At some point in any college student’s life comes the question of whether or not to shift programs. The urge often surfaces after flunking exams, mismatching friend groups, or the looming uncertainty of what a degree is supposed to lead to in the near future.
Shifting programs is an almost normalized occurrence, more so at DLSU. A notion bounced casually from one Lasallian to the next; it is treated as part of self-navigation rather than a radical detour. Even so, the decision is anything but easy.
In this light, The LaSallian sits down with three students—those who actually switched lanes and those who merely lingered on the thought—to unpack the realities behind these choices in a school defined by open waters brimming with endless possibilities.
A penny for your thoughts
The realization to shift strikes in various ways. With diverse interests pulling them in different directions, Lasallians often find themselves torn between several aspirational callings.
For instance, Carlos Danao (II, AB-OCM), a shiftee from BS Industrial Engineering to AB Organizational Communication, weighed many options before his decision. Initially considering AB Communication Arts, the process revealed the vastness of the liberal arts, allowing his creativity to branch out before his eyes.
Paula Bianca Del Rosario (I, BSCHE), a shiftee from AB Creative Writing to BS Chemical Engineering, was on the opposite side of the same coin. “Since I have so many interests, my dream program [used to be] Nursing. [The second was] Fashion Journalism, and third [was] Chemical Engineering,” she shares.
These shifts from humanities to science-focused programs and vice versa indicate the dynamic nature of our passions. But sometimes, love alone cannot sustain one’s devotion. “I was genuinely enjoying Creative Writing, and I had a lot of friends that I vibe with. But I feel like [those were] the only thing[s] the program could offer,” Del Rosario admits in Filipino.
Ultimately, program choices are guided by more imminent priorities. For Del Rosario, financial stability became paramount. “It’s [about] practicality. To be frank, I felt like I would get a lot of money in this program. And who doesn’t want that, right?”
Despite many aspirations, AB-OCM was the program Danao clearly pictured for himself. “I imagine that, in the long run, I won’t be able to do this [anymore],” he says openly, aware that the window to pursue it may not stay open. After all, shifting simply is not an option many can return to. Given the fees and adjustments, eventually, one has to commit to the choice and see it through.
Meanwhile, non-shiftees like Lean Bantugan (III, AB-POM) find compromises for their passions, such as through a minor program. “I do have a budding interest in PolSci, but that does not overshadow my primary passion for Creative Writing,” she expresses, revealing her inner conflict.
A fork in the road
While reconciling one’s desire to shift is one hurdle, acting on it is another. Weighed down by several factors, it is an agonizing dilemma between passion and practicality.
For Del Rosario, shifting requires one to consider what lies in the road ahead. It is a matter of how long the ardor of a passion will last as a long-term prospect, especially as society often rewards stability over personal and creative fulfillment. “I think the most significant factor is definitely [my] future career. I’m doing this and that in relation to my program, and [I feel like] I could achieve my dreams and benefit the most if I completed this degree,” she puts simply.
Danao echoes this sentiment, balancing the impulse to shift once more with financial considerations. “We are not rich, and shifting again would be a waste of time. I do not want to be delayed further.”
Unfortunately, some students are barred from the path altogether. As a scholar of the University’s financial aid program, there was little to no mobility for Bantugan to make the switch she wanted. “It really made me think twice about my decision. I even talked to my parents about it. [That] maybe there’s a possibility [that] I can appeal it to the [Admissions and Scholarships Office],” she recalls. This points to shifting as more than a choice but a privilege, accessible only with the luxury of time and financial means.
Sometimes, when the road is closed, all one can do is embrace acceptance. With encouragement from parents and peers, Bantugan chose to stay in her program, rekindling the sparks that ignited her love for her current degree.
The light at the end
One thing remains certain: shifting is not for everyone. The whole process is a daunting ordeal with seemingly profound implications. As Del Rosario iterates, “Program shifting in itself is a brave thing to do, especially if you’re still a student and a young adult navigating your way through college.”
Fortunately, the road passed over does not automatically spell the end of possibilities. After college, Bantugan considers reviving her love for literature in graduate school. “Instead of regretting that you weren’t able to pursue what you’re passionate about in your undergraduate journey, [think about] the plenty of opportunities ahead,” she suggests, remaining optimistic.
Ultimately, this daunting alternative route is not just for one to tread, but paused upon. For these students, shifting taught them how to pace themselves and carefully contemplate decisions. “I always [remind] myself to take it easy and hindi naman need magmadali, kasi who’s rushing me? Wala naman, sarili ko lang,” Del Rosario affirms, emphasizing that life is not a race, but a continuous process of rediscovery and reinvention.
(I always always [remind] myself to take it easy. No one is rushing me except for myself.)
Amid unclear horizons, we are allowed to pause, breathe, and relish each step of the journey.
