IU alumni discuss difficulties, rewards of majoring in English

It is not uncommon for aspiring English majors to feel an impending sense of panic as their senior year launches into the homestretch.

To help alleviate that anxiety, the Department of English held a panelist discussion with two prominent alumni, Bill Colson and Bill Grimes.

On Nov. 3, the alumni shared their experiences of battling the literary world and emerging victorious.

Department of English chairman Jonathan Elmer, the overseer of this event, explained that English majors should not be discouraged by family members’ skeptical attitudes toward their academic paths.

“Usually the questions (family members) ask are well-intended but misguided,” Elmer said.

Writers Colson and Grimes followed up by sharing their stories.

“English taught me how to really read. My advice to you: don’t let plots wash over you,” Colson said.

He also stressed the importance of English’s unique lessons of analysis, assessment and the ability to judge texts. Upon the completion of his dissertation, Colson came to a realization.

“I’m not a prolific writer. I learned how to write, but I also learned that I’m not a writer,” Colson said. “I lacked the way writers can look at the world and write about it so easily.”

An avid sports aficionado, Colson’s road eventually led him to an editing role at “Sports Illustrated.”

“I was always fascinated and challenged by the writing and thinking style of editors. Really, editing is less talent and more temperament,” Colson said.

Grimes’ tale worked in tandem with Colson’s to showcase the real-life success of English majors.

Grimes is currently employed by the “New York Times” as a food critic, where he claims to be surrounded by more English majors than journalism majors.

But his journey was not simple — it was an arduous climb to the top. Grimes said he worked several low-paying writing jobs as a launch pad and eventually ended up at “Esquire Magazine.”  

“I was able to make something of these seemingly idiotic assignments and figure out what was truly interesting. Then one thing led to the next, like a snowball effect, and I ended up at the Times,” Grimes said.

This literary sage had some pretty profound ideas on English and its effect on prospective writers searching for jobs. Grimes expressed that English majors, and literary connoisseurs more generally, stand tall in this world.

“You will find that you effortlessly rise above your peers because everything we study dissolves the clichés,” Grimes said. “You have a more creative way of regarding whatever comes your way.”

Both panelists fervently advised students to tap into some other tangible passion beyond writing and to not give up hope for future job prospects.

“Up until this point I had a very dismal view of my future,” freshman Rebecca Duggan said. “But these guys are so successful — it’s inspiring.”