When people ask me what my major is, I always expect a negative or skeptical response. I am often given a confused face or the notorious comment, “Why not STEM or business?”
There has been a growing focus on the science and business fields for the past few years. There is nothing wrong with this shift, as we need doctors, nurses, scientists, pharmacists, financial assistants, investors, managers, analysts and the like. However, such a focus has helped foster a rising sentiment against the value of a liberal arts degree. This is problematic. We need teachers, communicators, writers, journalists, theologians, criminologists and theorists just as much as we do any other profession.
The belief that a degree in science or business is “more useful” or that any other field is “full of people who slack off” is threatening the stability of our country and society. At first glance, this might seem like a large claim to make, but let’s talk about how it is not.
One of the many reasons why I chose Villanova was its steadfast commitment to its professors, who are the foundation of our academic experience. Throughout my time here, I have had the privilege of encountering several inspirational professors, including Gina Talley, Judy Giesberg and Lance Kenney, who are all excellent in their fields and have worked extremely hard to get to where they are now. The entire world as you know it is based on your education, which is given by your educators, and they deserve just as much recognition as any other profession.
And no, I’m not saying this because I want extra credit. I’m saying this because they have opened my eyes to the world around me. Our professors, educators and leaders of our academic experience make just as much of a difference as someone who works in a STEM or business field, simply in a different way.
When I was in high school, I went out to dinner with my friends. When we were seated at our table, I was shocked when my teacher was our waitress. Educators prioritize their students while receiving limited recognition and compensation. Is this because we value scientific pursuits over liberal arts? I have a difficult time believing it is not.
Our education influences our perspective of the world, which influences our actions and roles in society. For example, after learning more history, I feel that it is my duty as a citizen to vote in the presidential election. Our understanding of current political and social issues is dependent on our understanding of our nation’s history. If one is unaware of the problems of our past, how can they appropriately change the outcome, especially when many of our issues are institutional?
Every decision now relies on our past decisions. Our education leads to us discovering truths about the world and about ourselves. We are led by example, and we lead by example. Our education gives us that example.
The belief we cannot pursue our interests within liberal arts due to low-paying jobs is a further example of this problem. So many people who have genuine interests in liberal arts feel as if they cannot pursue what they are truly interested in because the liberal arts field is “not as lucrative.”
This is reinforced by the thought that the primary focus of our education is to gain money. Of course, especially in a capitalist economy, that is certainly a large part of it.
On the other hand, following one’s deepest passions will lead them to where they need to be. The primary goal of our education should be to make a difference in the world around us, to make Earth a better place. This might seem unrealistic and unachievable in many ways, but if one pursues their interests, they will realize it is not. The more people choose to not pursue their interests within liberal arts, the more we inaccurately judge others’ interests, and the more this stigma is continued. The world is in our hands, and the possibilities are endless when we follow our hearts.
Villanova’s liberal arts program and professors have done an excellent job to remind me of this, to encourage me and grow in the path I am supposed to be. I’m proud to be a history major, and I’m excited to share my passion with the world.
Photo credit: https://www1.villanova.edu/university/liberal-arts-sciences/programs/history/guiding-principles.html
