I never had a doubt in my mind about being an English major. I knew from a very early age that I wanted to study English. Teaching English has always been a dream of mine. Since becoming an English major I feel like English majors are some of the smartest people in the world. Here is why:
1. We have skills in critical reading.
If you can read something and understand it you can do great things. It’s also necessary for any job/career.
2. We have skills in critical thinking.
Critical thinking can be helpful in deciphering what you have read and what people say to you. You are least likely to fall for something because you are able to think for yourself.
3. We have writing skills.
This semester has been the least amount of writing I have had to do for class, but whenever I am given a writing assignment I have little to no struggle doing it because I have developed writing skills from my professors that have given me the confidence to write anything.
4. Literature changes the world.
Anne Frank’s diary connected the world with holocaust, Harriet Beecher Stowe wrote a novel that started the Civil War, Harper Lee depicted racism in "To Kill a Mockingbird," Toni Morrison’s "Beloved" showed how slavery destroys black families, and so many more novels have touched the hearts of people around the world. Much of the basis for the American government system is based off of literature from the past. Though literature is looked at negatively by “practical” people, it has helped shape and progress the world.
5. Depending on the curriculum, we are exposed to diverse ideas.
Most English departments focus on British literature otherwise known as courses on dead white dudes. At UALR I have been able to take courses that deal with African Americans, postcolonial literature, and literature on social justice. I have meet some borderline racist people in those classes, but at least they are learning about their racist ways. In British literature classes we don’t have to face our prejudice as much.
6. Opportunities in social justice.
In my literature and social justice class we have to do service learning as part of our grade. I love that part of the class because I am able to be out in my community and learn about problems that people are facing.
7. Anything can be taught in comparison to literature.
Next semester one of my professors will be teaching a course in which she will draw in crime justice. This semester I am taking a course that uses adaptations of Shakespeare along with the original text. There are so many things that can be discussed when it comes to literature.
8. Job/Career possibilities.
You can go into law with an English degree, teach, write (professional or personal), work in libraries, work at publishing companies, become an editor, and more. Employers are always looking for someone with great critical reading, writing, and thinking skills.
The possibilities are open when it comes to being an English major. I advise you to take a few English courses. You might enjoy discussing the themes of books and poems, relating them to the real world, and disagreeing with someone about their comments. Being an English major is worth it. It will change your life.
