Mankind tends to focus more on science, technology, and business as we evolve, leaving behind the humanities and forgetting how to properly understand each other.
The need to prioritize a stable career is damaging original thought. We risk extinction of crucial career fields in subjects like literature, history, and philosophy that teach each of us how to communicate and use ethical reasoning to make decisions. It is absolutely undeniable that careers in STEM are crucial to societal development, but without the humanities, we get rid of the aspect of those jobs that make us human.
Unlike some, I have never favored the corporate world, and even when considering the medical field, I am not drawn to it at the same level. My passions lie in immersing myself in the work of brilliant authors and using their experiences and ideas to shape my own perspective. This is what the humanities offer, and I know I am not alone in the belief of the humanities’ importance.
“[The humanities] help us get a better understanding of what the real world is,” said GJHS junior Maddisyn Sievertsen.
However, why do we allow ourselves to put the humanities in the back seat? At GJHS, the school curriculum’s required classes are centered towards STEM subjects. Learning about the humanities could offer valuable insight to any career path, yet students who are oblivious to the true value of these studies are not given the opportunity to discover if they have an interest in them. Classes such as Ethnic Studies, International Forum, Forensics, AP Art History, African Literature, and much more are great options for students looking to expand their viewpoints, but I sometimes find myself struggling to fit the classes I want to take and the classes I am required to take in my schedule.
Although the school has academy pathways, these are not always helpful to students and can even act as a barrier.
“I haven’t been able to learn more about options to better understand what careers I am interested in, even though I’m in the Arts and Humanities pathway,” said GJHS sophomore Rosie Lintott.
Humanities are not on the forefront of the majority of peoples’ thoughts, in spite of the subject being crucial and transformative to human development within society.
Something must change. No longer can students be herded towards STEM or business careers without considering the full picture, and even if the students are interested, learning about human connection would benefit someone at any level. It is just as important to seek knowledge as it is to get a paycheck in the mail.
Choosing a pathway does not mean a student’s career is set in stone. Students can and must pursue options outside of their comfort zone. If you feel as though something is missing, take that extra elective. Remember to keep an open mind and that these classes are available to you.
We must protect the humanities as they represent the value of human existence and further pursue passions that make each of us unique. Schools play a major role in allowing students this opportunity, and it is our responsibility to take charge of our own careers.
