Since I chose to study English at Ohio State, a flood of misconceptions have hit me right in the face. It has become pretty clear that a lot of people just don't understand what English majors do. Yes, we read English literature, but what else? Well, I am here to debunk a list of misconceptions about the English major and what people think we do.

1. I have not read every book ever written.

Shocking, right? I know. I was shocked, too, when the English Department told me my English studies would have to branch out beyond The Great Gatsby (this is a pretty thing called sarcasm; I know that because I'm an English major). But seriously, guys. There are millions upon millions of pieces of literature in the world, so if I haven't heard of your favorite book/author, I don't know what to tell you.

2. I will try my best to get to your book recommendations.

Again, there are millions of things I could be reading and will be reading before I read whatever is on your radar. I'm sorry. Not only am I drowning in single-spaced, 10 pt. font medieval literature, I have my own reading list that has probably grown to be a mile or two long already. I'm doing my best, I swear.

3. I do not want to proofread that.

I just don't. I know you want my opinion if you're not sure about a spelling/grammatical thing, but Google exists. If you aren't sure, look it up. It's really that easy, I promise. Also, I don't necessarily want to read through a twelve-page paper just to fix things you could have fixed yourself. By this point, I am caused physical pain by seeing the wrong form of "your/you're" in a college paper. It's first grade, Spongebob.

4. No, I don't spend every second of my free time reading.

I like other things, too! I like things like sunlight and the outside. I know I should only have my nose stuck in a book, but I also have friends and dogs to see.

5. Yes, the book was probably better.

I don't really think this is a misconception about English majors, but I had to include it because most readers will back me up on this. The book is usually better than the movie, and I'm not sorry. I only want you to experience your favorite stories in the best way possible (the book).

6. I don't have a novel I'm working on.

One of the first things I always get asked after I tell someone I study English is: "Oh, so do you write?" I understand why, but not all of us have best-selling novels coming to fruition in our tiny little apartments over a dramatic bottle of Scotch. I'm really just trying to get through this semester, and then I'll consider my career as an award-winning author.

7. Not every piece of literature is a book.

Yes, books are one of the most common forms of literature. However, if you tell me you loved Beowulf because it's a great book, I'm going to have to be that guy and tell you that the novel hadn't been invented until after Beowulf was written (wow, I hate myself a little bit for this one). There are so many different types of literature, and novels shouldn't get all of the attention.

8. We don't all sit in a circle singing "Kumbaya" while worshipping Shakespeare.

Surprisingly, a good portion of my fellow English majors doesn't like Shakespeare either. While we appreciate his literary influence, some of his stuff is simply overrated. (Sorry if you like Shakespeare.)

9. I didn't choose English because it was an "easy major."

Am I writing pages and pages of lab reports? No (thank goodness). I have all of the respect in the world for those pursuing prestigious paths like medicine or engineering. That's great for you. However, humankind needs more. Humans need passion in their lives whether you acknowledge it or not.

I want to throw in just one more mention about the "your/you're" thing. Please. For the love of all that is holy, pay attention. Thank you for YOUR cooperation in advance.

To quote Robin Williams in Dead Poet's Society, "the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering, these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love, these are what we stay alive for."

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