<p>My S is a voracious reader and has been since he was in elementary school. He has a huge bookcase overflowing with books and stack of books all over his room. He reads everything from fantasy to sci fi to NY Times articles to The Onion. His latest favorites are the Richard Feynman autobiographies. He doesn’t just read books, he devours them and even enjoys many of the books he’s reading / has read for his English classes over the years (just don’t ask him to write about them!). He sounds a lot like Mathmom’s S - he can recognize good writing but just does not like the physical act of writing. I think Mathmom also touched on another point that is true for GSSon as well; the personal element makes him uncomfortable. He is not a guy that openly shows or talks about his feelings or emotions. Theoretically, writing should be a good means to explore and express thoughts and feelings. Hasn’t worked for him yet, but I live in hope!</p>
<p>Racin’, I really appreciate your input on majors and would love to hear more about why and how you chose your path. GSSon is struggling with that at the moment. He is really torn between pure sciences and engineering. Although lately he is leaning more toward math than physics which some people have suggested makes for an easier double major with engineering. Of course, it could just be that his current physics course is sucking the life out of him. He’s taking AP physics C online (school does not offer it). First semester was mechanics, second semester is E &M. He is not finding the concepts or work challenging, just tedious and time consuming. This particular online format has turned out to be pretty poor, at least for him. Will be looking for other options in the future.</p>
<p>ETA: Silversas, you have given me hope that not only can I survive next fall but S’s writing and the essays will work themselves out.</p>