The spring semester is almost upon us, yay! As a second semester sophomore, I'm finally beginning to do away with those annoying, entry-level prerequisites and required core classes. This semester, the vast majority of my classes relate to my major: English. All that upcoming writing and reading has me super excited; I'm truly in my element! However, my non-English or non-humanities major friends don't seem to feel as I do. An intensive writing course does not make them squeal with glee, and when given an essay prompt, they don't immediately have several potential ideas to write about. While I love that I have a group of friends with diverse interests and majors, I feel bad when I talk about something that I'm really passionate about, only to look over and see the blank stares on their faces. I'm sure some of you can relate to that, as well as what is listed below.

1. You rarely have to buy very expensive textbooks.

Unlike those poor science and engineering majors that have to pay $200 or more for a textbook, most of the required reading for English classes are paperbacks that are relatively inexpensive. So, while you're crying over your $300 chemistry textbook, we just bought "To Kill a Mockingbird" for $6 on Amazon. Booyah!

2. You have to buy a lot of books for your classes.

Although your books are less expensive, there are often a lot more of them; it's not uncommon to have six or seven required books for a single class. So, you wind up carrying them to the register like Gus Gus here carries corn kernels.

3. Books are your life.

Reading is awesome, especially when you don't have to do it for class. Over breaks, you read all the books you couldn't read during the semester because assignments got in the way. You might also be more attached to literary characters than actual people; I know I am.

4. When someone says they don't like to read, you give them this look:

5. You also like to write.

Yes, believe it or not, plenty of people actually enjoy writing. 72.5 percent of people who read frequently are also avid writers... okay, so that statistic was made up. But it's true that reading a lot makes you a better writer. Most of my fellow English major friends write something in their spare time: a diary, a blog, or articles for The Odyssey like me. If you don't write regularly, no matter what major you take, I would recommend doing so. After all, words can set you free!

6. You over-analyze everything you watch and read.

You see metaphors and symbolism in absolutely everything, and you can spot plot holes and character inconsistencies with ease. Often, you feel compelled to point these out to the people around you, who may get annoyed if they wanted to read their book or watch their TV show in peace. You can't help it, though; it's just how you're wired!

7. You have no problem coming up with essay topics.

Unlike those who struggle when searching for a topic to write about, you have a viable idea as soon as the prompt is placed in your hands. Actually, it's probably more like six ideas.

8. You do have a problem with settling on and narrowing down a topic.

Creating topics is easy, but choosing one that you can write thoroughly on in a six to nine page limit? That's a whole different story. When in doubt, ask your professor for some guidance; they can take all of the conflicting thoughts in your head and help you turn them into something manageable.

9. When you see incorrect grammar, you die a little on the inside.

How are you a full-grown adult who has been writing English your whole life, yet you still don't know the difference between "your" and "you're?" Seriously, that's sad.

10. Incorrect sayings make you cringe internally.

The saying is, "I couldn't care less," not "I could care less." If you "could care less," that means you still care, FYI.

11. You took Environmental Science 101 because you thought it would be easy, but when you got into the lab:

12. You edit all your STEM friends' papers.

But you're not mad, because they'll help you through that confusing lab report for the one science class you have to take. Symbiosis, baby!

13. When you remember you still have to take a math class, you feel like this:

14. When you tell someone you're an English major, their response is, "So, what do you want to do with that?"

I'm not sure, thanks for asking. I notice you didn't ask my wannabe bioengineer cousin the same thing.

15. Or they say, "Oh, so you want to teach?"

First, let me say that teaching is a noble, honorable profession, and teachers do not get paid nearly enough for putting up with the crap that gets thrown at them on a daily basis; I applaud you. However, not every English major wants to be a teacher, so please stop asking that.

Sure, studying English isn't as appreciated as studying medicine, law, business, or engineering, but hey, it takes all kinds. Having good writing and analytical skills is valuable, too. So, if anyone tells you that you're only an English major because it's easy, tell them to shove it calmly explain why they are wrong. Doing what you love is more important than pleasing others.