Sadie Says | The Triangle

Sadie Says

Got a question? Send it to me at [email protected]! My name’s Sadie Samson, and I’m an undergraduate student here at Drexel University. I love to write, listen and give my opinion, so ask away!

 

Dear Sadie,

I think I chose the wrong major. I really loved chemistry before I came here, but I’m taking the classes now, I just don’t see myself doing this for the rest of my life. I’m doing well in my classes, so it’s not that I’m failing or anything, but I just feel like they don’t interest me at all. I want to like what I do here. It’s tough too, because my dad is a chemical engineer, and my parents were so excited when I told them that I wanted to do the same. I don’t want to disappoint them, but I don’t want to be doing something I don’t love for the rest of my life. How should I go about telling them that I’ve changed my mind about what I want to do?

Puzzled Paul

 

 

Dear Paul,

First and foremost, I’d like to point out that it is commendable that you recognize that what you’re doing doesn’t interest you, and even though it pleases your family, you’re willing to go about changing that. Lots of people would just stick to what makes their family happy regardless of how they feel, so congrats for going against the grain in favor of doing something that makes you happy.

The very first thing I’d suggest that you do is to schedule meetings with both your academic adviser and a career counselor, and take notes as to what their advice is. The career counselor can help to point you in a direction of career options that may be more suited to you and possible majors that lead to success in these fields. Your academic adviser will be able to help you find which credits will transfer to a new major, whether switching would be best for you in terms of graduating on time, what new major would be the most interesting and useful to you, as well as rewrite a course of study designed for you.

After these meetings it is a good idea to let your family know exactly how you feel about studying chemistry. Let them know that you thought that you were interested but were either mistaken or grew out of it, because that’s simply not the case anymore. Let them know that you’d find a different subject intellectually stimulating and interesting, and could see yourself enjoying that subject much more. Talk about your meetings with your academic adviser and career counselor, and show them your notes. Explain exactly why you want to change, and mention how much happier you’ll feel doing something that’s not chemistry. I’m sure they’ll understand.

Your family loves you, and I promise that they’d rather see you happy than miserable, which is just what will end up happening if you continue studying and giving years of your life to a subject that does not interest you. Talk to them openly and honestly, and I’m sure you’ll be much happier for it.

 

Best of luck!

Sadie

 

Dear Sadie,

Where are the best places to eat around here? Honestly, dining hall food and Chick-fil-A fries get old pretty fast. I’m working on a limited budget here too, so what places do you recommend (besides lunch trucks — I’ve already been to practically all the ones on campus) around Philly (preferably around campus, but they don’t have to be) that are college-kid budget-friendly but also tasty?

Thanks in advance!

Hungry Henry

 

Dear Henry,

Good, cheap food is one of Philly’s main commodities! The city is chock full of awesome places that give you plenty of food for reasonable prices. If you haven’t been already, one of my favorite places to eat that’s just off campus on Lancaster Avenue is Sava’s Brick Oven Pizza. Their pasta — oh my. Great prices and huge portions make a happy belly, and you’re guaranteed to leave happy from this place. Another great place to check out is El Rey’s, which is at 20th and Chestnut street. Their nachos are literally the best I’ve ever had (they make the chips when you order. I repeat: they make the chips when you order), and they’ve got classic Coca-Cola (made with real sugar, not sweeteners!) to boot. Go during their happy hour to snatch up dollar tacos and reduced price entrees (including the nachos!) — you’ll be glad you did.

Outside of that, pizza shops are usually quite reasonable and tasty. Two bucks for a huge slice of heaven and grease in triangular form? Yes, please. My favorites around campus that sell by the slice (in no particular order) are Village Pizza, Ed’s and Sava’s (if you can’t tell, I love that place).

But don’t feel limited to these places! Explore Philly! Center City is full of delis and shops that sell great food for dirt cheap. Going to places during their happy hour is also a way to score cheap food because restaurants with bars generally offer entrees and such at reduced prices then. Check out some of Philadelphia’s food blogs like Grub Street, Foobooz and Yum Marks the Spot for inspiration. Campusphilly.org even offers student discounts on plenty of restaurants throughout the city. Have fun and happy eating!

Sadie