English majors always seem to be justifying their possible career options. As someone who easily chose that major, I can attest to this. When I tell someone my undergraduate plans, I cringe because it is usually followed by the response, “What can you do with that?” or, “Oh… You want to teach?”

Contrary to popular belief, we don’t have to be teachers. I have more respect for educators than I do for almost anyone, but it is frustrating when English majors are classified one-dimensionally when we have so much more diversity to offer.

It’s a widespread thought that English isn't a practical major nor is it connected to a wide variety of jobs. There is no factual evidence behind that stigma, and it couldn't be more wrong.

You can find English majors pursuing almost any career.

We can become editors, writers, lawyers, journalists, account executives, counselors, CEOs, film directors and so much more. This degree proves an intelligence in writing comprehension, and that is paramount in any job and a quality that employers look for in a potential employee.

English majors shouldn’t have to make excuses for why they are passionate about English. My passion lies within literature and writing, so naturally I became an English major.

Putting it simply, I've always loved books. From a young age, I was fascinated by the ability to delve deep into another world. Real-time stopped and my thoughts floated through pages and pages of imagery.

I read about princesses and puppies and as I grew, books grew with me. They became more lengthy, much more complex, and were no longer fairytales.

My freshman year in high school, my English class was assigned "The Catcher in the Rye." I had never read it before, and I had no idea how much it would affect my life.

In a class of 30-something 14-year-olds, everyone had a different story and life behind closed doors, yet everyone in that room had felt loneliness, isolation, and the desire to prevent pain in themselves or in the ones they love, just like the infamous Holden Caulfield.

In a class of 30-something 14-year-olds, everyone was connected.

In that moment, I felt the ceaseless power literature has to bind people together. I realized that there is always a pulse behind the written word and that it provides the ultimate sense of belonging.

From then on, my deep appreciation evolved into a passion that I refuse to push aside while I choose to spend my life focused on something more "practical."

So, to my fellow English majors, our passion is just as valuable as business or engineering. We are the observers and readers, writers and creators, and the inspired hoping to inspire.