11 Things English Majors Won't Admit | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

11 Things English Majors Won't Admit

Truthfully, I don't know the difference between "past" and "passed," but I don't care.

20
11 Things English Majors Won't Admit
Odyssey

I would venture to say that we all take pride in our choice of study. From the hard sciences to the performing arts, we like feeling confident in knowing anything and everything about that particular subject. But truthfully, we can never really know everything, and sometimes we have a hard time admitting that. As an English major, I have compiled a list of things I am embarrassed to admit. If you're an English wiz, you might be able to identify with some of these secret inadequacies. Luckily, you don't have to admit them if you choose not to. I guess this is my way of reaching out and assuring you that you are not alone.

1. I haven't actually read that many books.

Like, okay, yes. I love literature. I love analyzing the genius symbols, motifs, and diction written into a novel or a poem, but the physical act of moving my eyes across a page to be able to do so? Not quite the biggest fan. So while I have read several books, I don't LOVE reading, and there are still plenty of selections on my to-read list.

2. We use the term "writer" loosely.

I would venture to say that most English majors have, on at least one occasion, referred to themselves as a writer. But the truth is, most of us have probably written one short story, a handful of poems, and bulletted list of potential plots for a novel. Max. And they are all in one folder on our laptop, on notes in our iPhone, or in a desk drawer. It is likely that none of them have been published or ever will be. But, nonetheless, we are still "writers."

3. We don't always care about grammar.

I think society places an absurd expectation on English majors. We are watched more closely whenever we post a Facebook status, send a text, or write an Odyssey article. As you can see by my excessive use of FANBOYs to begin a sentence, I DON'T ALWAYS CARE ABOUT USING PROPER GRAMMAR.

4. We don't always know everything about grammar.

I will be honest. If you use the wrong your/you're, I will block your number and unfollow you on Twitter. But at the same time, I will shamefully admit that I don't know the difference between past and passed. I'll get there someday. Maybe.

5. We sometimes hate the classics.

Yes, Shakespeare put his dent in history and was a brilliant writer. There's no denying that... for the most part. Truthfully, sometimes it's just boring gibberish that we don't fully understand.

6. We stretch the symbolism.

Okay F. Scott Fitzgerald. We get it. The green light is supposed to represent wealth, the American Dream, Gatsby's love. At least that's what readers have insisted on over the years. But perhaps, at the end of the day, the green light was really just a green light, and we are really just overthinking it.

7. We like other subjects.

Science and math? No. But throw me in the deep end of a theatre course or a religious study lecture, and I'm all ears. English isn't necessarily my favorite course of each semester.

8. Some of us want to be teachers.

There's this weird phenomenon that occurs on college campuses. If you disclose to someone that you are studying English, people automatically respond with "Oh so you want to be a teacher." Now we English majors know that there is a plethora of career opportunities in the English field, so perhaps this comment has you burning with rage. It makes some of us almost embarrassed to admit that, yes, we do want to be teachers! But NOT because that is our only way of putting our degrees to use.

9. We're not going to edit lightly.

Don't ask us to help you with your paper unless you actually want the help. We won't sugar coat things and tell you that it's fine the way it is. We also won't write the thing for you. But we might just point out which sentences need rephrasing, underdeveloped themes, unorganized paragraph structure, and an abundance of unnecessary commas. There is a 100% chance that we will be annoyed if we put effort into helping you, and you disregard all of our suggestions. (I say "we" and "our," but I really mean "me" and "mine.")

10. What are parts of speech?

My favorite activity in high school was Daily Grammar Practice, more commonly known as DGP, or as Mr. Reese called it, "DGPiggidy." I learned a lot. I can spot a preposition from a mile away, but please don't ask me to explain the difference between a gerund and a participle. Simply put, I can't.

11. I don't care if I made a mistake in this article.

There are probably one or more grammatical/spelling errors in this article. Please don't point them out to me. I am already being vulnerable enough with all of these confessions. Don't kick me when I'm already down. Okay bye.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

171053
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading...Show less
Zodiac wheel with signs and symbols surrounding a central sun against a starry sky.

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

55857
Person in front of neon musical instruments; glowing red and white lights.
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading...Show less
Chalk drawing of scales weighing "good" and "bad" on a blackboard.
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading...Show less
Health and Wellness

10 Hygiene Tips For All College Athletes

College athletes, it's time we talk about sports hygiene.

49662
Woman doing pull-ups on bars with sun shining behind her.

I got a request to talk about college athletes hygiene so here it is.

College athletes, I get it, you are busy! From class, to morning workouts, to study table, to practice, and more. But that does not excuse the fact that your hygiene comes first! Here are some tips when it comes to taking care of your self.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments