8 answers
Yan
Student
Dumaguete, Central Visayas, Philippines
1
Question
Updated
936 views
I am planning to shift this semester.. I am a freshmen in BS Pharmacy and planning to shift to BS Psychology.. Due to grades and can't handle the pressure of the course. Although I am very much aware that being in medical field is very heavy. I also don't know what to do as my parents have high hopes in what course I am now, I don't know how to tell them that I failed the semester. Any advice about this? It would mean so much to me..
I am a freshman student at a university, studying BS Pharmacy, but due to one maybe two major, it landed me to a downfall.
Also the thing is, my dad wanted the course BS Physical Therapy for me but I don't see myself in that. With that, we had a huge fight as he didn't see the potential of BS Pharmacy. How should I tell him that I failed to show myself that I can prove that BS Pharmacy was a right course.. Medical field courses, the one that I have been wishing since childhood. If not, then what??
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8 answers
Houcine Lakhchach
Career Development Specialist | U.S Department exchange Alumnus | EFL/ESL trainer | Program manager
139
Answers
Kenitra, Gharb-Chrarda-Beni Hssen, Morocco
Updated
Houcine’s Answer
Yan, it's completely understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed and considering a shift in your academic path. It takes courage to acknowledge the challenges you're facing and to contemplate making a change. Shifting from BS Pharmacy to BS Psychology is a significant decision, and it's crucial to prioritize your mental well-being and academic success. Remember that it's okay to reassess your goals and choose a path that feels right for you. When it comes to communicating with your parents, honesty is key. Express your feelings about the semester and your concerns about the current course. Share your genuine interest in pursuing BS Psychology and explain how it aligns with your passions and abilities. Open communication can foster understanding, and your parents may appreciate your honesty and courage in making a decision that prioritizes your overall well-being and academic success. Remember, your education is a journey, and adjustments along the way are a part of that process.
Hello Sir Houcine! I understand. I have also a teacher who is handling Career Development so I know what you are trying to say. Yes, honesty is the key.. Its just that me and my dad doesn't seem to have a good bond. We once have a big fight about the courses I am going to take. I rarely go and open up to him, not to mention always overseas working. Opening up to my mom, I think I can do that but the disappointment would be there.
Yan
Phuong Vo
Pharmacist
3
Answers
Riverside, California
Updated
Phuong’s Answer
Hey Yan,
Embarking on your first year of college can seem challenging as you're adapting to a more advanced educational environment. It's important to remember that stumbling is a part of the journey. The key is to take necessary actions to strive for a better result. This could mean visiting your professor during office hours or seeking advice from the school counselor to help you navigate towards success in your next attempts. It's a process of trial and error to discover the study techniques that suit you best. Are you merely memorizing the content or are you making an effort to truly comprehend it? This was a hurdle I faced during my first year. It's essential to have a sincere discussion with your parents about your aspirations. While it might be a challenging conversation, being transparent and honest about your objectives is the best approach.
Embarking on your first year of college can seem challenging as you're adapting to a more advanced educational environment. It's important to remember that stumbling is a part of the journey. The key is to take necessary actions to strive for a better result. This could mean visiting your professor during office hours or seeking advice from the school counselor to help you navigate towards success in your next attempts. It's a process of trial and error to discover the study techniques that suit you best. Are you merely memorizing the content or are you making an effort to truly comprehend it? This was a hurdle I faced during my first year. It's essential to have a sincere discussion with your parents about your aspirations. While it might be a challenging conversation, being transparent and honest about your objectives is the best approach.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Yan !
I am so sorry to know that you are struggling with how to tell your parents about your change in major. Psychology is a very worthwhile choice for a very secure and satisfying career. Think about the reason why your parents want you to go into pharmacy. Base your conversation on that to make them understand that their reasons may not be in alignment with the results you've received by trying the pharmacy major.
For continued harmony and out of love, you do not want to disappoint your parents. My advice is to discuss this with your father separately from your mother and with your mother in private from your father. See how both react. Than have a conversation with both of them present. Let them think about it separately first. It may be extra difficult because they may be paying for your education and feel that they can say what career you must take. They have an image of what they want their daughter to be and this is very common in many cultures or in families that expect their children to carry on in the same field of work as their parents.
My advice is to consult with the pharmacy department dean at your college and tell the dean the situation.. Ask the dean if he or she could write a letter to you or to your parents explaining that you have not passed and the alternative major of Psychology would be in your favor. Try not to show any shyness or sadness when talking with your parents or dean. This is the way things are and it's not a tragedy, just a slight change.
People do go through this. When I was in college, I had a very talented classmate in the theatre department where we studied. He was indeed from the Philippines as a foreign student. His parents were in their homeland paying for his education and they suddenly told him by letter that they will no longer pay for his college if he remains a theatre major. They cut him off financially and he remained in college as a theatre major and found a way to do it. He had the extra pressure of being on his own in a foreign country but made it work.
