Being a language major is one of the most unique and rewarding things about my college experience. Over the years I have heard some commentary that I still question to this day about it.

1. "Oh, WOW..."

When dealing with a foreign language major, people often find themselves awestruck and impressed with someone who can make their entire degree a language. It's flattering but here we are four years later, still hearing the same thing.

2. "So like... You're gonna be a teacher right?"

I am not here to diss on teachers. It is a noble profession. However language majors are so diverse in what they can do. They can translate, they can interpret, they can read, and write a WHOLE OTHER LANGUAGE. The options of language majors are limitless. Give them the credit they deserve whether they wish to teach or not.

3. "Hahaha so like... Hola, me gusta tacos."

Oh my gosh Becky, you're so funny... It's like the 12,374th time I've heard someone say that EXACT same phrase thinking I wouldn't understand it. You are just SO comical.

4. "So you've studied abroad, right?"

Pretty sure there isn't a requirement in my degree that says I have to have been abroad to know a language. However, I am aware that the language immersion in the country that speaks the language you speak is so much more helpful, my time will come. I'll travel abroad one day and get to use my skills.

5. "All I need to know is cerveza and baño."

If I hear another person say this, I might have to consider collecting money for how common of a phrase this is to use in the Midwest.

6. "So where's the best place in town to get AUTHENTIC Mexican food?"

We are in Southwest Missouri. Nothing is going to come close to the authenticity of food from Puebla or Oxacaca, Mexico. Get the idea that chips, queso, and your bean burrito doused in queso are true examples of Hispanic cuisine. I'm also pretty sure that you can't find fried guinea pig here either.

7. "Oh, don't you understand what those people are saying?"

I love when people think that because you pass a conversation in the language you study, you'll immediately know what is being said. No? You don't like it when people eavesdrop on your conversations, so what reason do I have to eavesdrop on other people's conversations.

Here's the thing, we are proud of our degree. It is an amazing field to go into with countless hours of work. Just because there aren't as many numbers involved, chemicals involved, or politics we are still busting our butts for our degree.