- One of the first things I got to learn about my major specifically was the amount of actual job opportunities actually available to me. It was interesting to see that with an English degree, I would be able to not only become a writer or an editor, but it could also help with getting a job in filmmaking, law, script writing, and even a physician. The fact I have so many opportunities in my field really made me excited about everything that I’m going to be learning in and out of my classes. It was also nice to know that the kind of job I want is actually supported here with the writing concentration.
- The different concentrations also intrigued me. The fact that they differ so much from each other shows how specialized you can be for your specific goals. Like for me, I am able to take the writing concentration, as mentioned before, to get me going in the path to becoming a fully fledged writer. Another concentration is that of the literature concentration, which is all about the history and meaning of literature. The last one, English Education concentration, is all about the teaching aspects, if you want to become an english teacher.
- The research side of my major also interested me. The fact that I am able to do research on English related subjects is a lot different than what I would’ve expected, but it does make sense. They differ and allow students to do specific studies and research on topics that interest them. Some of the previous research projects that other students majoring and minoring in English include mapping nationalist stereotypes in Sherlock Holmes stories, creating classroom materials for courses in narrative medicine, and digitizing cultural and scientific materials to enhance sustainability efforts in the Saco River estuary. To say I have limited research options would be a very overzealous overstatement.
- The last thing that caught my eye was all the elective options I’m able to take. While I am aware that this is a Marine Bio and Med focused school, it’s still fascinating that I have so many opportunities here on campus. It would be possible for me to take such classes as creative writing, screenwriting, something called dog stories which sound awesome, lyrics, and even Victorian monsters. This great catalog of choices will give me plenty of ideas for what I want to do specifically, so I thought that was honestly quite inspiring.
