I had to share this with y'all because I think you're the few who'd understand how huge this really is.

I quit my job selling shoes at a department store yesterday. I am tired of people treating me like I exist for the sole purpose of fetching them a shoe!!! I seem to have been moving down the ladder since I have been a personal trainer and a manager of a gym. I love the fitness and health industry, what happened? It took a lot of courage for me to go to personal training school because I have always been chubby and extremely self conscious. I thought that would push me into getting into awesome shape and taking the right care of myself. Well, I apparantly became too afraid of being judged because of the way I look(ed) because I quit training all together instead of trying to fix it, wasn't ready I guess. I am going to look for a job at a gym or health food store, because that's where my heart is, even if my fat butt isn't yet! I decided that's it ya know, why am I majoring in something that I am not even that into just because it's comfortable? So I went in to the advisor today and switched from Education to Nutrition!!! I called the University I was going to transfer to and cancelled the stuff I needed to (they don't offer Nutrition). I am scared as ****, there's so much math and science (I am totally not a math and science person, that I know of) plus I don't want people to ask me what my major is until I look better. Well, I am not going to let fear rule me anymore. I have been putting things off for too long because I am afraid of what people will think, how I will look to them, just because of my body! NO MORE!!! I am not going to say "when I lose weight" because i am just going to dive in and assume that I WILL lose weight and become more confident. I am bursting at the seems with excitement for my bravery and the fact that I am going to do something I really am passionate about and I am the most terrified I have ever been! WOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!! And I have lost 17 pounds now, I can't believe it, another pound gone!

Good luck! You sound very excited about your new direction and I wish you the best. Don't worry what others are thinking because most likely they are more focused on themselves than you anyway.

YAY for U!!! Congrats on your courage! WAY TO GO!!!

Heh heh, sole, good pun.

Wow, what amazing changes. Thank goodness you are doing what so many people don't do -- follow your dreams and overcome your fears. That accomplishment is just as great as losing weight. I bet you'll be happier weighing 174 (for the time being) while working at a job you like and following your true calling of health care, than you would if you weighed 125 but sold out on your goals because you were afraid to make a change. Good for you.

And you are losing weight plenty fast.

Of all else, you can take pride in knowing that you followed through with what most people only dream of doing. I am jealous and very proud of you!

Good job girl!! Nothing more powerful than following your dreams!!

Thanks ladies, so much!!!

Good job! You should follow your heart! I graduated with a degree in nutrition (it was about 5 years ago now...almost 6) and I don't remember a lot of math...hmmmmmmm...I did just do nutrition while a lot of other girls did nutrition and exercise physiology. I had to take Statistics and basic algebra but that was it. Yes, it is hard being the big girl in classes. I was the ONLY one over 120 pounds I think (not really an exaggeration here), but everyone was super nice and never said anything. They treated me like everyone else. Do what you love. There is a lot of science so good luck! YOu can do it! Actually, it was the speech classes I hated!
Amber

You go girl - sounds like a wonderfully exciting and exhausting day!

Whew, I got tired reading that! Lots going on for you. It sounds exciting, even if you have a bit of hard work ahead of you it will make you appreciate it all the more when you accomplish your goals.

Congrats!! It's awesome that you changed your major to what you really want to do. I went back to school after having 3 years of business behind me to get a degree in biology (so it was basically like starting over!!!)! If you ever need help with the science stuff, just pm me and I'll help all that I can! :-) Good luck!!

Way to go, Stephanie!!!

You're going to do great!
I'm not a math/science person either, but I did something similar to you a few years ago. I quit my job teaching 7th grade World History & Religions and started vet tech/kennel management school. LOTS of math/science, and I was terrified, too! I mean, I could list all the Roman emperors in order in my sleep, but take (and pass) and hematology class???? I never would have thought that was possible just 3 years ago! But I think you'll find that your interest in the subject more than makes up for that fear -- and that you'll do fantastically!! Well done -- and congrats for knowing WHAT YOU WANT!! That in itself is a huge thing.

And like Gamma said, if you ever need any help, just let me know. I'm taking (and loving) Animal Nutrition right now, and it's the same basic thing. I mean, we're all mammals, right?

I really admire you for making this commitment to yourself in your twenties...I'm in my thirties now (yes, I've crashed the 20-Something thread again ) and I wish like heck I'd won the battle with fear when I was younger. I really regret all the years I wasted in a career that didn't make me happy and then coming home and hiding from the world because I felt so fat and miserable....It's excellent that you've realized this all NOW and are taking charge of your future for YOU!!

Congrats, sweetie! And well done!

Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!

I will totally be PMing you guys (Gammagirl and Kate). I love you girls, all of you, thanks for all the support!