As someone who is proud to be an English major, I have found that I am surrounded by a number of successful people who have also majored in English -- like Steven Spielberg. After all, who wouldn't want to follow in the steps of the man who directed the legendary "Jurassic Park" and "Indiana Jones" series?

In all seriousness, being an English major is great. With a whirlwind of paper writing, countless references to literature, knowing that the book is always better than the movie and an excuse to spend countless hours writing papers or doing homework in a cute coffee shop, being an English major has its perks. Nevertheless, as a college student working on an essay, I am often interrupted by the standard introductory question: “So, what’s your major?” From there, a discussion will ensue, and, like “boats against the current.” English majors “beat on” past one or more of the following 15 statements.

1. “So, you want to be a teacher?”

Surprisingly, there are more careers options in the English field in addition to teaching. Not all English majors look forward to analyzing "The Great Gatsby" with high school juniors, and that position should be reserved for those with a strong desire and gift for teaching -- not just college graduates with English degrees.

2. “Wait, so if you’re not going to be a teacher, what are you going to do?”

Truth be told, I’m undecided as to what I want to do with my degree. However, my options are numerous.

3. “Will you edit this for me?”

I love to edit. Period. Once word got around campus that I enjoy editing, I was reviewing essays, job applications, cover letters, thank you notes and emails to professors. Perhaps, I should start charging since this is becoming a part-time profession!

4. "Your class load must be so easy!"

Among dozens of essays, research papers, reading assignments, presentations, poetry analysis and database research -- often due within the same week -- I have plenty of free time!

5. “Do you spend all of your time reading?”

As an English major, my love of reading is beneficial. With a never-ending list of books to read (and a stack of novels on my nightstand), an up-to-date Goodreads account and a book conveniently in my bag wherever I go, I take full advantage of every opportunity to read. Reading is knowledge.

6. “That book is huge! It looks boring."

“My dear, I don’t give a damn.” - Gone with the Wind (p. 1446).

7. “So, money must not be an important factor for you, huh?”

Your degree doesn’t make you rich; your choices in life do.

8. “You’re one of those ‘Grammar Nazis’, aren’t you?"

Admittedly, I secretly correct grammar mistakes, both written and oral -- especially the incorrect usage of who/whom, number/amount, there/their/they’re and who/that/which.

9. “I wish I had room in my schedule for an English class. I could use a break.”

In that case, please consider joining me for ENG351: Pre-1800 Literature - The Gothic Revival.

10. “Are you going to write a book?"

Contrary to popular belief, not all English majors are in the midst of writing the next New York Times Bestseller; although, that may be a bucket list item for many.

11. “How do you spell ____?"

English majors are not walking dictionaries. It is proven that when the spelling of a word is unclear, the process of looking up the correct spelling helps in remembering it.

12. “You forgot a comma. Aren’t you supposed to know this stuff since you’re an English major?"

English majors still make grammar mistakes, making it quite painful when it happens.

13. “Will you glance over my assignment? Oh, but don’t be too critical. As long as it makes sense, it’s fine.”

It is impossible for an English major to simply “glance over” an assignment. We will go into full editing mode, knowing full well that few students want to rewrite, correct and draft a final copy. As I review a paper, I will correct grammar mistakes, awkward sentence structures and poor word choice, because that’s my nature. It’s kind of like asking the doctor to put a bandage on a broken arm.

14. “It must be so nice being an English major. I’m a science major, so you can only imagine how much harder it is.”

Individual strengths and types of intellect are what make us all so special. While some diagram chemical structures, English majors diagram sentences, paragraphs and essays. Science majors may read and analyze case studies pertaining to climate change. Likewise, English majors analyze the structure, meaning and influences in environmental poetry. Both areas of study have difficult aspects.

15. “What’s the big deal with the Oxford comma?”

In my opinion, the Oxford comma is one of the most important grammar rules for writing clarification purposes. For those who may not be familiar with this term, the Oxford comma is used in a series of more than two items in a sentence that includes a comma before the “and” - for example, “I like apples, oranges, and bananas.” Oxford commas can completely change the meaning of a sentence.

“Now, if you love the Oxford comma so much, why aren’t you using it in this article?”

Odyssey articles are written in AP style, which takes away the Oxford comma -- and it pains me a little inside every time I force myself not to click the little comma key on my keyboard in the midst of a long list. Long live ‘comma and’.