Whenever I tell someone that I'm an English major, I typically get two responses:
1. *Fake smile* "Oh, that's so cool!"
2. *Scoff* "What on earth will you do with that?"
I've gotten so used to these reactions that it (barely) bothers me anymore. However, as an English major, I feel like a member of one of the most misunderstood groups of college students. Wow, okay, that was dramatic. I'm not just some brooding writer who constantly feels unappreciated and misconceived. All I'm saying is, being an English major is a lot of work - probably more than most people would think.
One of the things that separates us from most other majors is the amount of reading we have to do. Most classes only require one or two books. But, if you're an English major, you better expect to buy at least four books for each course. Sure, we don't have to spend hours in a lab, but we certainly spend hours reading chapter upon chapter every single night.
Another thing that we deal with is having to constantly defend our major. No one ever asks the Psychology or Criminal Justice majors what they plan on doing with their lives. When I tell people I don't want to be an author or a teacher, I have to explain all the steps it will take for me to build my career.
"Nicole, how can you go into business with an English degree?"
*Sigh*
(First I declare aconcentration in Communications, then probably go for a Master's in Business Administration after I graduate. After that? Well, hope to find a job, I guess. It's complicated.)
Also, what is perhaps the most hated aspect of school? Writing essays. Just, for a second, think about how many essays we have to write every week. From my experience, it's usually about two per week. Even though we're English majors, that doesn't necessarily mean we enjoy writing essays. I enjoy writing about things that I'm interested in and/or what is relevant - not an analytic essay about 19th century English literature. Luckily I have the opportunity to write about relevant (and hopefully interesting) topics for The Odyssey. It keeps me sane.
English majors have it pretty tough at times, which is why it can be difficult to hear that it's "a waste of money and a degree". All I know is, I love to write and I'm here to turn that into a career. Perhaps the path there will be bumpy and winding, and I may be misunderstood along the way, but I am confident in the direction it leads.
