Being a history major is far from easy. There are thousands of pages to read, hundreds of papers to write, and many late nights. It almost feels like I’m studying to be a doctor. It’s not always easy, and it is consistently stressful. However, despite all the bad, it is usually pretty fun and without a doubt, interesting. Getting to learn about the world and how it was before I got here is definitely a positive. It may be time-consuming, but it is worth every minute that I spend. Being a history major comes with benefits as well as complications.
Here are a few of them:
You have to buy a lot of books
I wouldn’t mark this as a pro or a con because it kind of depends. And sometimes that class you have to buy ten books for ends up being cheaper than the class you only have to buy one book for.
You have to do A LOT of reading
I’m talking like four chapters in two days. For three classes. It’s a lot. There are a lot of late nights and early mornings. It’s not always fun and it’s not always interesting, but usually, it is.
You get to do Chicago-Style citations
This is a pro because no matter what your major is, you will have to cite things. And Chicago-Style is the easiest of all the different ways I have encountered–believe me.
You sometimes have a paper due in every class at the same time
Maybe not the same exact day, but pretty close. It’s hard to keep it all balanced. Writing one paper can be stressful enough, but when there is one due in every class you start feeling things…bad things.
Your room is cluttered with books, notes, and Post-its
If you read and don’t use Post-its did you really even read? Being a history major takes up more time than one would think. While others are out partying after completing their simple assignments, you are still on your first assignment and it’s been four hours. And your room just keeps getting messier.
Sometimes you actually get interested in what you are reading and researching
A total pro! It’s good to find the things you are learning interesting. It makes doing the work a little easier and a lot less mundane!
People will judge and question your choice
But that’s okay. History is more than just facts and dates. It’s interpretation and the world that led us here. What you are learning matters and what you are doing is significant.
Sometimes you cry
I cry a lot actually. All the stress just comes out in tears. It really is acceptable. Also, it helps to have a sympathetic roommate that gives hugs and chocolates.
Expanding your historical knowledge is literally the best feeling in the world
Learning something new about something or someone is a great feeling. And when you get to go even more in-depth, it gets better.
You get the opportunity to learn what happened, how it happened, and why it is significant today
Being a history major requires a lot of hard work and effort. However, it is worth every late night, every tear shed, and every mental breakdown. Because you get to learn about the lives of others. You get to learn about the world that existed before we got here. You get to explore and gain knowledge. You get to learn the stories of other people and sometimes if you’re lucky, you get to tell a story that has not yet been told.
Being a history major is one of the best things about my life. I am so thankful that this is what I get to do even with all the complications and negative aspects. It’s all worth it at the end of the day. I always look forward to class and I usually, don’t mind all the homework.
Being a history major is fun and challenging and really, what more could you ask for?
Featured image via Unsplash
Hey there, pals! Need a bit of a hand here I’m currently tackling a historical report, and let me tell you, the struggle is real! My focus seems to have gone on a vacation, and hunting down the right info for this essay feels like searching for a needle in a haystack. If anyone’s got some tips or pointers, I’d be forever grateful!