I am English Literature major and I love getting asked, "Oh, you are going to teach with that, aren't you?" Absolutely not! Do not assume that because I am English major that I am going to be a teacher, you all do realize what they say about people that assume things. I love the odd looks you get from people when you say you want to go into publishing to be an editor. There are other jobs out there besides teaching for English majors.
Please break the stereotype that all English majors are teachers, it is a very bad stereotype to have of people. I am English major because I love to read and I carry a book with me everywhere I go. I do not have the patience to teach kids about the classics of Bronte, Dickens, Shakespeare, or Poe. That is not written in the stars for me. There are many other jobs and positions for English majors and it does not have to be teaching.
Some of us hate that you assume we want to be teachers with our degrees, it bothers us very much. Not everyone is cut out to be a teacher. We are English majors because we like to read novels and short stories, some poetry, and plays. Most importantly, we want to be able to write that great novel some day and see our name in print.
We are non-teaching majors because we want to possibly be a journalist, reporter, or in PR. Some of us want to be editors at major publishing houses. Some of want to be technical writers for Apple and Google-- talk about how much fun that would be.
Just because we say we are English majors, do not assume we want to be teachers, it is a very good way to upset us and make us walk away from the conversation we were having. We are English majors because we like to read, and analyze work. We are English majors because like to write. Maybe some of will be famous bloggers some day.
Also, don't think because we are English majors we get a light course load, because you would be oh so wrong on that account. Most of the classes we take we have to read up to a hundred pages of text and sometimes whole novels. Plus, don't forget that paper that is due that can be up to twelve pages long with five or six sources. Trust us, we get as stressed as you when it comes to homework, our work we just enjoy a little because we are doing our favorite thing and reading or writing.
Next time you are talking to English major or someone says they are an English major, do not assume they are a teacher, plenty of them are, but some of that aren't get a little offended when you assume we want to be teachers.
