I am a senior criminology and criminal justice and English major, so I’ve been through the curricula of two very different colleges.

This university has the best criminology and criminal justice program in America. No, that’s not my personal exaggeration; it’s verified through multiple valid Internet ratings. If you have any inkling of an interest in anything criminological, I highly suggest taking a CCJS class while you’re at the university. I’ve heard drug-bust stories from a homicide detective/lawyer, snarky criticism of research by world-famous criminologists and rants by published authors. I can honestly say that about half the time in CCJS classes, I’m watching a one-person Criminal Minds episode. I can’t believe I get credit for learning how police officers perform their duties; this information is priceless no matter what you’re studying. To say I love my major is an understatement.

English is a bit of a different animal. It seems as though there are as many people who are terrified of writing as there are people terrified of math. I think English actually splits into two categories: reading and writing. Certainly, you do both in any class, but some classes are much more concentrated on fictional literature and its significance while others are more focused on getting you to write well for any occasion. I don’t like the former. There, I said it. I find reading a work of fiction and analyzing how it fits into the modernism movement pointless. I frankly couldn’t care less about any of the movements. I am in the English department because I love to write.

Specifically, I love professional writing. Proposals, case briefs, editing, I’m all about that. The English department has so many opportunities for a grammar officer like me. I’ve taken multiple professional writing courses; I am a teaching assistant for ENGL392: Legal Writing; I am a tutor at the Writing Center. I practically use my red pen more than my pencil.

For those who like professional writing and editing, the English department is a gold mine of opportunities that let you do actual work that won’t just hide in your folder until you do spring cleaning. I have so many writing pieces that I could show off to an employer that I’ve never worried about submitting a writing sample. I have so much confidence in my writing that I welcome the challenge of a graduate school essay requirement. You kind of feel as though you’re on top of the world when writing becomes easy for you. And no matter what you tell yourself, employers are looking for good writers. If you happen to also be interested in the “fluff” side of English — as I so lovingly call it — more power to you.

My combination of majors sets me up to do anything from attending law school to becoming an FBI agent or a magazine editor. If I’ve said nothing thus far that could influence you, let me leave you with one last suggestion: If there’s any chance you could pick up another major or minor, do it.

Margaret Zelenski is a senior criminology and criminal justice and English major. She can be reached at mzelenskidbk@gmail.com