When I first became an English major I was excited to pursue a career doing what I love most. But I wasn't prepared for the negative reactions I would encounter in telling people this. I'm sure every other English major, and Liberal Arts majors in general, can agree with these ten things we are all tired of hearing.
1. So, do you want to teach?
No, do you? If I was already sure I wanted to teach, wouldn't I be an education major?
2. If you're not going to teach what are you going to do?
I literally have no idea. Most college students don't know exactly what they want to do until later in their college career. The English major is one of the most versatile majors you can pursue. We are trained to research, analyze, and think critically--which are qualities that most employers look for in potential employees.
3. Who's your favorite author?
Why is this always one of the first questions I'm asked? Other people read too, not just us literary nerds. Being an English major, I have about ten different favorite authors because all I do is read. And chances are, you've never even heard of half of them.
4. Isn't that going to be tough in this economy?
Not really. I can get a job doing pretty much whatever I want. Despite popular belief, there is not a shortage of jobs for English majors. The skills most liberal arts students acquire throughout their college career are very beneficial in the workforce.
5. It must be nice not having a heavy workload.
When you have three different English classes with three different "Norton Anthology's" I quite literally have a very heavy workload. Each teacher requires ten-page research papers with at least five sources each, and that's not "heavy" enough for you? It must be nice having a major with correct answers.
6. Have you read _________?
No, I haven't read "Fifty Shades of Grey." Yes, I've read "Twilight" and it is a disgrace to the name of literature. I'm an English major. Therefore, I'm used to reading extremely well-written novels. Not mainstream, poorly written garbage.
7. Do you like reading and writing a lot?
Um...yes? Why would I choose a major I hate? I'm assuming if you're a film major you like film.
8. So you like poetry?
Absolutely not. In fact, I hate poetry. It hurts my brain. I've avoided poetry classes like the plague. Chances are, there are things in your field that you aren't fond of either.
9. I hate reading and writing.
Thank you for letting me know. Most likely, I'm not a fan of your major either. But I'm not rude enough to diss something you're passionate about.
10. Why?
This isn't a "Oh that's cool, why are you interested in this field?" kind of question. This is more of an "Ew, why..." type deal. After the hundredth judgmental look when I tell you what my major is, I'm done with all these questions. Why? Because I wanted to create a future for myself that I'm going to enjoy. Because I want to be happy, rather than choose something else that might stereotypically pay better. As an English major, I know I'll be just fine doing whatever I decide to do. If college students put in hard work in their college careers and start early trying to find jobs and internships, we'll all be just fine.
So here's to all the Liberal Arts majors that get more judgment than they deserve!
