1. Half the people you talk to don't understand the point of your major
So is that like English? Is that like news writing? What's the point of your major? Didn't you know how to write before you got to college? If you're a writing major, you've probably heard all these things and more. Yes, the major is broad and there's a lot of different career paths I could take once I finish my degree, but rather than ask about that, most stick to the questions above. After three years, it has gotten old.
2. People think you're a free editor
No, seriously, I've had guys flirt with me by asking if I'd like to come to their place to proofread their paper, which I do not dignify with a response. While I don't mind proofreading a paper for a friend, and we all know a second set of eyes never hurt anyone, it's frustrating when people ask for more. No, I will not outline your essay for you. That's why we have a writing center. Besides, on any given day, I've got about three essays of my own to write.
3. You critique other's writing way too closely
I don't consider myself a grammar fiend, and definitely would never wear such a label like a badge of honor, but I do inevitably find myself examining other's work with a fine-toothed comb. Especially when it's been published. I'm not saying I could do it better than a professional – in fact I'd likely make mistakes they wouldn't – but I still find myself question their choice of diction or paragraph. Some would say that's lame, but I like to think of it as a positive learning experience.
4. You're even more obsessive about your own
Seriously, I feel like it takes me forever to write something I'm happy with. I procrastinate a lot less, because I always want lot of time to edit my essays, and know I'll turn in something I feel lousy about if I wait until the last minute. I'm very, very critical of my own work, and sometimes feel like I make nothing but mistakes. It's an inevitable feeling I suppose, especially when trying out new formats and ideas. The good news is that you learn from past errors, and that considerably cuts down on editing time.
5. Workshops are a nail-biter
For those who don't know, workshops are time set aside for the class to focus in on one particular classmate's work for the sake of overall improvement. In short, your classmates tell you what they like about your writing and where you could improve, though opinions are often conflicting. It's very beneficial, but when the focus is one you, it's also anxiety-inducing. What if they all hate it? What if they think I'm a bad writer? Is that a typo on page three? It's scary to write for an audience.
6. You never feel finished
I recently stumbled upon an essay from my freshman year of college, one I'd gotten an 'A' on, and found a barrage of mistakes. It was good, but I saw ways that it could be better, and that seems to be a popular theme in writing. Since good writing is sometimes subjective, there are always errors to be found. As a result, it's hard to ever feel like you've completed the task
