Through many unnecessary courses and trips to the advising office to change my major, I finally found my calling. It was obvious that this particular area was what I was best at; I clearly was just in denial for all but the past year of my life. English has always been my favorite subject and has been what I am best at. Writing gives me butterflies that no romantic interest could ever trigger. With anything, there are negative aspects that come along with the magnificent overall experience. Though these do not outweigh the positive, they can still present a challenge.
Pros
1. ESSAYS! ESSAYS! ESSAYS!
Every time someone complains about having to write a paper my heart breaks a little. Essays and the process of constructing an essay is absolutely beautiful. There are so many different ways to go about writing an essay and so many opportunities to add your personal touch. I love opening a blank word document and just letting the words leak out of my fingertips. I feel at peace when I write; there are so many things I can put on a paper that just don't seem to come out of my mouth. Writing is my free and creative therapy.
2. An English degree will take you further than you think
The number one reason I never followed my true passion is because I did not believe I would find a career with this degree. After classes that bored me and made me dread what was to come, I realized that receiving a degree in something you were passionate about was better than a degree in something you hate, even if it does guarantee a job. I have discovered through my pursuit that an English degree will get you further than I thought. An English degree shows an employer that you generally know what you're doing as far as reading and writing. Both of these traits are essential for virtually any field one could go into. An English major does not ALWAYS have to be a teacher. I can do whatever I want and I will!
3. Grammar is awesome
Okay, I am not a "grammar Nazi". That was a lie. I am. Although, I will not embarrass you on your Facebook status by correcting your grammar. One of my favorite things to do is to fix a grammatically incorrect sentence. This is very convenient due to the fact that I am a writing tutor! I find all of the aspects of grammar so fascinating. A sentence is just a sentence until you really look at just how many parts there are to it and how it is put together. While I love grammar and love being grammatically correct, this does not mean I am always perfect.
Cons
1. Unrealistic expectations
Whenever I tell someone that I am an English major, there is instantly an enormous amount of pressure. Majority of people hold me to his unrealistic expectation that everything that comes out of my mouth is always 100% grammatically correct. As I said in my last pro, I am not always perfect. No one is perfect! Sometimes doctors misdiagnose. Sometimes mechanics put things on backwards...I think? I'm clearly not a mechanic. Point is, as much as I love English and grammar even I make mistakes sometimes. Sorry!
2. Reading is great, but...
Of course I love reading! What kind of English major would I be if I didn't? What I don't like is being told what to read. I know, I'm such a rebellious child. I can't help it! When I read a book of my own choosing for enjoyment it is not a problem to read in a day or two. When I am told to read something and given a deadline, it can be a challenge. Especially when assigned a horrible book. I try to look at every book as an adventure and a new experience regardless of what it is, but sometimes it's easier said than done!
3. I cannot think of any other cons, hence, English is awesome
