I came into the English major knowing two things: I loved to read and I loved to write. I couldn't wait to read new books and discuss thoughts and ideas with my peers. My teachers would be just as nerdy as me. I was going to write fantastic and creative pieces that would enlighten the world. Hahahaha. Sorry, no, I'm not laughing. It's not funny. I still love English, don't get me wrong; but, I struggle every single day with the ins and outs of my major.

1. “Being an English major is easy.”

This an argument I get into quite often, especially with those in the science field for some reason. But, you'll never hear me apologize for not aspiring to become a doctor. The work I do? Still difficult.

2. I don’t have 1 book per class; I have 7 books per class.

I wish that was a joke.

3. My backpack is really heavy.

All those books add up, and quickly.

4. Every day for every class I have between 5 and 100 pages to read in preparation for discussions and quizzes.

We read. A lot.

5. My classes are both mentally and emotionally draining.

English class discussions are exhausting. I'm continually having to put my own personal beliefs on the line. Sometimes, my classmates agree, and sometimes I get completely shot down. It's tiring to put yourself out there.

6. There is rarely a right answer.

Well, let me restate, I rarely know what the right answer is. That is, until I get my tests and papers back. If my opinions happened to align with my professors... hooray! If our opinions differed though... failure is inevitable. It's a scary world in the field of English. All you can do some days is hope for the best.

7. Poetry.

Enough said? One of my professor’s advice on this genre is “There’s only one way to read poetry, one-hundred times.”

8. Everyone is on the lookout for my grammar mistakes.

People are literally foaming at the mouth when they catch my misspelled word. At least it keeps me on my toes, though.

9. I'm often asked to define my word choices.

I don't think I'm smart because I can use big words; I just read way too many books.

10. Finals

Which consist of quote recognition from the 40 things I’ve read during the semester. Do you know how hard it is to remember which of those 40 passages a single quote came from?

11. There aren’t enough hours in the day.

As an English major, I don’t simply read and write. I read, re-read, summarize, and review my notes: then, write, 2nd draft, 3rd draft, rephrase, cross out paragraphs. The reading and writing processes never really end.

12. And the always hilarious: “Do you want to write a paper for me?”

Tonight, I'll read until my eyes cross and I can no longer make out the words on a page. Tomorrow, I'll pull my hair out searching for that perfect combination of words. English is tough. So tough. Some days it drives me completely bonkers. English people do have a rap for being a little cooky. Well, now I guess you know why.