It happens fairly often: I'm having a conversation with someone new, when all of a sudden, that pesky question pops up. "What are you majoring in?" With a sigh, I'm forced to answer. I know the reaction that I will get. Their eyebrows will raise in complete shock, as if they can't comprehend the idea of a degree in English. What? An English major? What kind of sorcery is this?! Yes, it's true: I'm an English major...and no, I don't want to teach. That's usually the statement that follows. "So, you'll be teaching?" Sigh. No.
I want to write.
I shouldn't have to defend myself when I tell someone that I'm an English major, and yet I feel as if I always do. Why is it so looked down on by everyone? Why is it so difficult to accept someone who doesn't have aspirations of being a doctor or a lawyer or, in my case, a nurse? As a former nursing major, I was more accepted and understood, as depressing as that is. Just because I have no interest in science or math doesn't mean that I'm not as important as those who do. I can't tell you how many times I've had a conversation with a pre-med student who has practically rolled their eyes at me when they discover that I like to write. Books? English? Grammar?! The horror!
When people find out that I used to be a nursing major, it gets even better. I've had people ask me, "Well why did you switch? What's wrong with nursing?"
Um, there's nothing wrong with nursing. We all need nurses. I'm just passionate about writing, and that's what I choose to do and focus my career around. That's the beauty of going to college: you can pick your own path to follow and major in whatever you choose! Crazy, right? That means some people are English majors, psychology majors, art majors, music majors, nursing majors, biology majors, chemistry majors, history majors, philosophy majors, etc. Is it really necessary to look down on people because of what they're studying? I've never regretted my decision to switch from nursing to English, and I'll never understand why some people can't accept that for what it is.
I enjoy writing, just like some people enjoy math. I've never liked math, but I've never made someone feel inferior because they're passionate about it.
I enjoy words, grammar usage, the English language, fiction, reading, and expressing myself through my writing. My major is just as important as anyone else's. I don't have to be a science major to matter.
I'll graduate with a degree in something that I love, and I'll go on to find a job doing something that I love, and that's all that matters.
