10 Things All English Majors Have Experienced And Know By Heart
Start writing a post
Entertainment

'That's The Wrong Word' And 9 Other Things English Majors Understand As The Underrated College Major

This major is not all lazy days with a book and tea. There's a lot more to it.

71
girl in a bookstore

Here's a list of several things we English majors all know have occurred throughout our studies. From the questions to the love of literature, we all know how much goes into this degree. Whether you are considering becoming or are currently an English major, these are a few things you'll know extremely well.

I've chosen this path in life as it is what I love. I have discovered what I've meant to do with a future career and I hope to one day fulfill my dreams. When I grow up, I want to be a publishing lawyer. To represent publication companies and authors with their future endeavors with any form of writing they so wish. It will take lots of time and hard work. Going from an undergraduate English major to a law student — this is my dream.

1. "Oh, you're an English major, you must want to be an English teacher?"

OK, y'all, let's address this here and now. Becoming an English teacher is a completely different path and major. You would have to be an Education major with a focus on English, not the other way around. Teaching English does not mean you are an English major and that is not the only thing one can do with an English degree.

2. "Oh, you're an English major, what do you even plan to do with that?"

Being an English major is not a useless degree. With this major, one can select a wide range of future career paths. For me, I see it as a means to an end. I plan to use my degree to go to law school and hopefully becoming a publishing lawyer. I combined my two loves of literature and law to create my dream job. There are plenty of other paths such as business, advertising, publications, professors, even teaching, and many other ways to use it as a means to end with graduate school options.

3. "You must have so much free time!"

@penguinbooks / Instagram

I'll respond to that comment after I'm done reading multiple books and plays, plus writing analyses and essays of everything I just accomplished within a short period of time.

4. "You must love to write."

Unsplash

Yes, I do, but just like everyone else, it can seem like a terrifying task. We get writer's block too. We dread essay deadlines too. We stay up late to finish an essay we procrastinated on. Especially for me, I prefer personal writing (i.e. Odyssey) over an academic essay any day.

5. "It must be so easy just reading books all the time!"

Yes, we love to read, but there's so much more to it than that. We also have to tack on the historical knowledge of the book/ play/poem and know the background of the author and the purpose of their writings. And in addition to all of that, analyze each scene/chapter/line in search of the deeper meaning the author is trying to portray through their words.

6. You always correct your friends when they text "your" instead of "you're."

Giphy

C'mon guys, it's not that hard. YOUR is a possessive adjective and YOU'RE means "you are."

7. Same thing goes for "their," "they're," and "there."

Their = possessive adjective. They're = they are. There = location/position.

8. The library and books are your peanut butter and jelly. 

Disney

Or your coffee and sugar. Your bread and butter. Your tea and fuzzy socks. Rainy days and a good book. We all know it's our perfection combination.

The perfect escape from reality involves you hiding away in a stack of books, getting lost in other worlds.

9. When the lesson plan in your class involves a book you love.

Giphy

No words, just shear excitement. Let's get to reading!

10. Overall, an English major is a universal degree.

As I stated earlier, this degree can take on many different courses and challenges in life. It's complex and flexible to many different people and their dreams. There's so much more to a book than words, and there's so much more to an English degree than books.

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

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

95622
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments