When I first began my IB journey, I had my heart set on child development. I saw it as a natural fit — I loved working with kids, I was patient, and I liked the idea of making an impact on future generations. But somewhere between lesson plans and developmental theories, a quiet question started to grow in the back of my mind: what if this isn’t what I’m meant to do?
It wasn’t an easy question to face. I had already committed time and energy into this path. I had talked about it in class discussions, shared my goals with teachers and family, and began to imagine my future through this lens. The thought of switching tracks felt risky — especially in the IB program, where every choice feels like it’s carved into stone. More than anything, I was scared it would look “shaky” or inconsistent on my college resume. I worried admissions officers would see my switch as indecision instead of growth.
But here’s the truth I learned: changing paths doesn’t mean you’ve lost your way — it means you’re finding it.
At the beginning of second semester, during my junior year, I decided to switch my IB career path to engineering. It wasn’t a decision I made lightly. I had to weigh the fear of how it would look on paper against the excitement I felt about entering a field that challenges me in new ways. Engineering spoke to the part of me that loves structure, problem-solving, and making ideas come to life.
Looking back, I realize that pivoting was one of the most defining moments of my high school experience so far. It taught me that growth doesn’t always follow a straight line. More importantly, it showed me that being honest about who you are and what excites you is far more impressive than sticking to a script out of fear.
My journey from child development to engineering is not a flaw in my resume; it is a strength. It tells a story of reflection, risk, and realignment. In many ways, it has helped shape who I am today. I believe this change has made me more prepared for college and for life than I ever would have been if I had not taken that leap.
