“I swear we’re not dumb” is the response we so fervently want to shout at people when they pop the infamous question. We all get it—the same old shit from other students, relatives, and just about anyone else trying to make conversation:

What’s your major?

For those of us who major in communication, this is often a dreaded question. The infamous “Oohh” and the condescending look on the respondent’s face clearly mark the comm. major’s place anywhere.

But wait—if we remember correctly, aren’t those condescending looks and glares classic examples of negative non-verbal behavior that we learned about in our interpersonal communication class? Yeah, we know how to communicate, and we do it damn well, but it’s more than that. What is your major doing for you, and how is it preparing you for a future in the real world?

Comm. majors are notorious for having it so easy, but who’s to say our major isn’t as important as those studying business or some science crap? We get to choose electives that are fun and truly interest us, plus we’re able to build our resumes by doing cool stuff like work for Generation.

The fact that you’re reading this magazine right now is proof of the need for the media, not only for entertainment, but for education. You may think of yourself as an intellectual college student, but chances are you gain your knowledge about the world through television, newspaper, or Internet the same as everyone else. Many comm. majors go into fields like television, radio, journalism, advertising, or public relations, all of which affect your daily lives. We’ll be working for a company like MTV or CNN, meeting cool people and having new experiences everyday while you’re crunching numbers at a desk for hours. Boo-ya! We can go to law school or get an MBA just like any other Joe Shmo!

What do you think the real world will be like? Stressing over one test so that you can forget the stuff after the class is over? How about learning skills you’ll actually use in your future? They say that the job often goes to the person who interviews best, not the most qualified. And what skills are used in an interview?

Yep, you got it.

So, the next time either of us hears the condescending “Oohh,” as if our major isn’t good enough, think again. We both feel confident to enter the real world job market as juniors, and isn’t that the point of college?

In short, we’d like to offer our advice to you all about your future whether you want to hear it or not. Stop freaking out over exams, your next lab practical, or your next “open notebook” quiz. We all do it.

See You in the Real World,

Nikki & Deanna