I Am An English Major And No, I Don't Just Teach
Start writing a post
Student Life

Yes, I'm An English Major And No, That Doesn't Mean The Only Thing I Can Do Is Teach

"Oh, so you're going to be a teacher?"

24
https://www.instagram.com/p/BvXJ7lbAGyh/

Growing up, English was always my favorite subject. I always loved writing and once I got to middle school, I began to love reading too.

When senior year of high school came around and it was time for everyone to pick a college and a major, I chose English. Everyone thought I was crazy because I honestly just kind of picked the thing that I was really good at, but also the thing that I loved.

So, when people ask me what my major is, I tell them English. And 97% of the time, their response is "oh, so you're going to be a teacher?" No, I'm not planning on being a teacher.

Those who go on to become teachers are some of the best people. They are literally educating the ones who will grow up to run the country and they're grossly underpaid and rarely appreciated for their hard work. There's absolutely nothing wrong with being a teacher, but just because I didn't choose nursing or accounting as a major doesn't mean I'm going to be a teacher.

At first, I had planned on taking my English degree to law school, but I finally decided against that. After about 2 years of college, I decided that I wanted to use my degree to do the things that I loved: reading and writing. I decided that I wanted to work in publishing because that would allow me to work in the field of creative writing.

Though these are the two career paths that I looked into, there's actually a thousand other things I can do with my English degree. While recently looking at internship opportunities, I came across the Nike website. Nike's headquarters was looking for an English major to intern in their editorial department. My English degree could land me a job with one of the top sports brands.

In my senior seminar class this past semester, we focused on jobs in literary tourism. With my English degree, I could be a director of literary tourist sites, such as famous author's houses. My professor for this class also mentioned the previous jobs he's had working for companies writing their instruction manuals.

There are literally a thousand things I can do as an English major. There's nothing wrong with being a teacher, but my choices aren't limited to teaching just because of my major.

Report this Content
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

54030
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34781
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957163
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

182090
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments