Ohhh, You Mean I Can't Just Read About Exercise and Lose Weight?

A year ago, I just knew I was going to go on for a PhD in Exercise Science (to compliment my BS and MS degrees). I thought this even though I never found a passion for the major. Sure, some semesters were better than others and I learned sooo much, but it just never clicked. I couldn’t decide on a thesis topic and I couldn’t imagine having a typical exercise-related job. I had already done all the personal training, fitness testing and gym work I could handle. It bothered me that my peers completely loved the field while I didn’t. For some reason, I faked it instead of investigating the issue. You can’t seriously “change majors” six years in, can you?

FYI: My boyfriend and I met sophomore year of our undergrad program and went on to the same grad school (same major, same classes). We both assumed we’d get our PhD from the same college as well. Not in an immature way, but in a realistic “we love school, want to stay together, and happen to be in the same major” sort of way.

A little over a year ago, my boyfriend and I took a road trip (from CA) to tour a prospective doctoral program in New Mexico. To me, the campus visit felt all wrong. A professor sat us down and told us about the program. As I stared at her face and heard her words, I realized that another exercise physiology course would kill my soul. It was the first time in six years that I told myself the actual truth – that this path wasn’t “it” for me and it was time to change course no matter what.

It was an all-encompassing, instantaneous mind shift and I never looked back.  Graduating with my MS degree 5 months later was the ultimate freeing moment of my life.

So, here I am in Indiana. Where my boyfriend found his PhD program. Unlike me, this is the field for him and he is doing an awesome job.

Yes, I am in the midst of an awkward transitional phase, but it feels better than the “safety” of wherever I was before. I can’t wait to see what comes next.

**To any ex phys or kinesiology majors out there: The major can be great and is a perfect fit for some people. Eight of my graduate-school friends went on to PhD programs this year, and they love it. Fitness is important and I’ll always be thankful for what I know and for my ability to lift weights like a pro.