So there are some decisions you will have to make and you will have to start gearing your courses to a Psychology major as soon as possible. These are all just suggestions, as you know your parents and the situation, but I think it would be helpful if the school could take a part in convincing your parents somehow. Just to reassure them that a change is necessary.
Best wishes going forward with this !
I am so sorry to know that you are struggling with how to tell your parents about your change in major. Psychology is a very worthwhile choice for a very secure and satisfying career. Think about the reason why your parents want you to go into pharmacy. Base your conversation on that to make them understand that their reasons may not be in alignment with the results you've received by trying the pharmacy major.
For continued harmony and out of love, you do not want to disappoint your parents. My advice is to discuss this with your father separately from your mother and with your mother in private from your father. See how both react. Than have a conversation with both of them present. Let them think about it separately first. It may be extra difficult because they may be paying for your education and feel that they can say what career you must take. They have an image of what they want their daughter to be and this is very common in many cultures or in families that expect their children to carry on in the same field of work as their parents.
My advice is to consult with the pharmacy department dean at your college and tell the dean the situation.. Ask the dean if he or she could write a letter to you or to your parents explaining that you have not passed and the alternative major of Psychology would be in your favor. Try not to show any shyness or sadness when talking with your parents or dean. This is the way things are and it's not a tragedy, just a slight change.
People do go through this. When I was in college, I had a very talented classmate in the theatre department where we studied. He was indeed from the Philippines as a foreign student. His parents were in their homeland paying for his education and they suddenly told him by letter that they will no longer pay for his college if he remains a theatre major. They cut him off financially and he remained in college as a theatre major and found a way to do it. He had the extra pressure of being on his own in a foreign country but made it work.
So there are some decisions you will have to make and you will have to start gearing your courses to a Psychology major as soon as possible. These are all just suggestions, as you know your parents and the situation, but I think it would be helpful if the school could take a part in convincing your parents somehow. Just to reassure them that a change is necessary.
Best wishes going forward with this !
Hello Ma'am Michelle! Thank you for this, it mean so much to me to share what you have to say about my concern. It did help me, but there is another thing, its because of my father. He never liked the idea of me studying in a course of BS Pharmacy, instead he wnated me to take BS PT (Physical Therapy). Somehow, I failed to show him that it's the right course for me. My mom somehow never joins this convo as she is just in between. My Dad is working overseas so he is hardly been home, my mom is the with us always.
Yan
Kimberly O'Hare
Student Advocate
23
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Hi Yan,
The first step you might want to take is to identify the reasons behind your struggles. As a first-year student, adapting to university life can be challenging. Were the classes too tough or not as you anticipated? Or perhaps you're not really passionate about the subjects you're studying? How consistent is your attendance at lectures and study sessions? If your study patterns and attendance are not up to par, simply switching your major might not enhance your academic performance. Reflect on your routines. What draws you towards psychology as a major? Remember, a Bachelor's degree in psychology often isn't enough, you'll likely need at least a Master's degree.
The first step you might want to take is to identify the reasons behind your struggles. As a first-year student, adapting to university life can be challenging. Were the classes too tough or not as you anticipated? Or perhaps you're not really passionate about the subjects you're studying? How consistent is your attendance at lectures and study sessions? If your study patterns and attendance are not up to par, simply switching your major might not enhance your academic performance. Reflect on your routines. What draws you towards psychology as a major? Remember, a Bachelor's degree in psychology often isn't enough, you'll likely need at least a Master's degree.
Jaida Porcha
2
Answers
Updated
Jaida’s Answer
Hi there! I have recently graduated college, and I understand the struggle of keeping up with coursework and deciding what you want to major in so you can set yourself up for your future. My advice is that you should major in a field that sparks something in you, inspires you, and gets you excited about learning. If you decide to major in a course-heavy major, make sure that your level of passion for the subject supplements the amount of work you do. As for me, I majored in philosophy. I made that my major because I was passionate about the subject and excited to learn more. However, the more I learned, the more work came with it. What helped me keep going in those hard times was the passion I had.
As for telling your parents, before you speak to them, accept what's happened for yourself. You failed a course, but you are not a failure. Who knows? Maybe the failure is what you needed to pivot to a different major that is right for you.
I hope this advice helps and I wish you the best!
As for telling your parents, before you speak to them, accept what's happened for yourself. You failed a course, but you are not a failure. Who knows? Maybe the failure is what you needed to pivot to a different major that is right for you.
I hope this advice helps and I wish you the best!
