- I majored in architecture but I realized I hated the coursework in my sophomore year.
- Between classes, I started experimenting and taking risks, discovering my love of writing.
When I first started college, I knew I wanted to study architecture and become an architect.
But at 19, I was in the middle of my second year of studying architecture as an undergrad, and I realized that I hated the coursework. I'd spent my first year loathing the degree.
Growing up in a South Asian family, I was always pushed toward obtaining a technical degree and greatly discouraged from pursuing a creative one.
Though I graduated with a degree in architecture, I decided to become a freelance writer instead. Here's how.
While at college, I experimented
I knew I didn't want a career in architecture anymore, so during my second year of university, I was hell-bent on experimenting. I joined a youth organization because I thought I wanted to work in student exchange. I didn't.
While shopping, I asked to see the managers to ask about their buying head because I thought I could work in fashion, such as Rachel Green from "Friends." That didn't pan out, either.
But it was important to experiment and try out new things to discover my interests, strengths, and weaknesses. All the experimentation helped me develop a strong sense of my likes and dislikes and helped me understand what I was willing to compromise on and what my nonnegotiables were.
I took some risks
At that time, I regularly read a digital magazine that had launched a few years prior and was gaining popularity. I had grown up reading books and magazines because my father filled the house with them.
Between college classes, I emailed one of the editors at the digital magazine. She rejected it. I wrote another one, and that was rejected as well. I took another risk by emailing her again. She published the third pitch, and I continued writing a few more essays for them out of passion. That's when I realized this could be the career I was looking for.
If I hadn't taken those risks, I would have never found my love of writing.
Networking helped me shape my future
I came across the term "freelance writer" when researching how people can write for different publications without a full-time job.
I spoke to a few freelance writers, and according to their advice, I sent out more ideas to different publications. After many rejections, another publication commissioned two of my pieces. I was keen on developing my writing style, so I applied and got accepted into a two-month internship where I got to write a few articles.
Then, I applied for a few fellowships, and leading journalists from top newspapers mentored me. I learned the art of reporting and investigations.
I eventually realized I wanted to write about anything and everything — from fashion and lifestyle to tech and social issues. I was heading into my final year of completing my undergraduate degree in architecture. I couldn't leave that for a full-time job, so creating a successful freelance-writing career was my only option.
I found resources online to help build my career
I bought the book "The Byline Bible: Get Published in Five Weeks" by Susan Shapiro. The book taught me how to write and sell essays, and by the time I had finished the book, I had sold my first few personal essays.
Next, I watched countless YouTube videos and Zoom panels by leading writers and editors. I regularly attended at least one panel a week.
By the time I finished my architecture degree, I had successfully carved out a career as a freelance writer for my dream publications.
I'm glad I didn't box myself into my major while in college and instead followed my interests and found a dream career that's perfect for me.