Ever since I decided to major in English, I've heard various comments from friends, adults, and teachers alike. Some include, but are not limited to, "Why English? We already know it", "What are you even planning on doing with said major?" and even "I hope you're not planning to become a teacher. They don't get paid much". All of these comments, on top of others, have motivated me even further and I want to make it clear on why English is such a wonderful, and important, major.
1. It's versatile
Majoring in English helps you in any field of any job that you would like. There are countless opportunities and internships for such a major and you can take it in any direction: from being a lawyer to being an English teacher.
2. Friends love you for it.
"Quick! Give me a synonym for nice!" "Can you quickly check over this essay for me?" "Does this email to my professor sound okay?" "How do you cite in Chicago style?!" One hears these, and countless more, when being an English major.
3. Your vocabulary is tremendous and your knowledge on various books is even more so.
From Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" to John Milton's "Paradise Lost" all the way to John Fowles' "The French Lieutenant's Woman", your knowledge on books and topics of conversation increase.
4. You're the grammar nazi of the friend group... but in a good way.
"If I was you..." "No, it's: if I WERE you..." I'm sure numerous of your friends roll their eyes whenever they hear you correct them. And yet, they'll never forget it and it will get them that A on the paper they need.
5. We can write, read, and talk very well.
We've taken so many years of English classes, studied so many pieces of literature, critically thought over every little detail, and have become the best at it.
English majors are, by far, one of the most remarkable majors out there. The people are creative, smart, passionate, and well-versed. They love to talk, love to analyze, and at the end of a long day, love to curl up with a book.
We find the meaning behind the once empty words and share them with the world. What could be better than that?