Hi Jaida! I get your point, maybe that failure was a sign on what's right for me. It's just that I am still processing on what's going on. I didn't expect that I have failed the course. Not to mention, it is hard to achieve the grade that our course is requiring us. And still unsure on how to tell my parents especially my dad about this as he is the one providing our needs and support as he is the one working while my mom stays with us at home taking care of us.
Thank you again for this! It surely helped me.
Yan
Elizabeth Rojas
Human Resources Manager
2
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Elizabeth’s Answer
Hi Yan,
As a non-traditional college student who returned to college at 35, I want to reassure you that what you're going through is a typical experience, regardless of age. The transition from high school to college, coupled with the pressure of parental expectations, can indeed be overwhelming.
Firstly, it's important to remember that university is a time for exploration and discovery. Many students change their majors as they learn more about themselves and their interests. It's perfectly okay not to have everything figured out right away.
Regarding your interest in BS Pharmacy and the challenges you're facing, it's normal to encounter difficulties in such a demanding field. These challenges are part of the learning process and can be crucial for personal and academic growth.
When it comes to balancing your interests with your father's expectations, it might be helpful to look for common ground. For instance, you could explore aspects of the pharmacy field that might appeal to both of you. It's also vital to have open and honest conversations with your parents. Universities often have resources to help students navigate these complex discussions and I encourage you to utilize them.
I also suggest taking some time for self-reflection. Really think about your passions and long-term career aspirations. This can provide clarity and help you make a more informed decision about your major.
Lastly, don't hesitate to seek advice from a career counselor or academic advisor at your university. These professionals can offer valuable insights and support in choosing a path that's right for you.
Remember, your college years are a time to learn about what truly interests you. When you find a subject that excites you, the stress often transforms into a passion for learning and building your future. Best of luck on your journey!
As a non-traditional college student who returned to college at 35, I want to reassure you that what you're going through is a typical experience, regardless of age. The transition from high school to college, coupled with the pressure of parental expectations, can indeed be overwhelming.
Firstly, it's important to remember that university is a time for exploration and discovery. Many students change their majors as they learn more about themselves and their interests. It's perfectly okay not to have everything figured out right away.
Regarding your interest in BS Pharmacy and the challenges you're facing, it's normal to encounter difficulties in such a demanding field. These challenges are part of the learning process and can be crucial for personal and academic growth.
When it comes to balancing your interests with your father's expectations, it might be helpful to look for common ground. For instance, you could explore aspects of the pharmacy field that might appeal to both of you. It's also vital to have open and honest conversations with your parents. Universities often have resources to help students navigate these complex discussions and I encourage you to utilize them.
I also suggest taking some time for self-reflection. Really think about your passions and long-term career aspirations. This can provide clarity and help you make a more informed decision about your major.
Lastly, don't hesitate to seek advice from a career counselor or academic advisor at your university. These professionals can offer valuable insights and support in choosing a path that's right for you.
Remember, your college years are a time to learn about what truly interests you. When you find a subject that excites you, the stress often transforms into a passion for learning and building your future. Best of luck on your journey!
Ian Alovera
Tech Support Lead
3
Answers
Las Pinas, Metro Manila, Philippines
Updated
Ian’s Answer
Hey Yan, I feel like you are really on a tight spot but I hope that you could communicate this to your dad well... I understand culture wise it's really something that we would want to do for our parent's and loved ones but now that everything is evolving including ways of working. find something that would bring you joy whilst doing it and you'll never regret it.
David Fryrear
Head of Quality Assurance
39
Answers
Libertyville, Illinois
Updated
David’s Answer
Even though you're feeling disheartened right now, I urge you to view this situation from a fresh perspective. You're not floundering in pre-pharmacy, rather, your mind, heart, and instincts are signaling that it's not the right fit for you! There's nothing more detrimental than persisting on a journey that doesn't align with your skills and passions.
The foremost advice I give to every student I interact with is to seek a path that not only brings you pleasure but also ignites your passion. The pre-pharmacy route isn't sparking joy for you and you're making a shift. Kudos to you!
I completely understand how the expectations of others can weigh you down. It's inevitable that there will be challenging conversations, but ultimately, your parents want nothing more than to see you happy and fulfilled, not burdened by their academic expectations.
Remember, this challenging phase will pass. As you transition to a field that piques your interest, success is bound to follow!
Go easy on yourself! You deserve to have an academic career that makes you happy.
The foremost advice I give to every student I interact with is to seek a path that not only brings you pleasure but also ignites your passion. The pre-pharmacy route isn't sparking joy for you and you're making a shift. Kudos to you!
I completely understand how the expectations of others can weigh you down. It's inevitable that there will be challenging conversations, but ultimately, your parents want nothing more than to see you happy and fulfilled, not burdened by their academic expectations.
Remember, this challenging phase will pass. As you transition to a field that piques your interest, success is bound to follow!
David recommends the following next steps: