How One Student Found His Path by Changing Direction: Meet Legende McGrath ’26
You don’t need a perfect plan to start college.
If you’re heading to college and thinking, “What if I pick the wrong major?”, you’re not alone.
Some students arrive unsure.
Others arrive with a plan.
But here’s the truth: both paths can (and may) change.
Before coming to Le Moyne, Legende McGrath ‘26 told the Le Moyne Way podcast he didn’t have everything figured out.
I probably changed my career path 20 different times… I think I changed my major like three different times.
Like many students, he had ideas but no clear, final answer.
“I wasn’t set on anything.”
And that uncertainty followed him into college.
Growing Starts with Exploring
Trying Things Is How You Find Your Thing
At first, Legende explored anything that sparked his interest:
Creative work like scenic design
Technical roles like rigging
Opportunities across campus
Each experience helped him learn a little more about what fit and, more importantly, what didn’t.
But the biggest shift in his journey didn’t come from trying more things.
It came from one conversation.
The Moment Everything Changed
At one point, Legende thought he did have a plan.
“I was a chemistry major… my plan was to go into education.”
For the first time, things felt decided.
Until a professor challenged him to think deeper, not about his major, but about himself.
“I think who you are as a person is going to be stifled in that role.”
That moment forced him to pause.
To reflect.
To ask a different question:
Not just “What do I want to study?” but “Who do I want to be?”
And from there, everything changed.
He pivoted moving into English and communications, a path that better aligned with who he was. That kind of honest, one-on-one guidance is something so many of our students experience during their time at Le Moyne.
It’s Okay to Change Direction (Even When You Think You’re Sure)
Legende’s story isn’t just about being unclear on what’s next.
It’s about something even more important:
Be willing to change.
Even when:
You thought you had a plan
You already chose a major
You felt “locked in”
Because sometimes, the right path isn’t the first one you choose.
It’s the one you discover along the way.
Why Your First Year Might Feel Uncertain (And That’s Normal)
Legende is honest about another part of the experience:
“Freshman year… I felt like something was missing.”
Starting college can be a big change. You’re adjusting to a new environment, exploring new opportunities and becoming a new version of yourself along the way.
Feeling unsure doesn’t mean you’re behind.
It means you’re growing.
Legende’s Advice for Incoming Students?
Feel things out. Don’t automatically go in and think you want to be on this E-Board or be president of this club. Don’t automatically come in with a perception of how things are going to be because then you’re going to be really disappointed and thrown off if it isn’t. So give it a second. Try a bunch of things… feel it out. You might think you want one thing… and find something else you love even more.
Your Path Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect, Just Yours
At Le Moyne, students aren’t expected to have everything figured out on day one.
They’re encouraged to:
- Explore different interests
- Change direction if needed
- Grow into who they’re meant to become
Because the goal isn’t a perfect plan.
It’s finding a path that fits you.
Take a Deeper Dive
Inspired by Legende's Story?
Legende’s journey reminds us that you’ll never have to figure everything out on your own at Le Moyne. One of the biggest reasons he found his path? Support.
On The Heights, you’ll find mentors who encourage you, professors who challenge you at the right moment, opportunities that will help you explore your interests.
