Going into my second year as an English major, the many things I hear about my major no longer seem to surprise me. In fact, most of what I hear are one of the same eight reactions.

1. “Have you read [insert classic author here]?”

Probably. Whether I have or not, though, the answer is yes.

2. “So you’re good at writing?”

Duh.

3. “I hope you like reading.”

No, it isn’t my first love and the entire reason I chose this major.

4. “That sounds awful.”

So does accounting. Move along.

5. “I could never do that.”

Not with that attitude.

6. “That would be fun if it weren’t for all of the papers.”

Oh, you mean 99 percent of our work? Yeah, it just be like reading a book without that.

7. “Who’s your favorite author?”

Oh, God. Be prepared for a two-minute “umm” as I debate whether I should tell you a well-known classical author or the author of my favorite romance novels.

8. “What are you going to do with that?”

Rule the world, haters. Rule. The. World.