I majored in English to gain insight. Insight into the world, the people around me, and myself. I thought reading and discussing literature would be a good means to do so, and I'm glad I did. I studied with passionate and inspiring professors at Geneseo, and when I graduated I was more certain than ever that working closely with others and hearing their stories is what I wanted to do.
I've worked with people with developmental disabilities in a supported housing program, as a phone counselor for people in crisis, and presently as a rehabilitation counselor at a non-profit agency for people with severe and persistent mental illness and substance abuse disorders. I'm also a research assistant at Cornell University, studying adolescent nonsuicidal self-injury. So much of my work involves helping people articulate their stories and communicate their experiences. Studying English at Geneseo gave me the language skills I needed to be able to do this, and the confidence in myself to be able to take on challenges in my work that I never had imagined I would.
I'd advise anyone majoring in English to get to know their professors, to meet up with them during office hours and to tell them about your goals, both personal and professional. Notice how much they love their work, and strive to find work that you love at least as much. Also, share your skills with fellow students by working at the Writing Learning Center. You'll learn a lot, and your own writing will improve as you help others improve theirs.