Do what interests YOU! Do not let your family decide things for you. You have to choose something that you enjoy and can thrive studying. There is a misconception that your major decides the rest of your life. If you get an English degree, there are other options open than just teaching. For example, I took an honors writing class my last semester of college and the Professor had some of his former students come talk to us. Most of these former English majors were actually successful in business, both in behind the scenes roles and public roles. The fact that they chose English as a major allowed them to gain advanced writing skills and made them stand out above even business majors. This may not be for you either, but it is just an example. Once you have a degree, your options open up tremendously, and as long as you get a well rounded education, you are not limited to your major.
Just a note on disapproving (or skeptical) family members. My undergraduate major is in Liberal Studies in the Great Books. Basically, it is a classical liberal arts education. The easiest explanation is that it is philosophy, english, history, and theology all mixed together, with a dash of art history thrown in. It was set up seminar style and grounded in the reading of original texts (not textbooks) from the Greek to the Late Modern Periods. My father thought this was ridiculous. He thought just because he had never heard of my major, that is was crap. He didn't understand how it could be applied, etc. Honestly, I received an amazing education and I enjoyed every moment of it. My major taught me how to read and analyze, and even more importantly, how to think. I chose to go to law school and I don't think I could have chosen a better major.
All in all, if you leave undergrad with writing, communication, and analytical skills, then you will be able to thrive doing anything. Don't let your family steer you away from studying what you know you will enjoy. Good Luck!
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