English Major Q&A

 English Major Q&A

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Hannah Barber

Please introduce yourself to the English students and faculty.

Howdy! My name is Hannah Barber, and I am the loudest and proudest member of the

Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2024!

Why did you choose to major in English?

I chose to be an English major for a variety of reasons, such as a love for literature, a

passion for writing, and a desire to improve my critical thinking skills. Studying English

offers me the opportunity to immerse myself in compelling stories, explore the

complexities of the human experience, and refine my communication skills. In today's

fast-paced world, where technology has taken center stage, the art of language and

communication is still extremely important. As an English major, I hope to gain a better

understanding of how language shapes our world and use this knowledge to contribute

to society in a meaningful way. Ultimately, I believe that pursuing an English degree is a

chance for me to not only follow my passion but also to develop skills that will be

valuable in any professional setting.

What do you like most about being an English major?

Literature allows you to immerse yourself in a diverse range of stories, perspectives,

and styles. English classes often encourage critical thinking, creativity, and independent

analysis, which can be applied to other areas of life or academic pursuits. Being an

English major provides the chance to explore the different branches of literature, from

popular culture to the classics to postmodernism and all the periods in between.

Which career(s) are you interested in pursuing after you graduate?

There's something uniquely compelling about the role of an editor. As someone who's

always been fascinated by the power of words, I'm drawn to the idea of shaping and

refining someone else's writing until it's the best that it can be. The process of editing

can be both challenging and rewarding; it requires a critical eye, attention to detail, and

the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with others. But when the end result is

a piece of writing that's polished, engaging, and true to the author's vision, there's

nothing quite like that feeling of satisfaction. As an editor, I would have the chance to

work with a wide range of writers, genres, and subjects, all while honing my own skills

as a writer and communicator. Ultimately, I believe that becoming an editor is a way to

make a meaningful impact on the world of publishing and literature, one word at a time.

How do you think your English degree plan will help you in your career and in life?

An English degree plan can help students develop strong critical thinking,

communication, writing, and research skills that are valuable in many different fields.

The ability to analyze complex texts, articulate ideas clearly and persuasively, and

conduct in-depth research can be particularly useful in careers that involve writing,

editing, publishing, journalism, law, or teaching. Moreover, an English degree can help

graduates to be more culturally literate and open-minded, enabling them to think

critically about society, politics, and human experience from a diverse range of

perspectives. Overall, an English degree plan can provide a broad-based education that

can be applied to a wide range of careers and that can help students become more

reflective, informed, and empathetic individuals.

What are some of the best tools that you’ve learned so far in your degree?

Critical thinking and analysis, effective communication, research and writing skills,

attention to detail, creativity, problem-solving, adaptability, and interdisciplinary

knowledge.

What is your favorite course that you’ve taken so far and why?

My favorite course has been Children's Literature (ENGL-360). In this class, you learn

how to evaluate and critique children's literature based on factors such as age

appropriateness, content, and authorial intent. You also examine literary movements

specific to children’s literature, like fairy tales, fables, and illustrated books. In this

course, you read multiple different stories meant for children, such as “Little Red Riding

Hood” and Charlotte’s Web. Not only are the readings interesting but the professor is

amazing! Dr. Robinson is a brilliant and passionate professor who makes the class so

enjoyable.

Do you have a favorite book or book series?

My favorite book series is “A Twisted Tale.” There is more than one author for this

series, but essentially, the series of books is based around alternate “what if” spins on

Disney animated and Pixar films.

What do you like to do in your free time?

Crafts, photography, painting, and reading are my cherished passions that not only

bring immense joy but also allow me to express myself in unique ways. However,

among all my hobbies, reading holds a special place in my heart. With every turn of a

page, I embark on exciting adventures, dive into gripping narratives, and indulge in the

captivating stories penned by remarkable authors.

What is one common misconception about majoring in English?

One common misconception about majoring in English is that it limits career options

and leads to limited job prospects. Many people believe that an English degree only

prepares students for careers as teachers or writers, neglecting the vast range of

transferable skills that this field of study provides. Graduates with an English degree

often excel in fields such as publishing, journalism, marketing, public relations, and even law.

Brooke Mathis

Please introduce yourself to the English students and faculty.

My name is Brooke Mathis, I’m currently a junior at TAMU planning to graduate

Spring 2025. I am from Groveton, Tx, which is a small town about two hours

from College Station. I transferred to Texas A&M from the University of

Houston, and I love the atmosphere here at College Station.

Why did you choose to major in English?

I want to be able to write and analyze literary work at a higher level, and broaden

my literacy skills for future career opportunities.

What do you like most about being an English major?

I enjoy reading different kinds of texts mainly, especially when it is books I would

have never picked to read for myself but I actually enjoyed them.

Which career(s) are you interested in pursuing after you graduate?

I am planning to pursue a law degree after I graduate. Hopefully after I obtain a

law degree, I will be able to open up my own firm or business of some kind.

How do you think your English degree plan will help you in your career and in life?

I think the English degree program helps with my future career by teaching me

how to analyze texts, and critical thinking. I think it helps me get ready for law

school by learning how to read big chunks of information and writing in a

professional manner.

What are some of the best tools that you’ve learned so far in your degree?

One of the best tools I have learned is how to write in a more professional tone. I

also have learned how to think critically when writing about the books we have

read in class.

What is your favorite course that you’ve taken so far and why?

One of my favorite courses has been ENGL 378: The British Novel 1870 to

Present instructed by Ms. Jiwon Choi. I enjoyed the way the course was taught,

with her explaining some of the gothic tones in multiple books written in that era

and how it related to what was happening in the world at the time.

Which course(s) are you looking forward to the most for next semester?

I’m looking forward to taking ENGL 377: The British Novel to 1870. I have

found that I enjoy reading and learning about British literature more than other

literature. So I am looking forward to learning more about this aspect.

Is there a course that you are eager to take during your time here at A&M?

One of the courses that I’m looking forward to is ENGL 391: Folklore, Literature,

and World Cultures. I’m interested in understanding how folklore and literature

helped affect vernacular world cultures and what was written during those periods

that was most popular.

Do you have a favorite book or book series?

My favorite book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I enjoyed reading all of the

omens in the book and relating that into my everyday life. The lessons that the

main character faces throughout his journey is universal to how life is in the real

world. Each time I read the book, I can not only learn something new about myself

from analyzing his journey, but it makes me want to read the book repeatedly.

What do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy reading books and watching movies with friends. I also enjoy traveling

throughout the USA. I have recently gotten back from a cross country road trip

from Alaska. It was one of the most memorable trips I have been on so far.

What is one common misconception about majoring in English?

That you want to become an English teacher. While that is a wonderful path to

take in life, I have had so many people assume that is what I want to do as a

career, when I tell them what my major is.

If you could give your freshman self one piece of advice, what would it be?

Make friends the first time you walk into class. It always helps to have someone

else there to talk over things you may have missed, whether you missed class or

misunderstood one of the points the professor was talking about.

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Slack. “Smart Q&A.” Slack, slack.com/apps/A01BX8TFQ5R-smart-qa?tab=more_info. Accessed 4 Dec. 2023.