1.)  Wow, you’re lucky! Your major must be so easy!

Why does everyone assume communications majors have it easier than any other major? Our major is just as hard. It’s just hard in a different way. We have more projects, more group work, and more papers to write. It’s a different kind of difficult.

2.) That’s a broad major, do you not know what you want to do after college yet?

Yes, that is somewhat true.  Communications is a broad major. However, I know exactly what I want to do and how I want to do it. I have a goal and I’m determined to reach it. I also have backup plans and they are all pretty specific as well. It’s a broad major but that doesn’t mean I picked it because I don’t know what I want to do.

3.) What’s that?

Sigh. Describing what your classes are like and how you get graded without written work is sometimes difficult. Often people find it odd if you don’t have a test or quiz every week. Oh well, you tried.

4.) That sounds so fun!

Yes, I love my major. Yes, it’s fun sometimes. No, it’s not all fun and games. When you tell people you don’t have desks in some of your classes and just cameras and audio boards, for some reason they think that you get to goof around all class and get a good grade no matter what. Being in front of cameras and performing over and over in front of your classmates is hard. So yes, my major is fun, but very difficult and sometimes nerve-racking as well.

5.) That doesn’t sound too stressful!

You’re right, standing in front of my classmates and teacher and reciting a script over and over while also being recorded isn’t stressful. Piece of cake! It becomes something you get used to, but that doesn’t mean it won’t shake you up a little every time you have to get in front of a camera and classroom full of people. Not to mention all of the preparing and speaking to your reflection in a mirror over and over for days before it’s your turn to speak in class.

6.) If it’s very hands on, you probably don’t have a lot of work outside the classroom at least.

I spend about 5-6 hours in an audio lab per week, not including studying for the tests and turning in scripts. It can be frustrating to hear someone say something that’s so off from the actual truth, but the best thing to do is either to explain or just take a deep breath and move on from the subject. You know how hard you work, and that’s all that matters!

Hang in there communications majors; you have to just keep on keeping on!