"What are you majoring in?"

"English."

"Psh. What are you going to do with that degree, teach?"

"Yes. Yes, I am."

In the past year or so since I have declared my major, I have had this same conversation countless times. Each and every time, my two passions have been discredited: English literature and education. The question "what are you going to do with that degree, teach?" holds many assumptions, but in my personal opinion, here are the worst two:

1. The English major's most notable path leads to a job in education

Students pursuing an English degree can become lawyers, journalists, entrepreneurs, social media managers, and so many other things. Many jobs require experience or letters of recommendation- not too many hiring managers concentrate on the focus of a person's bachelor's degree.

2. Teaching is easy

Both assumptions are false.

Professionals in nearly every field need, at the very least, a high school education. The professionals we trust with our medical information, rely on to keep us safe, and call for advice or talk to in time of need are all doing their jobs because they were guided by teachers and educators at some point in their lives.

Moreover, teaching is one of the most underappreciated professions out there. Teachers spend hours planning and preparing content in social studies, sciences, math, and many other subjects. Beyond content, they prepare students for the future by incorporating other necessary skills into their lessons like: critical thinking, communication, time management, collaboration, and creativity. These are skills every person needs to survive in society, not just thrive in a professional environment.

Believe me when I say the conversation I have already had so many times will occur many more times before I graduate. To English majors who hold other aspirations besides teaching, keep pursuing your dreams and don't let anyone make you doubt yourself. To future teachers of any and all subjects, I hope you stand proud when you talk about being an educator for the upcoming generation of leaders. I know I do.