I was like many other Freshman at Michigan State. I was confused by what I wanted my major to be, and I thought my strengths laid in a place where my heart was not—in math and science. I was clueless and frustrated because I was not interested in what I was doing, but by the fate of the universe, I somehow ended up in an English class. From that class on, I was hooked.

Since I had a rocky start on the path to my future career, I never fully stepped into the identity of being an English major until this semester. I did not want to think I was the ‘English type.’ I just believed I wanted to be a high school teacher, who happened to teach English. However, I know now that there is a reason I want to teach this subject, and it all boils down to one simple fact: I am an English major.

It may seem a bit counterintuitive, and it can be questioned, “Aren’t you an English major because you want to teach English?” But, please hear me out. I believe that English majors are a different breed of college students. They are the people who cannot wait to start over-analyzing a novel for their Utopian Lit class. They are the students that thirst for in-class discussions that drive them to epiphanies. They love the point of views of others and are content with the fact that there are no right answers. English majors are free-thinkers, and I am proud to be a part of this distinct group.

Not only does my major allow me to follow my heart, but it matches my character in various ways. I have a tendency to notice the grey area in the world. Luckily, this quality is applauded in my essays rather than discouraged like it would be in multiple-choice science tests. I recognize intent and emotions in text, rather than memorizing facts. I can see and feel perspective of others through beautiful literature. I am an English major and being an English major is me.

I have stepped into the identity of my major. With doing so, I have found my place in the world. Qualities that I possess help me excel in my classes. The lessons that I learn in my major shapes me into a better individual. My major and I go hand in hand; we are one. I am an English major.