I recently dropped my education major and simultaneously dropped the only rock-solid plan I had for my future. I did have it all figured out. I was going to be a secondary English teacher and spend my life throwing books at children for them to read. When people asked what I was studying, I would muster all of my confidence and say English and education. They would smile a sad smile because teaching is a thankless job. They predicted by my few words that I would end up miserable in this field that I was and still am terribly passionate about. I would tell them I recognize the flaws and that someday I hope to fix them. People like optimism, so it got the sad look out of their eyes.

I recently dropped the education part of my declaration and now the word English leaves my lips tasting like poison as I swallow the slow criticism to come. People first furrow their brows in an attempt to understand and then the inevitable question, “What do you want to do with that?” I politely smile and say I want to be a writer, they nervously smile and dart their eyes toward my nearest guardian asking if this is okay. Then they ask, “So you don’t have a plan for after graduation, do you?” I smile again because my mother taught me to and I tell them that I do have a very big plan for after graduation. They never believe me, so I decided to compile a list of why the world needs English majors.

Bookworms.

Sometimes I look at my collection of books and believe that it is English majors that are the reasons we still have bookstores. We devour every word we are handed and can edit the flaws we find so that those who don’t like to read can reap the rewards of our excitement.

Lawyers.

According to usnews.com, 76 percent of those accepted into law school were English majors, and this is due to the fact that being an English major means reading half of "Beowulf" one night and discussing it in depth the next day. It is essential to take large amounts of information that make little sense and analyze them until there are 15 different possible answers to who did Mr. Prufrock actually write the love letter too?

Hypothetically, I can construct a sentence better than my fellow business major.

In fact, many CEO's hire English majors to write their emails, write grants and write things that would reflect poorly on them if there was poor English involved. You need us -- you just don’t know it yet.

English majors naturally write better and hone in the critical thinking skills on paper.

I remember there was a time when the only way I made sense was when I wrote my thoughts on paper. Even today I know it is my strength to communicate through my writing rather than improvising my speech.

One day, I am going to write a New York Times Bestseller, and it will be dedicated first to my parents, and underneath that it will be dedicated to all those who hated on the English major. Similar to all the New York Times Bestsellers my mother handed me growing up, my book will be discussed at cocktail parties and on dates. You need English majors because we give you something to talk about.

What I have learned since coming out as an English major is that people have opinions no matter what major I choose; they will always think they know what is best. Fortunately, I also know what makes me happy, and that is cranking out stories, poems, plays and articles because I love writing and I am a proud English major.