As an English major, I can say that I approve this message. These are the highs and lows that I've experienced so far. To all you science and math majors--listen, and listen good. Our major isn't as simple as you may think.
1. The struggle of writer's block. Your professor says your essay is due tomorrow, but the blank page says no.
2. Procrastination. Usually a side effect of writer's block.
3. Reading a hundred or more pages in one sitting for class.
4. When your professor expects you to read a long, boring book from some ancient author by next class. We don't enjoy every book that drops in our lap, believe it or not.
5. That awful moment when your classes make it impossible to read for fun anymore.
6. You typically don't take tests for finals, but you have 30 page essay due, have fun!
7. When you get on a writing high and feel like you're on top of the world. Like wow, I'm being productive!
8. When you are actually proud of what you've written and don't think it's complete garbage. Let's face it, writers are their own worst enemies.
9. Then when you think everything you write is garbage. You're either one or the other. There is no in between.
10. Late night reading and writing for classes is inevitable. So is sleep deprivation. But the satisfaction that you feel when everything is done is so real, even when you're in pain.
11. Dealing with people asking you what you're going to do with your degree. It's rude, annoying, and degrading. Please stop. We may know, we may not, but don't act like we're not going to make it anywhere.
I could go on forever, but the point I'm making is this: we may be small, but we are mighty. Our futures may not be set in stone, but it doesn't mean we don't have one. Your research may be important, but it doesn't mean our writing doesn't have any value either. You think the sciences have a bigger work load, but ours does carry a lot of weight.
We English majors matter. We work hard and put up with a lot. So respect your friendly neighborhood English major. That's all we really ask for. Is that too much to ask?
