I am a mechanical engineering major in a school known largely for its engineering program. I also write for Odyssey once a week, I am an active member of my school's theater club and I go to museums, shows and concerts fairly regularly. Some of my favorite classes so far have been liberal arts classes, and the liberal arts have always played a huge role in my life.
I believe that the liberal arts teach a wide variety of important skills. Writing, for example, is immensely useful in any field - scientists must be able to communicate their work effectively, or else a scientific breakthrough might be inaccessible to others. Studies have shown that learning to play a musical instrument can aid the development of a child's brain and improve their academic performance. Reading and engaging with information from a wide variety of sources can improve critical thinking - a vital skill not only in politics, but in any science or tech field. Studying the liberal arts makes us better, more creative thinkers.
The liberal arts can also help engineers think outside the box, and there are innumerable ways to merge technology and art. The success of a huge tech company like Apple lies largely in its branding, or its "look" - their products are designed not only to work well, but to have a distinct, clean and easy to use interface. The music industry relies on audio engineers to record and produce music; in fact, the entertainment industry as a whole only moves forward with advancements in technology. The most notable buildings in the world are not only structurally sound, but were designed by architects to be visually appealing, both up close and from afar. The applications of engineering in art are endless, and likewise are the applications of art in engineering.
Lastly, studying liberal arts makes us better people. If we are more aware of what is going on in the world around us, we can create technology for humanitarian purposes. Balancing logic and problem solving with ethics is necessary in engineering. While pure math and science can be clinical and cold at times, listening to music, writing or producing art makes us more in tune with our emotions and creates empathy for those around us.
I am an engineering major. I am taking five classes this semester, all of which are math, science or engineering classes. I write on a regular basis, and I spend hours each week at rehearsal. I'd like to minor in theatre, and when I graduate, I'd like to build sets for Broadway shows. Studying music, theatre, art and literature throughout my life has made me a more well rounded person, and I'm so grateful for that.
