Everybody knows that the trending majors all fall under the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) category. Of course, some of us, even if we are knowledgeable in those areas, choose to pursue degrees that definitely don’t fall into that category. I’m sure if you’re pursuing a degree in anything outside of STEM you can probably relate to this post. These are things that English majors get tired of hearing:
1. What are you going to do with that?
I don’t know, maybe go after my dreams? My long term goal is editing and possibly writing, I don’t really think a BS in Electrical Engineering is going to help me get there.
2. So... Are you going to be a teacher?
This is a double edged sword for me. Yes, I will be a teacher. Abroad. In South Korea. No, I will not be teaching your kids. Teachers are needed and wonderful, but this degree extends beyond teaching. It enables us to learn history and make the future. We can write, advertise, edit, publish, teach and so much more with an English degree.
3. Weren’t your parents upset when you chose to major in English?
No, actually, they weren’t. That’s probably because they want me to be my own kind of successful.
4. Oh, you’ll change your mind.
No I won’t? That would jar my entire career path and I don’t intend on changing my passions anytime soon…
5. Good luck finding a job.
Name one employer who doesn’t want someone who is knowledgeable, driven, and proficient in communication. You probably can’t and that’s why I don’t need your luck.
Some people can be very demeaning when it comes to your choices and plans for the future, especially when it doesn’t match up with theirs. Personally, I plan to be happy and do what it takes to be happy. For me, a degree in English will open up so many doors that I can’t pass up.
To all you students pursuing something outside of the range of STEM: follow your dreams and don’t let the criticism make you feel like you need to compromise your passions for other people to accept you.
