I Was an English Major

Ted, you kill me.

from youtube

A funny thing happened last week: someone engaged me in a conversation about my English degree and literature. Yeah, you heard me. I talked about literature outside of my undergrad years and yes, I have my degree in English. I am not ashamed, despite however much society may try to ostracize those who choose to pursue a degree in the liberal arts as opposed to one with a natural progression towards specific career choices. I understand where the disapproval and exclusion stems from -- most people just don't get it. My choice in major was almost always met with a look of concern and then the subsequent reaction: "So you want to be a teacher then?" No. I do not want to be a teacher. I have the utmost respect for all of my teachers (especially my English teachers), but actually, choosing to pursue my undergraduate degree in English does not mean that my only option upon graduation is to teach. Just because you have an English degree and then become a teacher does not mean that this progression of events necessarily implies causality.

Since graduating, I have obviously chosen not to pursue the path that so many think is oft taken by others with my degree. And while I haven't doubted my decision not to pursue a teaching career, I cannot say that I haven't doubted my decision to pursue my undergraduate degree in English. *GASP* I know, I know, I really am not supposed to admit that on behalf of my fellow literature-lovers and bibliophiles -- after all, we already have to defend our chosen path tooth-and-nail in order to prove its legitimacy as a field of study (and we certainly have been for years and still are.) The last thing the English degree needs is another adversary, especially one with insider knowledge. But I know I'm not alone in my doubt. However, when I say I'm not alone, I mean that I know other students of all types of degrees have second-guessed the academic route they travelled in those fun, albeit confusing, four years.

I obviously don't use my skills of literary analysis and comprehension on a regular basis (and certainly not in my current job), so from time to time, I wonder if I would have benefitted from a different degree. Should I have chosen a field of study catered to a specific profession? One that would most certainly guarantee a life of the big bucks (hello, engineering!)? Did I have it all wrong in choosing something that I most definitely love to learn about and even more so, am passionate about? Who is the fool here? Please don't say it's me!

But when I found myself enveloped in a conversation regarding my studies as an English major and then my thoughts on literature (works of literature, how to define literature, what should be considered canonical, different ways to analyze texts, literature as a field of study, etc), I realized that, even over a year out of the classroom, my love for my English degree remained steady and true. I was revitalized! I was impassioned! I was talking about literature!

I realized that even though I haven't been able to utilize and optimize the skills I developed and strengthened over the years as an English major, they are still tucked away in the file-cabinets of my mind, anxiously anticipating and waiting for the moment they are able to be brushed off and opened up again. This doesn't mean that my skills are never put to use. My studies in English literature have given me a communicative edge: I efficiently, clearly and effectively can communicate a message, something that is important in all facets of business and life. I understand the power of word choice and how to manipulate language in a way that can get you what you want and say what you want. I find that the ability to speak well and write well are too often undervalued, and yet, I was able to learn those skills as an English major. I still love to discuss literature -- dissecting text, analyzing potential meaning, carefully looking at diction, metaphors, and any other literary device you want to throw in there. I wish I was able to incorporate this love into my everyday life more often, aside from the occasional discussion of a book I happen to be reading or on the off-chance I am able to convince someone to get down and dirty with some literary analysis.

When choosing my major, I went with my gut and what inspired me to my core. I fully realize, especially now that I am in the workforce, that my passion may not necessarily guarantee a life of financial prosperity, but I think I am okay with that.If happiness is the goal, then I don't know if pursuing a degree in something that I didn't truly love for the sake of a big paycheck would be able to help me achieve that goal. It is a small sacrifice in the name of preserving my soul.

Shout-out to my allies in literary pride!