As our tuition rates increase, we wonder whether this education stuff is really worth it. We go through the existential dread of our educational purpose — the motivations of studying, which are integral to university success. This degree you shed your tears for does not guarantee a job, nor a stepping stool on the educational social hierarchy. It does, though, provide an incomparable opportunity to discover interests, new avenues, personal values and satiate the questions that arose in high school. Add a minor, join a music class, volunteer in a club, but whatever you choose to do, be purposeful about your happiness and curiosity. The primary expectations when you begin university are just stepping stones into an education that truly reflects your personality.
I loved literature class in high school. Not because I found the pompous cryptic language of the classics beautiful, but because I adored the boldly philosophical statements the authors made about the world. Henry James assumed a world of American innocence in his novel “Daisy Miller,”, and was he right? I didn’t care for his metaphors or hyperboles, but I wanted to philosophize more. I have gotten many headaches from the weight of the judgmental eye as I answer the groundbreaking question of “what is your major?” and answer with “philosophy.” But, as I use my degree to excel in the field of medicine, I know studying ethics, morality and metaphysics will make me a confident practitioner. Curiosities are not random islands of thought but exist intertwined together to create a rounded, colorful and value-filled education. You can absolutely do the same.
Explore a class — or even a minor — this semester, especially one that has nothing to do with your major. The University of Arizona’s plethora of options, and its willingness to teach anyone, is a valuable resource to learn about anything you are interested in. Surrounded by professors and experts in nearly every field on this campus every day, start turning your tuition into life skills, fun hobbies, applicable arts and interesting sciences. Make your education personal and emotional this year. Allow your interests in photography to strengthen a connection with a career in veterinary science by capturing moments of beauty with animals. Or, use your love for music to inspire fellow physics students to actually hear the power of vibrations, waves and whatnot. More practically, learn about investments, entrepreneurship and financial literacy to discover the best ways to become the millionaire you aspire to be.
Never underestimate the meaningful utility of the arts, especially as a science or math major. It may be the gateway to discovering emotion, beauty and empathy in the formidable formalities of STEM. Conversely, use a small interest in science to capitalize on a major in the humanities. Understanding the technical underpinnings of a musical instrument, architectural design or visual art may make for unique insights and innovations, blending creativity with precision to produce work that offers fresh perspectives in both fields. Or, as someone studying finance or business, being able to articulate the science of behavior can be invaluable, especially when it comes to consumers. If you’re certain of the specific field you intend to pursue, capitalize on this certainty by studying deeper into the data and research behind that field, including medicine, nutrition or education.
This interweaving of fields and interests already exists, and it is what makes our cities, societies and institutions unified and indestructible. Take advantage of your time here at UA, and strive to find more connections and affections in such an educationally diverse world.
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