Not every incoming freshman has the privilege of knowing what they want to major in from the get-go. And as students go through college most end up changing their major at some point, I am one of the lucky ones that doesn’t fall into either of those categories.
My Major:
I declared myself an English major when I first began attending Winona State, but what I didn’t know at the time was that there is more than one type of English major. There are six total: English Literature and Language, then English Writing, Applied and Professional Writing, Applied Linguistics, Communication Arts and Literature (CAL), Teaching English as a second Language (TESOL). Once I got the rundown of all the different English majors, I chose English writing and then later added on Applied and Professional Writing.
Why I decided on an English Major:
My whole life I knew I wanted to be a writer, so that was an obvious path for me to take. But what I did have to think hard about was adding my second English major. The reason why I added Applied and Professional Writing as a major is because I knew it would give me a better chance at getting a career. Big companies need writers who know how to make certain professional documents and with this added major I am able to do that.
Things to Think About:
When you are picking your major there are a couple things to think about. First do you enjoy that specific area and second could you succeed in that area. Remember your major will determine the classes you take throughout college and often will determine the rest of your life. If you cannot handle that area of study for life it might be smart to look at other options.
When choosing your major whatever it may be remember to think about how happy it makes you and how much potential and opportunities it will give you in the long run.
Authored by Lucy LaValley ’21
