Majoring in English was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I love getting to explore new forms of literature and getting new perspectives on different readings. Being an English major can have some downsides though. Constantly being asked annoying questions and having you major degraded is one of them. Here are just a few of the things that people have said to me in response to my major.
1. "So do you want to teach?"
There’s a lot you can do with an English degree other than teaching. Would you ask me the same thing if I was a biology major?
2. "Oh, I hate English."
Well, then I guess it’s good that you’re not an English Major.
3. "It must be so easy just having to read for all of your classes."
Oh, yeah. It’s really nice when you have to read four chapters for every class and try not to get the plot lines mixed up. Or when you find out you were supposed to read chapters six through eight for British Literature and not African American Literature.
4. "I just really needed a practical major."
Right, because no one ever uses English.
5. "So what is your favorite book?"
That’s like asking me to choose my favorite child. It simply can’t be done!
6. "Are you going to put me in your book?"
You only wish, sweetheart.
7. "So what are you going to do for money?"
Probably get a job. That’s kind of what I’m getting the degree for.
8. "You must be a total grammar Nazi."
You have no idea how hard it is for me to go onto Facebook.
9. "It must be nice not having to worry about final exams."
Wrong! Most of the time we have to take an exam and write an essay. The struggle is real.
10. "Can you help me with my paper? Actually... can you write it for me?"
Sure! It’s not like I have my own work to do. Don’t get me wrong, I am happy to help with writing assignments, but don’t assume that I am going to do all of the work for you. Just because I’m majoring in English, doesn’t mean that I like all of the work.