Why Comm?

Why Comm?

Coming into Sacred Heart, I didn't necessarily know what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I was 17 coming into college and it almost seemed unrealistic to know what I was going to do after my four years at SHU were over - well, here I am answering the question of "Why Comm?"

I worked at a pharmacy for my entire high school career as a part time job and was really considering going the Pre-Pharmacy route. I came into SHU with that as my declared major and went in full force with Biology. That's where it all hit me. The content wasn't clicking, even though I would study for hours and hours on end. Science was never really my forte, but I figured I'd give it a chance - the chance came and went. After multiple failed exams, I decided this wasn't the route for me. I felt defeated, frustrated, and disappointed. Moving on to my next change.

I switched my major to Psychology. I truly enjoy helping people whenever I can so I figured being a Psychologist or Therapist would be a great fit. I loved my classes, I did really well, and then I panicked. Is this really what you want to do? Will you be successful? So, I changed my mind again. I told myself I would stay Psychology and apply to the five year Education program. I looked at the courses I needed to take, let the thought of actually being a teacher sink in, and panicked yet again. Along comes change #3.

I switched my major to Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. I always loved Forensic Psychology and found it interesting, I was set on this. I enjoyed the classes, did very well, and panicked yet again. I was a sophomore at this point in my first semester, it started to feel too real. I met with my advisor about career options and Probation Officer, Police Officer, etc. were discussed - that's when I realized it wasn't for me. I really, really beat myself up for the ridiculous changes I was making. I just wanted something to click. So I used Winter Break as a time to reflect and really think about my next decision. Am I staying at SHU or am I leaving?

One of my greatest friends came into SHU as a Communications major with an Advertising/PR focus and a plan to work in the Event Planning industry after graduation. I never really thought of Communications, but I decided to look into it. My uncle owns a Communications company, I asked him for advice as well. Every person I asked about this told me they could 100% see me working in Public Relations, it felt good to finally have someone agree. I changed my major, caught up in my classes, and was ready to step into this new chapter of my life with full force. I LOVED my classes, my grades were higher than ever before, and I was genuinely happy. I loved how this field of study is flexible. You can do anything from social media to event planning to crisis management and so much more. I knew I would have room to grow and climb up the ladder in my future career. But what really sold me on Communications was the fact that I was happy, I wasn't forcing myself to enjoy the material. Yeah, I might've let people down along the way with how many times I changed my major. But, amidst all of that craziness, I found myself and my passion. Of course I still panic (what else is new). Of course I'm nervous that graduation is approaching at a very fast speed. But what I am FINALLY certain about is my choice to study Communications and for that, I'm grateful. 

What I learned from this is that your happiness comes first, I wouldn't be writing this today if I didn't have that time stretch of struggle in my life. People are going to doubt you no matter what. Especially graduating with a Communications degree, I've heard more doubt than ever before. What are you even going to do with that? You know you'll make no money, right? These things are hard to hear, but what matters is what you do with the doubt of other people. Don't let it bring you down, let it build you up. Prove those people wrong and do the unthinkable. Graduation, I'm finally ready for ya!

- Xo Gab