English Major
Start writing a post
Student Life

10 Things They Don't Tell You About Being An English Major

It truly is art.

104
Girl

College is a time for us to find our passions and future careers through different experiences, whether it be socially or academically. Once we kinda have an idea, we declare our majors and continue to get our degrees. It can be tricky and confusing at times, but we all get there at one point. As an English major, here are five truths about my major.

1. Writing never stops

Giphy

Papers will be your new best friend since you'll have multiple types due each week. This can range from analyzing novels to writing imitations of other poets. You'll be pretty much attached to your computer or journal typing furiously away or pouring all your thoughts out on paper.

2. You'll learn to actually read

Now, I don't mean reading through a few pages and just understanding the context that's right in front of you, but reading as in following the rhythm, style, and meter of all the sentences. Where each word originated from and what it means in a specific time period. You'll be an expert in no time.

3. You'll develop an appreciation toward all the writers you read

After you become knowledgeable about all the complex processes and thought that goes into literary pieces, you'll be in awe of all the writers you read. Everything will come full circle because you'll have a better understanding of the structure they chose to make their poem into and the relation to their themes. You'll be shook by how much time goes into each word. It truly is art.

4. "What do you want to do with your major?"

This will probably be the number one question you'll be asked all through college and it'll get frustrating if you don't know what exactly you want to pursue. That's okay! You're supposed to still be figuring things out. Whether it be teaching, editing, or even law, you have time, so don't freak.

5. You'll be asked to edit a lot of papers

Get ready, because you'll be getting a lot of requests from peers and friends to edit their papers, which can get overwhelming when you have a lot of your own work to do. So don't feel pressured to say yes if you really don't have time. Worry about yourself first.

6. READING, READING, READING

Look, I'm going to have to break it real hard down on you all English majors... you'll have to come in "friendly" terms with reading if you want this work. Not only will you be reading multiple chapters and pages a night, but you'll need to be ready to discuss all the key points in class. If you're like me, a picky reader, this part will be hard if you're required to read boring books, but you'll be able to do it! Just don't read on your bed because you'll pass out... trust me... I know from experience.

7. Skimming will be your new best friend 

Giphy

Referencing my first point about reading, if reading is your best friend, then, skimming will actually be your best friend forever and ever and ever. You'll begin to be able to read at un-normal rates and still understand everything that's going on without reading every word. Don't get me wrong, this skill takes work and time to really master it, but once you do, the game will change.

8. You can't write texts without proper punctuation

Giphy

You really can't write text messages without inserting commas because it just doesn't sound right. While your friends may be thriving on grammar errors, you need everything to flow in your messages. It can also often be painful in writing abbreviations instead of the full word, so you put your own twist to it like writing out "hahaha" instead of "LOL" or "oh my god" instead of "OMG."

9. You're creative 

Giphy

Your mind is always filled with different ideas, to the point, where you just want to start so many new projects. You're always thinking outside the box when your given open-ended assignments and visualizing everything in your mind.

10. Finally, you'll spend more money on your stationery than anything else

Giphy

Your stationery will literally be your pride and joy. You'll spend a lot of money on your new babies and be very picky to which brands and designs suit you since it's a great representation of your personality.

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

Summer is hot and humid, and it's almost like summer was made specifically to drink the refreshing, cold, crisp wonderful, delicious, nutritious nectar of the gods. Which is none other than beer; wonderful cold beer. With summer playing peek-a-boo around the corner while we finish up this semester, it's time to discuss the only important part of summer. And if you haven't already guessed, it's beer. There are few things I take more seriously than my beer, in order are: sports... and beer. Here are my favorite summer brews:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

7 Reasons SoCal Rocks!

75 degrees and sunny, plus, no humidity. I mean do I really need to say more?

1294
woman in black and white long sleeve shirt carrying girl in red jacket in Venice beach
Photo by Jeff Hopper on Unsplash

SoCal summers are the best summers by far, and honestly, no argument is needed. But, if you aren't sure why SoCal summers are the best, here are 7 reasons why!

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

25 Lyrics for Selfie Captions

Because let's be honest, we all use lyrics.

53685
woman takes a selfie for social media
Pixabay

Sometimes you can't think of the perfect caption for your Instagram post. I love using lyrics as my captions because there's so many great lines in songs that just seem to fit in the moment. Here are some lyrics that could work for your selfie or pictures of you with your friends!

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Bruce Springsteen's Top 7 Lyrics

Everything Bruce says in his classic rock songs.

20148
bruce springsteen album cover born in the usa

Anyone who was born and raised in New Jersey (or anywhere really) knows of Bruce Springsteen, whether or not they like him is a whole other situation. I hope that his hundreds of classic rock songs and famous high energy performances, even in his sixties he can put on better concerts than people half his age, are at least recognizable to people of all ages. Love him or hate him (I identify with the former) you have to admit that some of his songs and interviews have inspirational quotes and lyrics.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

New England Summers Are The BEST Summers

Why you should spend your next summer in New England.

4496
Marconi Beach

Three years ago, I chose to attend college in Philadelphia, approximately 360 miles away from my small town in New Hampshire. I have learned many valuable lessons away from home, and have thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in Pennsylvania. One thing that my experience has taught me, however, is that it is absolutely impossible to beat a New England summer.

You cannot beat the beach. Believe it or not (which many people may not), New England has a long and beautiful coastline. Most of my high school summers were spent sitting on the Wall at Hampton Beach, getting sunburnt and eating Acai bowls from The Secret Spot. The Wall was the place to be both during the day and at night. We begin our days there with a KB's bagel and coffee, and end them with pizza and ice cream. It’s not a New England summer without that 4 p.m. text from someone, “Who wants to meet at the Wall tonight?” Nighttime is for Tripoli’s Pizza, the sound of waves, and wishes on shooting stars. Wednesday nights are especially important, as those are the nights that Hampton Beach sets off the weekly firework display.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments