Life isn’t always so easy, you know
In addition to being asked about the genres of literature I read and where I want to attend college after graduation, I’m often grilled about what I want to major in. As I’ve indicated before, I have a huge desire in studying English/Writing/Literature at Eastern. There is even a major that is combined as the three I listed above, so it’s perfect. But whenever I tell people who ask what I want to major in, they don’t seem to think it’s so perfect. About 90% of the time, I’d say I get the same response, which is as follows:
“You know, there aren’t many jobs out there that require English teachers. If you ask me, I’d say you should study another field.”
The first problem with anyone who responds to me with this is that I wasn’t asking you what I should major in to begin with. You asked me what I was majoring in, and I’m merely answering your inquiry. I don’t want your advice about how math and science would be more successful. I realize that those jobs are in demand, yes, but I have no desire at all to pursue anything related to anything but English, literature, or writing creativily (or basically, being a teacher). It doesn’t make sense to me, personally. Why would I waste my time doing something I hate and a subject I’m terrible at? I wouldn’t be contributing to society at all. If anything, I would just be plunging it into an even bigger hole than the one it’s been spiraling into. As for the shortage of teaching jobs and anything related to English? All I have to say to that is, life isn’t always easy. I know mine hasn’t been. It hasn’t been easy watching my dad battle MS at a young age, witness my brother’s diagnosis with Autism, miss half of fifth grade sitting in the hospital. And that’s only a highlight of the hardships I’ve gone through. The point I’m reaching at is, if I’ve gone through so much already, what difference would it make to search a little harder than most other people for a job? I’m willing to take any job I’m offered and to search until I accomplish finding one after graduating from college. If I’m willing to put forth the time, energy, and passion for my field, then I think people should stop worrying about what I want to study. English has been and always will be what I care most about. I’ve been writing poems and stories since I learned how to write in first grade, and reading books since I learned how to read effortlessly sometime in second grade. I’m positive this only enforces my point of wanting to be an English teacher. If you’re not convinced by this point, then I think you should be worrying about your own job being in jeopardy instead of my future. ;)
