Every college student knows that one question that everyone asks:
"What are you majoring in?"
I am an education major and couldn't be happier. So when people ask me what my major is, I proudly respond with "Education!" Some people respond to my answer positively, but most people give me "the look" (my fellow education majors know what I'm talking about). A look mixed between pity and disappointment, almost like they're saying, "Seriously? Why?" The look is usually followed by some sort of statement that puts down education. And quite frankly, I'm tired of it. Although I know most people don't mean any harm, it gets old always having to defend my choices for my future. So to give you a little insight, here are 7 things that education majors are tired of hearing:
1. "Your classes must be so easy."
Seriously, stop right there. First of all, no college class is just "easy." No, I may not be taking Organic Chemistry or Calculus, but I am taking education classes that are very detailed and require LOADS of reading and writing as well as deeper level thinking. While you are learning what something is, I am learning what something is, why it is that way, and how to explain it in different ways that my future students will understand. Last semester, my final for my math education class was only ten questions, yet it took me two and a half hours to complete. Not because I didn't know the questions, but because my answers had to be detailed and written out in long paragraphs explaining how I got my answers. So although my courses may be different, they are definitely not easy.
2. "So are you wanting to teach?"
Well, duh. This is a response I never expected to get as an education major. You'd actually be surprised how many times I have been asked this. I know that there are other jobs with an education degree besides working in the school system. But, come on. Nine times out of ten, someone with a degree in education is probably going to teach.
3. "It must be nice to have summers off."
4. "You're not going to make as much money."
This one is actually funny to me. Do you think I don't know this? I didn't pick to be an education major for the money; I decided to go into this field because I have a passion for kids, and I feel that God has called me to make an impact in the school system. By the way, if you're choosing your major/future career based on your potential salary, then you're doing it wrong.
5. "The education field is failing."
Now you're over exaggerating a little bit. Sure, there are some issues in the education system such as Common Core or other minor things. But the only way to make the field better is to make an effort towards changing or improving it. And that's exactly what I plan to do by being the best teacher I can be.
6. "Props to you for wanting to teach. I hate kids."
Well, I happen to love kids! Good thing I'm going to be the teacher, not you.
7. "But you're so much smarter!"
How dare you. I'm sure you meant this as some sort of compliment, but it is very far from it. I am choosing to be an education major because I WANT to. I love kids, and I want to make a difference in a student's life. Just because I'm not pursuing a degree in biochemical engineering or pharmaceutical sciences does not mean that I am selling myself short. Since I'm "so smart," I believe I am capable of knowing what is best for me and choosing what would make me happiest in life over trying to keep a "reputation." Besides, teachers are the ones who build a foundation for the lawyers, the doctors, and the engineers, and who's the real winner here?
So next time someone says they're an education major, remember that they chose that major for a reason. Nothing you say will change my mind because I know in my heart that I am meant to be an educator. So for all the education majors out there, don't worry what other people think. It's okay to be proud of your major!
