David, thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts and feedback. I wrote something after quite a few months and looks like honest and deep thoughts when shared, hit a chord.

Within few sentences, you have made such sharp and important points:

• Direction we take in academic studies needs to sync with our strengths and convictions. It may not be exact fit pieces of a puzzle but some broad connect gives us a sense of progress and satisfaction
• Pivoting is not failure. Like you said, whenever we identify that our strengths/passion areas are not aligned with our course in studies, it should be a time to pause and ask tough questions. But it needs a support system. Teachers, parents, friends in close circle everyone needs to empathize with the situation the individual is in. It’s a personal struggle but they can help by reassuring the individual that pivot is only for the better.