Announcing yourself as an English major comes with certain expectations or assumptions from the people around you, and there are definitely things we do that are so characteristic of being an English major. These are only a few of the truths that come along with pursuing this course of study.
1. You get asked, "Do you want to become a teacher?"
Oh my God, if I had a dollar every time someone asked me this question, I'd have enough to pay off my student loans. Just because I'm studying English doesn't mean that I'm destined to become a teacher! It's not the only job available to me!
2. You're overloaded with reading assignments.
Sometimes, it seems like a good idea to take three English courses in one semester along with a heavy reading-based history course, but listen—it's not. I'm reading too many books in too many different genres, and I can't figure out what happens in each one. I'm tired of spending endless hours trying to keep up with my syllabus.
3. You never have time to read for pleasure.
If there's one thing I've noticed among English majors, it's that for people who seem to enjoy reading so much, it's incredibly difficult to do it outside of class. My current priority lies within passing my classes and finishing my degree, and no matter how much I wish to pick what I read next, I know it's not possible within my schedule.
4. The amount of papers you have to finish seems never-ending.
I knew what I was in for when I declared myself as an English major, but still, I don't want this many essays. It's tiring to bash out a few pages on topics that I barely remember.
5. Yet, you've mastered the skill of BS-ing a paper the night before.
Trust me, it's a practiced skill, but once you do it enough, it's not as stressful as you imagine. You learn what professors expect from you, and you can get an incredible grade on a paper you started the night before. Some of my friends envy my ability to write a three-page essay within an hour. Honestly? I don't really understand how I do it either.
6. Every critique on a piece of your writing is taken very personally.
For someone who puts my work out there for the world to read, I find it difficult to absorb criticism from someone sitting in front of me, and each comment stings—even if I do agree with them. Our writing is precious to us, but we get used to criticism soon enough.
7. You get asked by others to write their papers for them.
The answer is no. I have enough on my plate as it is. Nope.
8. People ask you to write about them.
As well-intentioned as this might be, the reality is that when we write, our inspiration comes in bursts, and it takes several eternities to finish and polish a piece that we're proud of. I'm not inclined to write you into a novel that will take me months to finish when it isn't your story. Sorry.
If you're an English major, I hope you related to some of these truths I experience. Or maybe it's better if you can't. Maybe you can be that lucky English major that never has any reading to do. Regardless, I love this major, and I'm forever grateful that I chose to study it in college. I hope you are too.
