought!

I did an overnight visit to Texas A&M and, honestly, the school freaked me out! I mean, when is it ever okay to great people on a regular basis by saying howdy? NEVER (at least to me haha)! A&M was quite the experience to say the least; it was my first visit to a university with a huge campus and I do have something positive to say about it—everyone has TONS of school spirit!

I visited Baylor University in Waco at the start of my senior year in high school and fell in love. The campus was gorgeous and I got the feeling that everyone talks about—I felt like this would be my new home. I loved the small quirks about the school—root beer float Tuesdays, having an actual bear on campus, and so much more. After a tour of the school, I was certain that I would be a Baylor Bear.

Unfortunately, my choices for college were not inexpensive. Scholarships ended up being the major player in my college decision. While in the process of visiting different schools, University of Nebraska—Lincoln, University of New Mexico, and Birmingham Southern College sent me letters, offering me full rides, plus stipend, to their universities! The only problem was that these schools weren’t in Texas. I ended up visiting those universities as well as TCU during the fall of my senior year, but none of the schools made a strong impression.

I ended up applying to 8 schools: SMU, Baylor, TCU, Trinity, UT, BSC, University of Nebraska, and New Mexico…and was accepted to all of them! Although I was given great scholarships to the out-of-state schools, I knew I wanted to be in Texas. With that requirement set in my mind, plus comparison of scholarships and tuition, TCU ended up being the best option.

Not going to lie, I did feel crushed when my parents said Baylor wasn't an option. My last semester as a senior in high school I felt unhappy about the outcome but knew I couldn’t change anything. TCU orientation came right after high school graduation and completely changed my attitude about college. I fell in love with everything about the school. Frog Camp only strengthened my excitement about TCU and I was able to meet a really great friend in my small group.

I can now say that I am proud to be a horned frog, even though it wasn’t my first choice. I have met the greatest people here and I know that I would not be the person I am now had I not gone to TCU. I can’t imagine being at Baylor right now and this experience definitely showed me that, as cliché as this is, everything happens for a reason!

"Everything happens for a reason. Every action has a reaction. Always remember that what's meant to be will always find a way to come about."

Never Forget

"Time is passing. Yet, for the United States of America, there will be no forgetting September the 11th. We will remember every rescuer who died in honor. We will remember every family that lives in grief. We will remember the fire and ash, the last phone calls, the funerals of the children." President George W. Bush, November 11, 2001

September 11, 2001-never forget.

Quotes

I absolutely love quotes. They can be inspiring, reinforce my beliefs, or make me see things in a different light. I can’t even remember when I first started looking for and collecting quotes, but for whatever reason I really find comfort in them; I guess, for me, it’s comforting know someone has put into words how I’m feeling or thinking because at some point in their life they have felt that same way themselves. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

“Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.”

Every relationship goes through its ups and downs, especially friendships. Whenever I think of how different I’ve become or my friend has become since we’ve became friends, I remember why we were friends to begin with.

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” Anne Frank

This quote is so amazing because it’s a) from World War II during Nazi Germany reign b) written by Anne Frank. What a heart she must have to write that during the hardships in which she was living.

“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.” Dr. Seuss

Dr. Seuss always reminds we to be myself and that my true friends and family will love me no matter how I am.

“The soul should always stand ajar, ready to welcome the ecstatic experience.” Emily Dickenson

Stay open minded. Welcome change and the unknown.

"Remember that at any given moments there are a thousand things you can love” David Levithan

Whenever I’m upset about one thing, there are so many other things to be grateful for.

“This is my wish for you: Comfort on difficult days, smiles when sadness intrudes, rainbows to follow the clouds, laughter to kiss your lips, sunsets to warm your heart, hugs when spirits sag, beauty for your eyes to see, friendships to brighten your being, faith so that you can believe, confidence for when you doubt, courage to know yourself, patience to accept the truth, & love to complete your life.”

“Always be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle.” Plato

This is probably the quote I think about most when dealing with other people. I never know what other people are dealing with in their lives; it’s not fair to treat someone harshly when that person might be struggling with their own problems.

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Maya Angelou

“You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body.” CS Lewis

“Sometimes, it’s easier to say that you’re fine instead of having to explain all the reasons why you’re not.”

I actually found this quote on Stumble Upon and thought it was so perfect. I really really really dislike talking my feelings and whatnot (although I’ve gotten better!) and I guess this is part of the reason why. I usually stick to saving happy quotes so this is probably the only slightly depressing one I have.

Please leave any of your favorite quotes, I'd love to read them!