We’ve all heard the age-old question, posed by weary students everywhere—most of us have asked it ourselves at some point. Its variations are endless, but generally it goes something like: when will I ever need to know [the Law of Sines, the dates of Napoleon’s conquests, how to identify iambic pentameter, etc, etc…]? How will this help me in the real world?
We get it. It might seem like some subjects aren't directly related to what you want to do "when you grow up." However, all of these unrelated subjects are actually building blocks for what comes next, fostering intellectual curiosity and a lifelong love of learning—and these are qualities that will enrich your life far beyond the walls of academia. Here's how:
Sharpen Those Critical Thinking Skills: The modern world throws information at us constantly. A generalist or ‘liberal arts’ education equips you to analyze that information, identify biases, and form your own well-reasoned opinions. These critical thinking skills will be essential for any career path you may choose down the line.
Become a Master Communicator: From crafting persuasive arguments to delivering clear presentations, strong communication is key. You might be a born mathematician — but honing your writing and speaking skills in English or History will make you a confident communicator in any setting.
Unlocking Hidden Skills: Think of math like a secret code everyone uses. It helps you solve problems, think logically, and even be creative. These skills are useful for anything you want to do, even becoming a musician or fashion designer (measuring fabric, adjusting to different sizing / scales).
Becoming a Super-Sleuth: Biology is like detective work for the living world. You learn how things work, from tiny cells to giant ecosystems. These skills can help you understand the world around you, whether you're interested in medicine, sports science, or even becoming a chef.
Time Travel for Beginners: History isn't just about memorizing dates. It's about understanding how the past shapes the present and helps us predict the future. These skills can be useful for anything from writing stories (creating believable settings) to running a business (learning from past economic trends).
Find Your Passion (or Passions!): Exposure to a variety of subjects can spark unexpected interests. A generalist education allows you to explore different disciplines before choosing a major in college, or even double majoring in seemingly unrelated fields (think history and computer science!).
Embrace Creativity and Problem-Solving: Generalist programs encourage creative thinking and innovative problem-solving, skills that are prized by employers across industries.
Maybe the specific facts you learn in class won't be used every day, but the skills you develop will be! Plus, you never know what you might be interested in later. Think of these subjects as giving you a taste of different things, so you can discover your passions. And the truth is, employers are looking for well-rounded individuals with strong critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills – exactly what a generalist education provides. In our rapidly changing world, these adaptable skills will future-proof you for any career path that emerges.
So, give these subjects a chance! You might be surprised at how interesting they can be, and how the skills you learn can help you achieve anything you set your mind to.