The author with Thomas Mason
by Ashlie Harper
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” Simple question, right? For many people it is. As for me, I’ve had a pretty clear understanding of what I’ve wanted to do for a while now, but it hasn’t come easily for me. Up until I was 18 I could not answer that question for the life of me. What did I want to be? I looked at a degree in college as a marriage…your stuck with it for the rest of your life so you better pick well. Sure, I had always loved reading books and writing stories, but is that something to make a career out of? It wasn’t until freshman year of college when it really hit me; everyone needs to communicate, so why not major in something that will perfect that skill? The sad thing is now, I’m no longer asked what I want to be, I’m asked why? Why would I spend four years and thousands of dollars to study a major that in many people’s eyes is dying? Why not go into Marketing or Business, a more “marketable” major? Those questions were answered very clearly for me in these last few weeks.
The author with Margaret Waters
I just finished up a two-week internship in Austin, Texas, where I not only helped edit and publish a photography and e-book, but also met with three very successful people who majored in English and went on to do some pretty amazing things. Take for example Tommy Mason, former General Manager of the Lower Colorado River Authority and an environmental lawyer. He got a liberal arts degree from the University of Texas and you know what? People questioned him as well. But look at him now. He taught me in just the short time we were together that the ability to write should NOT be underestimated in its value. He also told me to “do what you want to do.” Don’t shy away from something your passionate about just because others don’t see the value. If you can write and convey an idea well, you’re already ahead of almost everyone around you. Pretty inspiring, huh?
Then came Margaret Waters, a rector at an Episcopal church in Austin. She uses English every day in her job and has seen how beneficial the ability to write really is. She showed me that no other field of study truly prepares you like English does. When you learn how to read and write fiction, you are looking into the human heart. You are learning how to connect with others.
The author with Catherine Wildermuth
And then I met with Catherine Wildermuth, a woman with a Ph.D. in English and had a 25-year career with IBM. Her curiosity and love of learning made me realize I was right where I needed to be. She told me to never expect to do what you planned on doing in your life; better things will happen. Life is hard to predict, so don’t try to. Know that you can handle whatever comes along and change often. Be willing to change.
So long story short, I have the trump card as Reverend Waters beautifully put it. I am learning what many others will never learn to do in their majors: express emotions and communicate messages in a clear and understandable way. Why would anyone look down at someone who is studying how to communicate? Isn’t that what everyone wants? My only hope is that one day people realize how important words really are and instead of being asked what I’m going to do, I’ll be asked what I can’t do.
