You meet a lot of different people throughout your time in college, and usually, they kick off small talk by asking about your major. While everyone has different opinions on certain job fields, I have noticed a certain attitude toward English majors.

In a society where people seem to think you can only "make it" in a scientific field or by taking the business route, studying literature and writing are apparently big no-nos. People think there are only a few things you're able to do with a degree in English. I'm here to tell you a few things I've heard over and over, and set the record straight as to why they're wrong.

1. "So you must love kids and want to teach?"

I fell into the English world on a whim and haven't looked back since. Every time I tell someone about my major, this is their first reaction. As if every Biology major wants to be a science teacher and every math major wants to teach math. It's such a stereotype, and if people actually looked into job fields and their requirements, they would see that there are many different opportunities for many different types of backgrounds.

2. "All you do is read, huh?"

While studying literature through reading books is a big part of what we do, it actually creates balance in our lives. We read so much that we become very good at it. We read quickly, therefore leaving time for other activities. See what I did there?

3. "I'm sure you love Shakespeare."

Most of us have heard of, if not read, Shakespeare. It's required reading in college as an English major as well. That doesn't mean I enjoy it. (Although after analyzing his work and getting down its true meanings, it's not that bad.) His plays are not my cup of tea, and just because I chose to analyze works of literature for my college career doesn't mean they need to be.

4. “I hope you like Kraft mac 'n' cheese because that’s all you’ll be able to afford.”

This is my personal favorite. On countless occasions, people will say, "Oh, but how will you live? Authors don't make that much. And neither do teachers." It baffles me. First of all, my future financial situation is no one's business. Secondly, who says no to mac 'n' cheese?

These are just a few of the generalizations I've come across since declaring my major. Personally, I don't think it's right to assume you know what someone wants to do with their life just from finding out what they're going to college for. There are plenty of opportunities in fields you wouldn't even imagine for those with English degrees. Who knows, the next CEO of a big-name company just might be an English major. Because that actually happens.