Being an English major isn’t easy. Not only do we have to read challenging texts and write an endless number of essays, but we sometimes have to be subjected to the critical words of our family, friends and peers. Here are some questions and comments that I've received regarding my major that I'm just tired of hearing.
1. So, you want to be a teacher?
2. Do you really like books THAT much?
No, I don’t like books THAT much. Sure, I like books more than the average person, but I don’t love every book that I’m assigned to read in class. Sometimes I have to pry myself away from more enjoyable activities and force myself to read. But it’s not the sheer act of reading that I love, it’s the discussion of the text the next day. It’s the insight that my professor and fellow classmates provide and the sharing of ideas that makes English class truly exciting. How I interpret a text isn’t how someone else interprets a text. After each class, I walk away with a whole new perspective or just a question to ponder. I can’t say that I’ve had that experience in any of my other classes.
3. What are you going to do with that after college?
Not sure. But do I need a concrete plan just yet? I’m only a sophomore. I have time.
4. I wish I was an English major. It seems easy.
No. It’s really not. English can be just as difficult and frustrating as any other subject. Ever had writer’s block? It’s just as bad as not understanding acid-base titration. Honestly.
5. Your GPA must be really high.
6. Is science/math too difficult for you?
Yes, they both are. I’ll admit it, I’m terrible at science and math. So what? I have a friend who’s double majoring in biochemistry and physics and she always begged me to edit her papers in high school. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses and their likes and dislikes. Even if I was a math whiz I would never love equations as much as I love prose.
7. Are you applying to grad school?
Maybe. Probably. But not every English major should be expected to go to grad school. It’s true that some of us pursue a PhD, JD, MD or MBA. However, grad school isn’t for everyone. It takes a lot of dedication, time management and, most importantly, money. Not all of us have the resources. So, yes, some of us will be lawyers, doctors and CEOs. But some of us will end up in jobs that may have nothing to do with our major and that’s okay too.
8. English is a useless major.
English is far from useless. I’m a firm believer in the idea that, as a society, we don’t put as much emphasis on English as we do on more “practical” majors like science or math. As a result of this, not many students are good writers. Not many students even feel comfortable writing. Being an English major has given me the opportunity to write essays and hone my writing skills. It’s so important to me to develop a strong writing technique that allows me to express myself and communicate my ideas clearly.
9. English is boring.
Maybe it’s boring to you, but it’s endlessly interesting to me.
10. How will you support yourself on such a low salary?
I have no idea what I want to do in the future. My major isn’t indicative of the job that I’ll later take. I may eventually have a job that doesn’t pay well. But if I look forward to doing that job everyday and I believe that I’m making a positive impact on society, I’ll be glad that I chose passion over a possibly higher income.
