Looking for ideas to decorate your cap as a graduating English major? Well, look no further, as I am in the same boat. Not only are we a fun and creative generation, but as English majors, we can come up with some clever ideas to let others know that we can do more than just be teachers.
Listed below are five awesome ideas to decorate your grad cap:
1. Book references
What says English major more than a reference to your favorite book on your cap? Whether from your high school Hunger Games phase or newfound favorite, there are lots of books to choose from. The whole reason I got into writing was because of Percy Jackson & the Olympians and wanting to create a world of my own just like Rick Riordan when I was a kid. This option allows you to think about your childhood and what really made you choose English.
2. Career Goals
Time to show the world what careers an English degree can get you. If you are aiming for a career in publishing, name some of the companies you’d like to work for like Penguin, Simon and Shuster, Square Fish, and more on your cap so everyone knows your next step is an awesome idea. Maybe you’re finally getting a book published and can finally announce you’re great to work to the world on your cap. Perhaps editing is your thing and you write out a sentence with the proper use of “your” and “you’re” (as in “you’re a college graduate”) on your cap.
“Maybe like, I will not use this degree, thank you UF,” University of Florida senior Savannah Walker said.
Don’t fret too much if you feel like Savannah and are unsure how you will use this degree or why you even got it. You still accomplished something amazing that most don’t or can’t. Sarcasm is how I used to cope with most of my problems, so go for whatever feels right. No matter what the future holds for you, you did great!
3. Library/Academia theme
You can’t be an English major without that classic book aesthetic. Perhaps the rule of showing and not telling would be a better option for your decoration. Decorating your cap with pictures of books, stacked on top of each other or open to see writing (maybe something you wrote) could be a cute idea. Classic icons for English writing utensils, like computers, keyboards, or simple pencil and paper are some other popular ideas. A typewriter or typewriting font would for sure be a cute way of saying “I’m an English major.”
“I think something the represents I’m first gen or ‘lorem ipsum dolor, ufgd23,’” University of Florida senior Sofia Arias said.
Lorem ipsum is a filler text used in publishing and graphic design. Arias is using an inside joke that a graphic design major will get to creatively decorate her cap. It’s funny, creative and unique to her major. So look at all the small things from your time in college, the things that made an impact and things you will remember. These are the things you want to include on your grad cap!
4. Quotes
Quotes can be a safe option when you’re not sure what to put on your cap. A favorite quote of yours, from your favorite author, book or movie that has always stuck with you is a simple and cool idea. It can be something that has always stood out in your style of writing or inspires you to write. There are lots of ways a quote can help you envision what most represents you and the morals you stick by. Pinterest is a great place to look when you’re stuck in your search for the perfect quote.
5. Writing Puns
Similar to quotes, classic writing puns are a fun and quirky way to show your professional knowledge of writing. The most known English and grammar rules like showing and not telling could be a creative way to showcase your major and your way with words. Expressing love for your favorite format or font, even your opinion on the Oxford comma (if you really want to get nerdy with it) can be funny additions. Ask other classmates what their ideas are and see if they can come up with anything that inspires you, makes you laugh or inflames your writing passion.
“[My cap has] a bunch of cats and its says ‘im meowt of here.’” University of Florida Senior English major Angie Chirino said.
Even if you are passionate about the major that you have worked on, your cap, like Angie’s, doesn’t have to be based on that. If you love cats, then put a bunch of cats on it. If baking is your side passion, including a baking pun definitely isn’t a crumby idea because it represents you, no matter how silly. This is your moment to celebrate your great accomplishment and show everyone your next chapter.
