Introduction

     Growing up, you always hear about the usual occupations a kid could want. Well, mine was to be a singer, and although that might not be the most common everyday job, my ten-year-old self was determined to make it work. Once I got older and became more realistic with my future goals, I knew I wanted to do something that helped people somehow. In high school, I started working at a restaurant where I was a busser, and later worked there for another three years, and started my first serving job. That job was the first time I got to experience firsthand what it can be like to work in the human services industry and how rewarding it can feel to make someone's day. 

    Whether befriending a regular or something simple like remembering their drink order, it always felt good to let people know I valued and remembered them. This feeling was something I wanted to think about in my profession. My high school had what we called “pathways,” where you would pick a career field and have requirements for classes you had to take under your pathway. I chose the human services pathway, which required courses like cooking and human development. These subjects weren't always enjoyable, and I felt lost, unsure of my career path.

    In my senior year of high school, I settled on nursing. I had gotten a job at the local nursing home as a CNA to give me a better understanding of the profession, and don’t get me wrong, it was one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had. Still, it was also the most emotionally, physically, and mentally challenging job, and when I sat and thought about it, I didn’t know if I would be happy being a nurse for the rest of my life. I ended up applying to NDSU with nursing as my chosen major, not quite sure if I was satisfied, but happy to know I had made a decision, even if I knew deep down it wasn’t the right one. 

    Before school started in the Fall, I knew I needed to change; something had to be different. I knew I wasn’t going to be happy in this profession, so one night I got on my computer and searched for “Majors for College List,” and from there I didn’t have to look far because I found my answer in the A’s right in front of me, Architecture. At the time, my knowledge of what would later become my major was minimal, and I didn’t know if it would fit me.  I started watching YouTube and TikTok videos to better understand what it was all about. I knew I wanted to help people, and I had always had a creative drive and spirit, so I figured it would be a perfect fit. Lucky for me, NDSU has a great architecture program, and I can even continue my education and get my masters here, which was just what I was looking for. So I changed my application to architecture and have been on this path since. 

    That was two years ago now, which is hard to believe. I will be starting my Junior year in the Fall, but I can’t wait to see what the year holds, and I am so excited to start the journey. I hope this blog post provided insight into how I began my journey, from high school to where I am now. Everything came together in the exact way I wanted, and i’m greatful to be one of the percent who did not change their major once they got to school, which has kept me on a great track to graduate on time. I am excited to keep this blog updated on my academic journey.