Whenever I’m asked what my major is, I can’t help but internally cringe. It isn’t because I dislike my major. I’m actually fairly happy with my classes and am extremely excited about my future job opportunities. However, I know what’s coming. I’ll say that I’m an English major and I will be faced with one of three different responses; “What grade are you going to teach English to?”, “What are you going to do with that?”, and my all time favorite, “You know books are going extinct, right?”. Unfortunately, my major isn’t one that is easily understood by the general population. So, people are bound to ask questions about things that they don’t understand. Here are some things that we English Majors would rather not be asked;
Have you read any good books lately?
I entered this major because I am naturally fond of reading and writing. However, the English major is extremely reading heavy. Almost every English based class will require me to read a few chapters, at least, every single night. So, while I do enjoy reading more than anything else in the world, I just don’t have time to read the books that I want to anymore. My books about grammar and Shakespeare have completely taken over for the semester. Please don’t remind me that I haven’t been able to finish that amazing book that is collecting dust on my dresser. I’m just too busy to read for fun. (However, during summer vacation, or winter break, my favorite books will be read again and I’ll have a long list of the best ones for you if you’re willing to hear me drone on about them for hours.)
Can you proofread final essay? It’s only twenty-seven pages long.
I don’t mind helping my friends out here and there with assignments, because English is something that I enjoy. But when people are constantly begging for help, or just expecting help because of my major, it becomes overwhelming. My classes require me to write so many of my own papers, that honestly, the last thing I want to do is read someone else’s final paper about the rivers of Egypt.
How do you spell this word?
I’m not a human dictionary! While years of reading countless books have helped my vocabulary to grow, I’m not a genius in regards to the English language. Chances are if you ask me the spelling of ‘onomatopoeia’, I’m just going to sneakily type it into my phone and read you the spelling from online. You’d probably be better off just searching for the word yourself. (Although the faith you have in my intelligence is sort of flattering. Sometimes.)
Why do you have typos, I thought you studied grammar?
Here is the one I get the most often. If I make any sort of English related mistake, people are very quick to judge. There will be emails sent with typos, text messages with horrible grammar, and sometimes when I speak, my words will come out in a jumbled mess. But I’m only human. I’m in this major because I want to learn, which means that I’m not a professional yet. I’m on an on-going journey towards becoming a more efficient writer, reader, and learner. I’m still only human, and all humans make mistakes. Even especially dedicated, hardworking English majors.
