As I was applying to college, I was mortified about locking into a “major.”  The blank space I was pondering over in my Cornell application was intimidating – after all, what I choose is going to define my future, right? Am I defining the rest of my life, through this one choice? How could I make such a weighty decision with a click of a button? 

Consider Common Themes

When trying to decide what to major in, I reflected upon all of my interests. On the one hand, I absolutely loved drawing. I even began developing a portfolio because for a while I believed that art school was my calling. On the other hand, a part of me was yearning to be an English major as I truly adored creative writing and literary analysis. But I also really enjoyed playing the violin throughout my time in high school…was I meant to be a music major?  

What I began to notice from all these passions (drawing, writing, and music) is that I’m a romantic for the art of expression. I’m obsessed with how stories are told through diverse channels and mediums, and how audiences receive these messages. And just like that, it clicked. The Communication major at Cornell was the right fit for me.  

After arriving at Cornell, I began to navigate through the coursework of the Communication major and fell more and more in love with the discipline. I developed a specific passion for persuasion and social influence, specifically how narratives/messaging can affect activism and global advocacy. I found myself wanting to delve further into this niche, realizing that a secondary major was my answer.  

Explore Complementary Interests

The Development Sociology major (now known as Global Development) served as the perfect complement to my studies in Communication. Through my coursework and projects, I was able to satisfy the side of me that thoroughly enjoyed research, human rights work, and policy. Understanding how structures in society function influences communication and discourse within communities. My background in Communication allows me to leverage stories as a mechanism that brings about solutions to society’s pressing issues in a sensitized, inclusive manner.  

Apply Lessons from the Classroom

Both majors are constantly informing my professional and personal experiences. This past summer I was an intern at the Sehgal Foundation in India as a CALS Global Fellow, where I researched how storytelling can contribute to women’s empowerment and political participation efforts (inspired by Ph.D. candidate Carolina Osorio Gil’s work). Now, I’m working as a science communications assistant at Cornell’s Food Systems and Global Change where I’m actively using storytelling to bring cutting-edge food science research from our academics to kitchen table conversation. In my personal life, I find that both my majors have aided in my role as a Resident Advisor as I support students from a variety of backgrounds, identities, and cultures.  

The “intended major” section of my application didn’t lock me in but instead, provided me with a wealth of opportunity. Through my journey at Cornell, I’m grateful for the ability to double major in disciplines that converse and build upon each other. I look forward to seeing how my background in Communication and Development Sociology will inform my future endeavors!