No, I Don't Want To Be A Teacher With My English Major | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

No, I Don't Want To Be A Teacher With My English Major

But I'll be honest and say I haven't got the clearest idea of what I want to do with my major -- yet!

54
No, I Don't Want To Be A Teacher With My English Major

Let's be upfront here -- every major comes with its typical, cliche path to a career, that EVERYONE seems to question you about; English is no different.

And I get it. You probably don't think I have many options in the world, other than getting myself into some form of education. While I know a lot of English majors going into the education field, it's safe to say it's one of many misconceptions I have as an English major. So, here are some clarifications:

I don't want to become a teacher

Giphy

Becoming a professor, if anything, has crossed my mind from time to time, but I'll be damned if I were ever stuck in a classroom of babbling babies or pre-pubescent preteens. As much as I give them credit, teachers just r e a l l y don't get paid enough for the people, and the incidents they have to go through on the daily. But hey, at least they'll be having it way better than me when it comes to summer vacations.

I hate (some) reading

Giphy

But more specifically, the kinds of pieces with dense, academic, border-line Latin writing that was translated from a piece of text older than my grandmother. Throw me anything else but that and I'll be more than glad to read it.

Now in comes the bUt YoUrE SuPpOsEd To KnOw HoW tO ReAd iT! thoughts. They come a lot more often than they should, and I'd be lying if I said it didn't embarrass me. But just because the words are in English, and they're strung together in grammatically sound sentences, doesn't always mean they're able to be read (or at least, understood) (I'm looking at you, Plato, and The Republic)

I still don't know when to properly use a comma

Giphy

But hey, it's a learning process is it not? I am 100% the kind of person to throw a comma in every possible location, useful or not. However, as the years have gone by, I've learned that I'm not the only one! Fellow English majors, don't condemn me for not having the most pristine and proper use of grammar or punctuation; I can assure you that I'm trying my hardest here.

I'm not worried about not finding a job with my degree

Giphy

Because believe it or not, good writing, excellent persuasion skills, and effective communication are skills that are not only taught to English majors, but also key elements that job fields are looking for.

There is more to being an English major than reading books and writing essays

Giphy

In two years alone, I have already experimented with literature, classic stories, poetry, drama plays, nonfiction, fiction, sci-fi flash fiction, and a dozen more. I won't be getting my degree solely through writing persuasive essays and analyzing pieces of text. English, as a whole, is one of the most diverse forms of practice that can range from anything one could desire.

I don't know what I want to do with my major

Giphy

Job wise, at least. Despite not fitting into the standard norms that an English major may have, I know my love for the field is still there. I'm not interested in finding a specific job, but rather any job that involves what I love to do. I know that with enough dedication, I can perfect my craft as an English major and a dream job will find its way to me, naturally.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190810
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

15219
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

458100
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26750
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments